Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Post 220: An Art Gallery Reception List

An Art Gallery Reception List

Planning an art reception at an art gallery means there is some version of "party planning" that will go into effect at your art space. The gallery will need to pick their message and get it across to their potential visitors coming to see it, in the best way, the best light, and in the most memorial way that can be accomplished. We will look at various topics and ideas your art group (and artists) and/or art gallery committee will need to think about, decide on, implement and take care of in this post.

Solo Show or Art Collection?

Is the art reception for a single artist or photographer or for a group of artists? How will the gallery present them?

There may not be a dress code for the event, but the artist(s) attending the event should always look professional, be comfortable and be confident. The artist -could- potentially -dress the part too according to the theme of the show. The spotlight is on the artists along with their art so be ready for the attention.

The artist(s) should invite all their friends, peers, and family and post their show everywhere to reach as many visitors to your event as possible. Another thought is to be AT the gallery whenever possible because art often sells better when the artist is there!

As an artist in the show, be ready to do 'the Artist Talk' to share your passion in what you do.

Who's Who in Your Art Group

Pool your resources, from the talent already available within your art group.

Tap into your art groups resources - its members! Someone in your group may know someone that is just the person you need to know for something you need! This includes the owner of a local restaurant you could contact to help with the food for your event. Offer to have the restaurant's logo printed on your materials/social media as a sponsor.

Find out who your graphic artists are to draw up the flyers and other materials needed. Recruit the talent already in your creative group. Searching your artist group for vendor relationships that are already in place will go a long way toward getting your foot in a door, to help manage your budget and to put on a great event. 

If needed, create a Reception Committee to manage your art receptions! Bounce ideas around in your group to get the creative juice going. Your Art Reception Committee could be one of your best resources to help manage your budget and time.

Get the Ball Rolling on Your Art Party!

1. Schedule the Date

An art reception is typically scheduled at the beginning, or opening of an art show or event for a couple of hours, but there are also Advance Receptions, Closing, Private Receptions, and Open Studio Events. Decide on the best option for your event.

2. Schedule the Time

The time of your art reception may depend more on whether the event is public or private in order to best suite the best turnout. Most often the event is held on a Friday evening, but Sunday afternoons or a weekday evening may work for the visitors as well. Generally, about 2 hours works well for most events and cocktail party receptions.

3. Plan the Program

Your program can be a simple or elaborate as the occasion needs. Do you have a full schedule of events to time out or is it more relaxed? Do you have a budget for the event?

  • Plan your staff needed - from pickup, setup to cleanup.
  • What promotional materials will you need for your event? Flyers, brochures, post cards, and/or other handouts - to learn more about the artist, the art, the group and where to find out more. Consider all the options you might need for your presentation.
  • Will you have entertainment - special music, singing, dancing, other arts that could be scheduled? Having great entertainment will delight your visitors tremendously.
  • A press release should be sent out at least 2 weeks prior to the event.
  • Is there a dress code you would like to implement, perhaps in keeping with the show theme or name?
  • Do you need to make an invitation and a list of special people to invite? Have you considered inviting local designers that might need art for their clients? Do you have art collectors to invite? Can you invite past clients?
  • If dignitaries or sponsors are invited, will someone be making a speech or have talking points?
  • Can you invite the press to cover the event?
  • Will your art group, board or committee lead need to make a speech or toast?
  • A photo shoot area is another idea to capture the artists (in front of their artwork too), as well as visitors and dignitaries. Dress up the photo shoot area too with props.
  • Plan on making it FUN!

4. Public or Private Reception

Will this art reception be open to the public or a more restricted private reception? You may need signage at your door to notify those that might enter, if it is closed for private event or open to the public. For some gallery events, you may have invitation-only for entrance and will need to manage the RSVPs AND potentially manage the invitees at the door.

Consider having someone at the door to greet the guests and give out any promotional materials. Have everyone fill in name tag or at a minimum, all the artists and gallery persons should have name tags.

Consider an earlier advance party that your art collectors, VIPs, dignitaries, the press and media can arrive to before the event opens to the public.

5. Refreshments

One of the most important parts of your art reception is what to serve. There are many considerations including the amount of people expected, is it a public or private affair, or a corporate event - who is paying for it? Will your art reception be based on a theme, will it be light refreshment or is it a cocktail party, will it be simple or more elaborate? Your budget will let you know.

The event could be catered or if your art group event planner/Reception Committee does their homework, local restaurants and/or grocery stores may wish to donate refreshments and nibbles (or give a discount, especially for non-profits). But you need someone to ask! You could mention and it is always a good idea to recognize your sponsors on flyers, on your website, or other options.

Will alcohol be served and will you need a special license to serve alcohol? Do you need a bartender? You could offer drink tickets, where someone at the door could check IDs and allow one ticket per adult, or perhaps one free and one paid ticket.

Define your table space so everyone knows what goes where.

Finger foods typically work best, also known as toothpick food. Things that have to be eaten with fork, knife or spoon make it harder for people to use if they have a drink in one hand and no where to sit - as is typical in a gallery setting.


