Saturday, December 20, 2025

Post 593: Annual PWAS Christmas Party 2025

Annual PWAS Christmas Party 2025 a Recap

Friday, December 19, 2025. The Prince William Art Society celebrated their annual Christmas Party in lieu of their monthly meeting...at the Tall Oaks Community Center in Woodbridge. Everyone signs up for a dish to bring and enjoys the camaraderie and joy of the season, looking forward to what the new year will bring.

A big thank you to Evelyn Chatters, Tom Payne and Kelly Haneklau for the photos! 

A Party in Pictures

The Prince William Art Society, known as PWAS (pronounced "P-Wahzz") puts on a Christmas celebration by getting together with our "plus one" to enjoy the Christmas season with food and drink, sweets and savory, laughter and cheer, games and thank-yous to everyone in the art group. 

 
Mark Murphy led the reindeer games. 
The 2004-2025 PWAS Board standing to the left, Staci Blanchard (PWCAC Rep), Sandra McClelland Lewin (Interim President), Bettie Sperty (Secretary), and Tom Payne (Member at Large and Art Workshop Manager) 
Anna Gatling, Kwaku Ofori-Yirenkyi aka Absku, and Evelyn Chatters 
Cookie Bell 
Kelly Haneklau and Mark Murphy 
Sheri Herrick and Evelyn Chatters 
Staci Blanchard and Bettie Sperty 
Anna Gatling (new Hospitality Chair) 




Celebration of Outstanding Volunteers! Staci Blanchard, Donna Liguria, David Dillon, Mark Clifton, Larry Burch. Not shown: Emily Hawes and Robert Dew. Volunteering is the HEART of the ART!

David Dillon, Ana Quispe, Richard Tyler
Donna Merchant and Mihee Joo 
Maritza Rivera (left) and Carol Noboa (right) 

David Dillon, Tinnetta Putney, Richard Tyler, Ana Quispe
Doreen Dauer and Mr Dauer (husband), and Mark Murphy





Bettie Sperty, Patty Gutledge and her husband, and Brian Sperty 




January 2026

The art group postponed their voting for the new board until January of 2026, so consider how YOU will be a part of this art group - the growth, the experience, the learning, the helpfulness of being a part of this wonderful group of artists is wonderfully rewarding experience that you will want to be a part of.

Membership Renewal and to JOIN can be done ONLINE at https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

The Next PWAS Meeting is Monday, January 26, 2026 (and you will want your membership dues paid BEFORE then to vote).

Merry Christmas Everyone! And let's have a wonderful New Year! 

*Note: If I missed a name, and I know I did, send me a note! 


Photographers: Evelyn Chatters, Tom Payne and Kelly Haneklau

Author: Donna Liguria is the Blogmaster for the PWAS Artistry Spin Blog and Donna's Cave Paintings Blog, and an artist member of the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) in Woodbridge, Virginia. And she takes on the PWAS social media duties as well (help me!) Donna specializes in acrylic painting of landscapes, seascapes, historic locations, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com and her Donna's Esty site to shop her art. Please follow me on social media and my blog too!

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 (typically, but check the website in case of any changes).

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership - January is time to RENEW!

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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Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Post 592: The Artistry Spin Blog for Artists, PWAS Members

The Artistry Spin Blog for Artists, PWAS Members

Are you on your Phone? Many artists are when they are on the internet, which means the view of the website you are perusing might be a condensed view to fit the phone screen than on a laptop or full sized monitor. There are some options you may not see at a quick glance. Artists desiring to see and learn more about the Prince William Art Society should follow the art group's blog, called Artistry Spin, which can provide answers to art questions! When you need to know more about PWAS or important art topics, this blog post shows where to find what you need to know.

The ever changing PWAS Artistry Spin Blog Home Page

Blog Posts are individual "articles" published on a blog that can include photos, videos, and text displayed in reverse chronological order.

Blog Pages, shown as top Navigational Tabs on the Artistry Spin blog, highlight where to find very important and specific art topics of interest to artists.

