Showing posts with label Winners. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Winners. Show all posts

Sunday, June 15, 2025

Post 582: People's Choice Winner of Best of the Region 2025

People's Choice Winner of Best of the Region 2025

Sunday, June 15, 2025. Today is the final day of the Prince William Art Society sponsored and hosted Best of the Region Fine Art Show and Sale at the Manassas Art Factory. The show ran from June 3 to June 15 and featured 40 artists from all over the Northern Virginia area. The final award of the show is in - the vote of People's Choice.

Best of the Region Winners

Best of the Region Online Web Gallery

1st Place Mike Flynn of Gainesville, VA with his watercolor painting "Bull Run"

2nd Place Absku AKA Kwaku Oforit-Yirenkyi of Dumfries, VA with his mixed media (acrylic, fabric and oil) painting "Eternal Reflections"

3rd Place Corban Hubler of Centerville, VA, with his oil painting called "Ambush"

Honorable Mention 1 Michele Frantz, of Manassas, VA, with "Peaches in the Garden" in watercolor

Honorable Mention 2 Jill Brabant, of Manassas, VA, with "Summer Symphony" in oil

And finally, the gallery visitors had the opportunity to vote for their favorite artwork in the gallery during the length of the show. The people chose Emily Thomson's work "Hydra" as their winner. Congratulations Emily! This piece is a stunner!


"Hydra" on the wall 

"Hydra" on the wall  

Monday, June 16, 2025. Emily picked up her artwork today so her is the photo of her with her People's Choice Award.

Photo by Donna Liguria 

Well folks, we hope you enjoyed Prince William Art Society's Best of the Region Art Show 2025. Look for us soon around Prince William County - hopefully at Arts Alive and the Tall Oaks Fall Art Show. 

See all of the pictures from the Best of the Region Art Reception held on June 7, 2025

BoR Art Reception Part 1 

BoR Art Reception Part 2

BoR Art Reception Part 3

Would you be interested in doing a Best of the Region Show again? Let us know in the comments below.


Author: Donna Liguria
Artistry Spin Blogmaster and an artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA, specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com, her Donna's Esty site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.

Photography/Video Credits: Otis Stanley

Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 50+-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia. Visit us at any of our local art shows or join us for our monthly meetings - held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA at 7:30pm

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Have an idea for a blog post? Are you a writer and want to help with the blog? Let me know! Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment (below)! ...Remember, comments are monitored so they will not show up immediately.

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Sunday, June 8, 2025

Post 577: A PWAS Art Reception at the ARTfactory for BoR Part 1

A PWAS Art Reception at the ARTfactory for BoR - Part 1

Saturday, June 7, 2025 At the ARTfactory in Manassas, VA. The art reception took place for the Prince William Art Society sponsored Best of the Region Fine Art Show and Sale (BoR) that opened June 3 and will run until June 15. The winners were crowned with beautiful ribbons and the artists were presented with their prizes. Everyone enjoyed the evening of art, artists, friends, family, art enthusiasts, food and beverages.

The historic ARTfactory at 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA

It Takes a Village To Do an Art Show

The Prince William Art Society (PWAS) is the main sponsors and creators of this art show. Having a Best of the Region art show has been on the back burner for a core group of PWAS members for several years. The core group even held a few meetings and planning sessions on how to proceed; alas, the Best of Show went into hibernation for a period of time. The opportunity presented itself to go on with the show in early 2025 - thus the concept of the show was ON!

Best of the Region Fine Art Show and Sale at the ARTfactory June 3-15, 2025 

The PWAS Board BoR Committee met at several locations and on Zoom to build the plan and goals, the budget, and a rather large "To-Do List". We gathered other sponsors to help offset some of the costs and a huge thank you to the following organizations and individuals:

  • The ARTfactory - Manassas, VA with a HUGE THANK YOU to Jordan Exum (the ARTfactory Gallery Director), Teresa Lopez, and to the entire Staff!!!
  • Creative Brush Studios - Manassas, VA - Mary Reilly (Founder, Owner, Artist)
  • Manassas Art Guild (MAG) - Manassas, VA - Laura Lavarnway (MAG President)
  • Wegmans - Woodbridge, VA
  • Jason D Brandt, DDS - Woodbridge, VA
  • Prince William County Arts Council (PWCAC)

And we had many PWAS members that helped in so many ways...we have so much appreciation and love for each and every one:

  • Sandra McClelland Lewin - Interim PWAS President, and her husband John Lewin
  • Tom Payne - PWAS Member-at-large, and his wife, Becky Payne
  • Bettie Sperty - PWAS Secretary, and her husband, Brian Sperty
  • Staci Blanchard - PWAS PWCAC Representative
  • Eric Ndofor - PWAS Treasurer
  • Otis Stanley - our art reception photographer 
  • Mark Clifton 
  • Mark Murphy
  • Evelyn Chatters 
  • Anna Gatling
  • Maria Briganti
  • Tes Sain
  • Kelly Haneklau 
  • Sheri Herrick and her husband, Mike Herrick

On With the Show

The ever important Art Drop Off dates worked out over May 31 and June 1 at the ARTfactory. The show opened on June 3 and our juror, Catherine Hillis made an early incognito visit to the gallery to see the artwork in person. It's that final "see the art in person" that sealed her choices for the best works.