Suggestions:
  • Wine and Cheese, Crackers
  • Coffee, Tea and Baked Goods
  • Punch and Cookies/Cake (already sliced)
  • Cheese, Fruit, Vegetable Trays
  • Charcuterie board - cheeses, meats, gherkins, great olives, mustard
  • Shrimp cocktail
  • Ice
  • Water
  • Punch  
 Things you may need:
  • Chafing dishes
  • Tables, tablecloths
  • Bar Tables, tablecloths
  • Chairs
  • Trash containers
  • Trays, punch bowls, ladles
  • Paper goods, napkins, paper towels
  • Cups, wine or champagne glasses 
  • Tongs, forks, serving utensils
  • Coolers

Your Reception Committee quite obviously will need to "work" the party, or have the people in place that do the various duties during said event. Food, drink, and ice will need to be replenished, serving platters refilled, and trays consolidated. If you have a bartender or tray servers, they may need help or replenishment or you may need someone for quick cleanups. You will also need help picking up plates and cups around the space during the event and for final cleanup when the event is done.

If the reception is open to the public, there is no need to feed all of the visitors but you certainly want to have enough so that you don't run out of nibbles or drink until the very later few minutes of the event. Plan accordingly. 

6. Entertainment

Gallery art receptions are all about the art, the artist(s), or art group(s), but music is a must. If the gallery is rented for a corporate event or wedding reception, the art space may be more of a back drop to their event. Typically music does play in the background but should allow visitors to mingle and allow for conversation.

  • Live Music, DJ, instrumental, string or choral group(s)
  • Dance Performance
  • Readings
  • Other options: Television screen with a video or art montage, about the theme, gallery, artist - whatever the promotion is.
 

7. Decorations

Flowers dress up all events very elegantly, and having at least one arrangement on your food table is appropriate. Flower petals could be another option, sprinkled around the table.

Need a color scheme? Coordinate your plates, napkins, etc.

Consider the name of your art show and or its theme and of course, the time of year. Your decoration ideas may be based on these factors. Other considerations can include when appropriate: flags, balloons, twinkle lights, fabrics, paper lanterns, glittery things...

8. Children's Art Table

If children will be at a show, consider a spot for them. An art table setup with crayons and butcher paper to draw on will not only keep them entertained but occupied while the adults enjoy the art and conversation. Think about paper, colored pencils, Etch-a-Sketch, or chalkboard.

9. Have a Photographer

Your art group should have a photographer available to capture your event. The photos can be used in so many ways - online and offline, for promotions, for blog posts, for your history of events and for future events.

10. Other Misc Options

Will your art sales desk need to be open during the reception? 

Have a Guest Book or an email sign-up sheet.

Have your Donation box out for the gallery.

Have an art Raffle.

Find one or two party/rental vendors that you can call upon when your event needs specific party items for certain events like sit down dinners, wedding receptions, etc. See if you can arrange discounts when you recommend their use if your gallery is rented out.

Likewise, develop relationships with the local restaurants and caterers that you can depend on or suggest when the gallery is rented out that will give you discounts/perks for your events as well.

For further reading, and a sort of "other side of the coin" what NOT to do at art receptions, Art Gallery Opening Bad Behavior Etiquette

The Prince William Art Society (PWAS) manages many of the art shows that are on display at Open Space Arts (OSA) at Stonebridge - 15000 #140 Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA, with the OSA Committee members. Our latest art show, "Hispanic Heritage Art Celebration"  will open Sept 21, 2022 with a reception on Friday, September 23, 2022 - Come by and see us!


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/.

Photography/Video Credits:
Donna Liguria and Otis Stanley

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!

Monday, September 19, 2022

Post 219: Hispanic Heritage Art Celebration at Open Space Arts Sept 21 - Oct 16, 2022

Hispanic Heritage Art Celebration at Open Space Arts Sept 21 - Oct 16, 2022

Wow! Just wait until you see this art show! A Hispanic Heritage month inspired celebration featuring art that is colorful and dynamic, this art show has paintings from local Prince William County artists and photographers all with a Hispanic and Latino flavor. From flamenco to Machu Picchu to brilliant abstracts and bull fights - there is art to thrill you. 

The Hispanic Heritage Art Celebration will run at Open Space Arts at 15000 #140 Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, Virginia from September 21 until October 16, 2022 with a public open reception on Friday, September 23. 

Come by and say hi to the artists that volunteer at the desk and tell them how you found out about it. Pictures from the gallery will be posted in other blog posts and on social media shortly.

SNEAK PEEK!



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/.

Graphics/Photography/Video Credits: 
Sandra Lewin

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, September 17, 2022

Post 218: What Is Mark Making in Art?

What Is Mark Making in Art?

By Penny Shaw

Penny describes the process of learning to draw, but actually put in proper, simpler terms, learning to make marks on a surface. She has a series of 4 classes scheduled on Thursdays in October, and you can contact her directly to sign up.