Home Page Tab

PWAS Artistry Spin Blog main page where the most recent blog post is listed at the beginning. Home

This blog archives the art history in many ways of the art group from the most recent blog post first, going back in time to the beginning of the blog in August 2021. The very first post was the history of PWAS - including some things you may not know about PWAS.

These Tabs are blog pages that are in the top navigation of the blog that are periodically updated if information has changed, for clarity, or whatever. Click on an image to enlarge.

Membership Tab

The information about PWAS art group, what we do, the benefits of being a member, and how to join on the PWAS website where you can safely pay the annual membership fee online, add your artist showcase page, or become a sponsor. Membership

PWAS Membership Page but the actual link to join PWAS is on the PWAS Website HERE

Display Tab

This is the most visited page on the entire blog and perhaps arguably the most important. The Prince William Art Society, much like other art groups or art galleries, has requirements on how the artist members are expected to prepare their artwork for Display

Professional Art Display Requirements Page 

Call for Art Tab

This page explains the basics of submitting your artwork(s) to enter an art show or the PWAS Art Store. Call for Art

Basic Tips for Calls for Art Page 

Lessons Tab

These are lessons learned after years of working art shows, both indoors and outdoors, especially as an art group. Definitely some Do's and Don'ts, but all great advice for all artists. Lessons

Lessons Learned at an Indoor/Outdoor Art Show Page

Pricing Tab

Probably the most often asked question by an artist is about pricing their art, another must-read. Pricing

Art Pricing Page 

Commissions Tab

Art Commissions can mean 2 very different things. Artists need to understand BOTH uses of the word. Commissions

Commissioning Your Artwork Page 

Art NTK Tab

You know the saying, "I wish I knew then what I know now"? Well, for artists, this is Art Need to Know and is an outline to help newer artists see and find info on art topics you will need. As blog posts are written referencing a NTK topic, links to those posts are added. Art NTK  

Art Need to Know Page 

Blog Gallery Tab

As PWAS Members write their own Interviews, become a Featured Artist, and/or Spotlight Artist, a member image and links can be added to this page. Look at similar artists in the gallery and send the Blog Admin your story. Blog Gallery

PWAS Member Art Gallery Page 

Volunteering Tab

Art groups, especially non-profit groups, some art galleries and art shows very often are populated by people that volunteer and are not paid to do the task, project, coordinate an art show, position, or job that they are "working". Non-Profit art groups are made up of Executive Board Members which are also volunteers. Volunteering

Art Group, Volunteering and Gallery Worker Training Page

Prints Tab

Prints and Framing is another very important artist topic that people ask about. Prints

About Giclee and Art Prints Page 

Art Reception Tab

At some point, you as an artist, either solo, in an art group, or in an art gallery may be tasked to hold an art reception. This page is dedicated to a Suggestion and Check List of To-Dos for an Art Reception

Art Reception Check List and Suggestions Page 

How to Art Show Tab

How about an Art Show Check List for the items you may need when you are in an art show as a solo artist or with an art group. Copy the entire list for yourself. How to Art Show

How to Art Show Page 

NOVA Art Tab

There are art groups apparently in every county here in Northern Virginia, and this page attempts to show what is out there and nearby. NOVA Art

NOVA - Northern Virginia Art Page  

How to Blog Tab

Yes, there are folks that don't know what a blog is, does, or has in it. How to Use This Blog

How to Use This Blog Page 

Comments Tab

About commenting on the blog (which we LOVE), how not to be "Anonymous", and blog guidelines. Comments

About the Blog Comments and Blog Guidelines Page 

Schedule Tab

The Blog Admin is always on the lookout for content for the blog, which tells the history of the art group in so many ways. This page looks at how YOU as an artist - in the art group -  can be a part of many blog posts which can promote yourself and your artwork. Learn how to the featured artist on this tab. Schedule

Blog Schedule and About Blog Posts Page 

ART Tab

This page on the blog is dedicated to listing art blog post series and art topics, gathering the links under a general heading for that grouping of posts. For example, the Composition Series, The Tech Series, and Art Organization Posts.  ART