Unfortunately, our juror could not attend the art reception but she sent along the speech she had planned to give along with the reasons why she selected the BoR award winners, which Tom Payne so wonderfully read to the reception attendees.

Catherine Hillis 

Our BoR artists were nearly all in attendance! We missed you if you couldn't make it! 

I would like to note here that the Prince William Art Society used the ARTCALL.org application for this art show. We set up the jurying process as totally a blind jury which means that NO artist data was available for the juror to see. 

Participating Artists

We had an exceptional turn out - not only in most of the artists for the Best of the Region, but visitors to the art reception! Only a few of the artists couldn't be there, but here is the entire list of the 40 artists that had at least one piece in the show:

Absku, Asia Anderson, Danielle Bancroft, Zee Berrios, Erik Bohn, Jill Brabant, Mark Clifton, Jaclyn Del Vacchio, Scott Elliott, Mike Flynn, Michele Frantz, Anna Gatling, Andreia Gliga, Kelly Haneklau, Janet Hansen Martinet, John Hartt, Sheri Herrick, Corban Hubler, Rebekah Keener, Debra Keirce, Donna Liguria, Russ Mardon, Ann McCarty, Sandra McClelland-Lewin, Stephanie McGee, Nicki Mulligan, Mark Murphy, Eric Ndofor, Marina Olchevskaia, Anna Polanco, Aurea, Christine Raymond, Mary Reilly, Carol Rusaw, Maria Theresa “Tes” Sain, Bettie Sperty, Lisa Stewart, Halle Strosser, Emily Thomson, Suzanne Yurdin 

We had a total of 66 artists enter 177 artworks of which 63 were chosen by our juror to show at the ARTfactory. The artists came from almost every nook and cranny, many studios and art spaces from all around the Northern Virginia areas.

Photos from the art reception and show were taken by PWAS Member Otis Stanley. This single blog post could not hold them all so I'll have at least a Part 2...maybe a Part 3 over the next day or so, but I'll link them together. (Verified: 3 Parts to this blog post)

Let us begin with the Best of the Region Winners 

First Place Winner - Mike Flynn of Gainsville, VA with his watercolor painting "Bull Run"

Second Place Winner - Absku AKA Kwaku Oforit-Yirenkyi of Dumfries, VA with his mixed media (acrylic, fabric and oil) painting "Eternal Reflections"

Absku 
 

Third Place Winner - Corban Hubler of Centerville, VA, with his oil painting called "Ambush"

Artist Corban Hubler 
 

Honorable Mention 1 was to Jill Brabant, of Manassas, VA, with "Summer Symphony" in oil

Artist Jill Brabant 

Honorable Mention 2 was to Michele Frantz, of Manassas, VA, with "Peaches in the Garden in watercolor

Artist Michele Frantz

The Prince William Art Society Board Members and Winners at the presentation ceremony

L-R: Staci Blanchard, Tom Payne, Corban Hubner, Michele Frantz, Jill Brabant, Bettie Sperty, and Sandra McClelland Lewin 

Sandra McClelland Lewin and Bettie Sperty 
Tom Payne
 
Eric Ndofor 

Staci Blanchard (center) with Bettie Sperty 

Give a big congratulations to all the Winners! 

Stay tuned for Part 2 of the Best of the Region Fine Art Show and Sale art reception with photos will be out tomorrow, please share, follow and comment below!

And for Part 3 of the Best of the Region Fine Art Show and Sale art reception 

See this too - Winner of the People's Choice  


Author: Donna Liguria
Artistry Spin Blogmaster and an artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA, specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com, her Donna's Esty site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.

Photography/Video Credits: Otis Stanley

Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 50+-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia. Visit us at any of our local art shows or join us for our monthly meetings - held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA at 7:30pm

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Have an idea for a blog post? Are you a writer and want to help with the blog? Let me know! Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment (below)! ...Remember, comments are monitored so they will not show up immediately.

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Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Post 277: PWAS Member Art Awards and Recognitions

PWAS Member Art Awards and Recognitions

Here's a blog post we haven't done for awhile...what awards or recognition have our Prince William Art Society members been awarded this year? We had a few responses...

Ann McCarty

This painting titled "Gulf Sunset' won second place People's Choice award at the Harvest of Artist show at OSA in November 2022.

Donna Liguria

I entered this year's 15th annual Paint! Manassas contest sponsored by P-ART-ners (with Michelle Franz) this past fall. The rules were simple, enter online and have your canvas(es) initialed per the requirements BEFORE beginning the painting. The subject matter had to be something within the Historic Manassas guidelines and you could use reference photos. I needed to be in Manassas early on October for the Artist Inventory Sale and took some early am photos.