ART Page

Art Store Tab

The PWAS Art Store and the PWAS Showcase are not the same things or website places. Information on what the Buyers and the Artists can expect when purchasing art from the PWAS Online Art Store

How the PWAS Art Store Works Page 

Basics Tab

Not all artists are familiar with a variety of topics that must be dealt with. This is a page dedicated to the Basic information about everything from portfolios, websites, watermarks, art documents, insurance, business, POS, Taxes, Inventory, Backups and much more. See the Basics

Art Business Basics Page 

FAQs Tab

Frequently Asked Questions that are posed to the Prince William Art Society. FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions Page 

PWAS Tab

A link to the Prince William Art Society Website. PWAS

Prince William Art Society's Website 

Other Important Blog Features

PWAS Artistry Spin blog right side navigation has features you may need to use to find out more. 

  • Search This Blog - type in a keyword or phrase
  • PWAS Snack Signup for Meetings - a link to Signup Genius
  • How to find the PWAS Chat Group on Facebook - a private, current members ONLY Facebook group.
  • Subscribe to PWAS Artistry Spin - so you can be the first to know.
  • PWAS Upcoming Events, Shows, Calls and More - PWAS shows and some area shows you should be aware of.
  • PWAS Art Store QR Code - if you are in the Art Store, use this code to promote your artwork.
  • PWAS Meetings coming up - the dates of the next meetings.
  • Artistry Spin Blog Archive - by year and month - when searching for a topic or story of interest.
  • Artistry Spin Labels, Tags, Keywords - click on a word of interest
  • All-Time Most Popular Posts on Spin
  • PWAS Members Shared Links - do you have a website? List it here.
  • Art Blogs to Follow

It Is ON the Blog

Occasionally at our PWAS meetings (which are once a month on the fourth Monday of the month), I hear artists ask questions that are very often answered on the PWAS Artistry Spin blog. Or when out at art shows, someone asks a question about the PWAS art group - answered on the group's website and often more in depth on the blog. 

In my mind, especially for someone wanting to learn more about what PWAS is or does, I'm hearing the words in my head, "the answer is...It's in the blog!" Since I'm the Blog Admin and mainly the writer of 90-95% of it, I've tried to cover and archive the history of what we've done since the blog started in August 2021. 

There are photos and recaps of our art shows, meetings, guest artists, our members, and our Christmas parties. There are artist interviews, editorials, How Tos, and innumerable art tips often given by the PWAS members on so many art topics and advice. That's a LOT of years of art experience for you to browse! 

And this post makes the 592nd blog post in the blog's history.

So I hope you find what you need on this blog to help you in your own art career. How has the blog helped you? Consider dropping a Comment below.


Author: Donna Liguria is the Blogmaster for the PWAS Artistry Spin Blog and Donna's Cave Paintings Blog, and an artist member of the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) in Woodbridge, Virginia. And she takes on the PWAS social media duties as well (help me!) Donna specializes in acrylic painting of landscapes, seascapes, historic locations, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com and her Donna's Esty site to shop her art. 

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 (typically, but check the website in case of any changes).

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, November 30, 2025

Post 591: PWAS Members Winter, Snow, Christmas Art

PWAS Members Winter, Snow, Ice, and Christmas Art

The Prince William Art Society (PWAS) members show artworks featuring the season of winter cold with snow, ice and Christmas art. This is the theme for the online show... If the artwork is available for sale, check out the PWAS Online Art Store and support your local artists!

PWAS Member Donna Liguria

"White House Having a White Christmas" by Donna Liguria. The original has sold but prints are available on My Etsy Shoppe in a few sizes.
"Black Ice Series" by Donna Liguria feature three 4x12 acrylic paintings of icicles are available in the PWAS Art Store at https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/category/all-products
Black Ice Winter Series 3 4x12 Acrylic $45
Black Ice Winter Series 2 4x12 Acrylic $50
Black Ice Winter Series 1 4x12 Acrylic $45 - also available on Etsy

PWAS Member Lizzy Javier 

Reflections - Acrylic - 8"x 8" - $250.00 - Framed - Available on the PWAS Art Store website at https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/category/all-products
Snow Day - Acrylic - 11" x 14" - $350.00 - Framed - Available 

PWAS Member Robert Mira

Here are a few by Robert Mira, but they are not for sale (NFS).