My painting "Sunrise at Historic Manassas Train Station" 16x20 in acrylic was awarded first place!

 

The painting hung at Grounds Central Station Coffee Shop through the month of November and will be at Open Space Arts in January 2023.

Linda Nedilsky

No art awards or artist recognition, but lots of acclamation from peers and friends regarding my wildlife series. That's really more important than awards. ;)


Author: Donna Liguria
An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com & her Blog at https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/.


Local Art: Visit us at Stonebridge Open Space Arts at 15000 Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA - Open Wed to Sat 12-7 and Sun 12-5
The Prince William Art Society is a 50-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia.

Want to know how to get involved at OSA? If you are an artist (18 or older) living in Prince William County, or a are a member of a PWC art group, you are welcome to get on our next art show's emailing list. Send it to us, OR come by the gallery to find out more.

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

Saturday, October 9, 2021

Post 37: PWAS Members Congratulations!

PWAS Member Awards, Recognition and Woohoos!

Periodically, we at the Prince William Art Society would like to recognize our artist members that have recently been awarded or recognized at various art events, galleries, contests, etc that they have been selected for. This could include First, Second, or Third Place or have entered a juried art event and selected to appear in a show, a gallery, a studio, and of course, if he or she won a prize for it!

A Heads Up and Give Them a Cheer, All of the Artists Listed Here!

Sort of like at the Oscars, just to be nominated, is a celebration. To be juried into an art event, is a great honor as well! Let's all take a moment and congratulate our PWAS fellow members!

Time Period: September 1 to October 1, 2021
 
Photo by Gwen King on Unsplash 


Andrea Castaneda 

Andrea is a rising star in the art world. She entered the "Best of the Region 4" and her painting "Snow White" was selected to appear at Creative Brush Studio, in Manassas from October 10 to November 17, 2021, by p-ART-ners - a juried event.

 
 
"Snow White" Oil over plexiglass & gold leaf 24 x 24
 
May be art of 1 person, sitting and indoor 
 
“Dream Under Water” Oil on canvas 24 x 30  
 

Andrea also won First Prize with the Milan Art Institute, September 12, 2021. And she has shown her art in NY and in DC! Andrea has had a full roster of accomplishments this year, keep going girl, you are AWESOME!


 

Brenda Vann

Brenda's beautiful painting "Abstract Carnations" was chosen to appear in the "Best of the Region 4" at Creative Brush Studio, in Manassas from October 10 to November 17, 2021 by p-ART-ners - a juried event.
 

"Abstract Carnations" Watercolor and Acrylic 14.5 x 18.5

Bettie Sperty

Bettie submitted paintings to the "Best of the Region 4" and 2 of her awesome paintings were selected to appear in the at Creative Brush Studio, 8951 Center Street, Manassas from October 10 to November 17, 2021 by p-ART-ners - a juried event
 

 

Maria Briganti

Maria also had two of her gorgeous artworks selected and are entered in the "Best of the Region 4" at Creative Brush Studio, in Manassas. 


"Pollinators" Acrylic 12 x 24

"Secret Garden" Acrylic 13 x 16

 Kelly Haneklau

A juror selected Kelly's piece, "Our Children Today", to be in the October 2021 Open Exhibit in the Art League Gallery at the Torpedo Factory in Old Town, Alexandria, VA.

The exhibit will run from October 3, - November 7, 2021.

 

11 x 14 Acrylic on canvas

Stephanie McGee

Stephanie is a brand new PWAS member. Two of her really cool quilling artworks are entered in the "Best of the Region 4" at Creative Brush Studio, in Manassas. "Peacock Fan" and "Flamingo" are her two pieces.


Donna Liguria

Donna submitted 4 paintings to the "Best of the Region 4" and 2 paintings were selected to appear at Creative Brush Studio, 8951 Center Street, Manassas from October 10 to November by p-ART-ners - a juried event. Judging will take place the week of October 11, and  awards will be announced at the reception on October 17, 2021, 2 to 6 p.m. (Go me!)


"Streams Never Stay the Same" Acrylic on Canvas, 11 x 14


"Saltwater Aquarium"
Acrylic on Canvas, 16 x 20

Creative Brush Studio

All of the juried artwork selected to appear at the Creative Brush Studio in Manassas are found here:
 
8951 and 8953 Center Street
Manassas, Virginia 20110
 
 
Tuesday through Saturday 1 pm to 6 pm

So, my fellow PWAS Members, we have to toot our own horns and this Blog can help you do that - which means let me know when you have achieved an art award or recognition that we can all "Tooter" about!

Good luck to all entered into judged events and congratulations to the winners! We are rooting for the PWAS Team!


Local Art: Visit us at Clearbrook Center of the Arts at Tackett's Mill in Lake Ridge, VA on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 – it’s free to see the artwork! Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership


Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

Author: Donna Liguria
An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA and Artistry Spin Blog Admin, specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com, Donna's Etsy site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.

 
Photography/Video Credits:
PWAS Members