PWAS Member Maria Briganti

See Maria's paintings in the PWAS Online Art Store 

"Race You" - is acrylic and 10x10, $80 framed 
"Made it" is acrylic 10x10 $80 framed size 

PWAS Member Sandra McClelland Lewin

 See Sandra's winter artworks in the PWAS Art Store
 
"Song for a Winters Night" Mixed media (acrylic/tissue paper), 16"x16", $100.00
 
"Winter" Acrylic, 15"w x 30"h, $75.00
 
"Fox in the Snow" Colored Pencil, 23"w x 18.5" h (matted & framed), $100.00

PWAS Member Larry Burch

 
"Snowy Lane" 11x14, Oil, $250 in the PWAS Art Store
 
"Winter Sun Over Stream" 11x14, acrylic, $250 in the PWAS Art Store

PWAS Member JJ Roberts

 
"Baird Owl In a Snow Storm" 16"x20" Oil on canvas $300.00 (postage to be added) No frame. 

Please note that PWAS does not arrange shipping costs for artwork in the Online Store. This service is between the buyer and the artist if needed. 

Need MORE ART! Any PWAS Members with Winter or Christmas Art?

Send me yours right away to include here! Need the title, medium, size, is it framed and price if you want to include the art in the store.

About the PWAS Online Art Store  - read more on how the store works.

Note that the PWAS Store does not ship. 

Promote Your ART! 

Share the PWAS Art Store QR Code!

 

Share to Social Media! Facebook, Pinterest, WhatsApp and X

https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/product-page/black-ice-2-by-donna-liguria 

Share the page link! 

Check out the PWAS website for more info about the Prince William Art Society and our art store too.



Author: Donna Liguria is the Blogmaster for the PWAS Artistry Spin Blog and Donna's Cave Paintings Blog, and an artist member of the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) in Woodbridge, Virginia. And she takes on the PWAS social media duties as well (help me!) Donna specializes in acrylic painting of landscapes, seascapes, historic locations, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com and her Donna's Esty site to shop her art. 

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 (typically, but check the website in case of any changes).

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, November 26, 2025

Post 590: PWAS Meeting Recap 11/24/25

PWAS Meeting Recap 11/24/25

Monday, November 24, 2025. The Prince William Art Society met for their monthly meeting at 7:30pm at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Road, Woodbridge, VA. Our guest speaker was Christine Dixon.

Christine Dixon

Christine gave the members a view into her creation process of the wonderful original artworks. She brought examples of her works, which were absolutely beautiful and shared information on her painting surfaces, varnishing, planning the subject matter, and much more. 

Her art bio info is found here: https://artistryspin.blogspot.com/2025/11/post-586-pwas-meeting-nov-24-guest.html 

And a few pictures from the meeting: 

The PWAS Meeting takes a break after the guest speaker, along with some snacks and a beverage. It is always a good few minutes of mingling with the members and learning what everyone is up to. The meeting continues afterwards with reports from the various PWAS officers on our finances, updates on our art shows, social media, website, art class news, etc. Members often ask questions, so Q&A can be a part of a meeting as well. 

Meetings are open to the public, so very often we meet new artists from around the area that want to learn more about PWAS. November is in fact the last official "meeting" of the year as the December get together is always a private member only (plus one adult) Christmas party. All members are to bring a pot luck dish and we ALWAYS have a great time. There is a Signup Genius link for the party that was sent out to members.

Now, I'm off to visit the family for a day or two, so Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! See you for the Christmas party!


Author: Donna Liguria is the Blogmaster for the PWAS Artistry Spin Blog and Donna's Cave Paintings Blog, and an artist member of the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) in Woodbridge, Virginia. And she takes on the PWAS social media duties as well (help me!) Donna specializes in acrylic painting of landscapes, seascapes, historic locations, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com and her Donna's Esty site to shop her art. 

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 (typically, but check the website in case of any changes).

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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