Mark Making

Earlier in my career as a beginning artist I was admonished to “draw what you see and not what you know” by my seventh-grade art teacher, Mrs. Lashley of Johns Hill Junior High. She was a firm believer in learning how to see with your eyes and elaborate on your imagery with making marks that told your story. Her teaching has served as the bedrock of my skill set for the past sixty+ years as an artist and art educator. I have used this mantra in training students how to draw or make marks that tell their stories and ideas to others.

There is a distinction between making marks and drawing. Making marks involves any mark made using any material on any surface, such as: pencil on paper, Photoshop brush mark on a screen, painting on surfaces, or scratches in clay. Mark making can be seen on many different two-dimensional or three-dimensional surfaces. The lines can describe or suggest a multitude of ideas or stories that convey emotions, directions, or separation of shapes.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash 

Drawing chief component is line and usually appear on two-dimensional surfaces. These lines can suggest tones using techniques such as stippling, smudging, hatching or cross-hatching. Drawn lines can be created with dry or wet media.

New media has allowed drawing to evolve with moving away from chiaroscuro applications of values found in the old masters rendering of still life or portraiture to looking at how lines become designs found in zentangle designs or graphic imagery. Drawn lines tell different stories from many different cultural traditions. Many people have replicated permanent tribal tattoo designs or non-permanent henna Mehndi designs to commemorate events in their lives on their bodies as well as creating decorative imagery that evolve from emotions.

I have heard many say they cannot draw straight lines. Lines, whether as a drawn element or created in mark making, do not require you to make straight lines unless it is part of the story you are telling. Creative mark making does not require you to duplicate objects you see in your environment but does require you to allude to telling your story with visual shapes that suggest you can elicit a response from the observer.

The mantra draw what you see and not what you know requires an individual to let his story evolve from what is observed to projecting imagery that tells the artist’s vision of his story. There is no right and wrong way of telling the story in drawings or mark making. The artist becomes not only the storyteller but also the craftsperson that builds upon his ability to get responses from the viewer or interpreter of his story.

Join me at Open Space Arts at the Stonebridge Gallery for an introductory class in basic drawing on October 6. 13. 20, 27. This class is designed to begin the mark making journey that serves as the foundation for telling stories using line as the main element in two-dimensional drawing compositions. Many individuals lament that they cannot draw a straight line but wish that they can acquire basic skills in how to develop drawing skills. We will explore training the eye to SEE, investigate drawing materials, learn how to do blind and modified contour lines, and do simple value drawings using drawing techniques.

Class:

4 sessions – Thursday, October 6, 13, 20, and 27 at 6:00-8:00 in the back room of Open Space Arts at Stonebridge, 15000 #140 Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA

Cost: $160.00 payable during the first class to the instructor

Materials list available during first class. Sign-up by email shawonesent@gmail.com

Ages: 15 and up, any skill level


Author/Artist: Penny Shaw
An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA
 
Author/Artist: 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!

Friday, September 16, 2022

Post 217: Art Group Setting up an Art Show

Setting up an Art Show

Showing your artwork with an art group is often a convenient if not less expensive way to show your art in a show you may not have the experience, funds, equipment, help, or know-how to do on your own.Thus, joining your local art group and getting involved in their art events can be a great way to get started in showing your art. 

It is certainly a learning experience! When they say it takes a village, well, it can take an ART GROUP to get an art show done! You will quickly learn the intricacies - both challenging and obvious. A place to begin organizing the show would start with the art group making a few decisions up front.

An Art Group Sets up an Art Show for their Members

Decide WHO is running your art show - your art coordinator.  Your art group may have an Event Coordinator (responsible for GETTING the places to show) but does not necessarily have to be the person running the (each) show. This person is responsible for getting all of the information together, applying to the space, scheduling and informing all parties. He or she is the Herder of the Kittens. Depending on the size and location of the show, more than one person might be needed.

Art Group Responsibilities

Applying as a 'vendor' for the location or event may be where to start, or at least begun with an idea of how many artists in your group will want to attend. A non-profit art group may have options not available to individual persons or businesses, but nonetheless, there may be a fee to enter. Pay the entry fee, coordinate any and all documentation needed.

Location Logistics and Art Booth

  • Find out EXACTLY where your allotted space is and what are its dimensions? 
  • What is around it? What is behind it and what are you near? Will you have room to 'expand' a bit?
  • When will you need to set up your space and how much time will you need?
  • Where will you make your sales and bag the purchased items?
  • Confirm, confirm and I will type it again, C O N F I R M everything.
Tent Arranging

Keep in mind the BEST traffic flow patterns for the visitors AND showing the art in the best light available. No artist likes being stuck 'in the back' where their artwork may not be seen, for any reason. So the traffic flow should always be laid out so that every artist has a fair shot without sacrificing the best traffic flow for the visitors. Likewise, while many don't want their artwork out in the bright sun all day, neither do they want to hang where the art is backlit or in the dark. Eyeball and consider your options - on paper first. (Graph paper!)

1. Ensure walkways, traffic patterns are the BEST they can be for the visitors and DO NOT BLOCK necessary doorways, elevators, etc.
2. Watch out for "dark corners" or "too bright" areas whenever possible.

This also means that your artists need to understand to NOT block the aisles so that other potential visitors/buyers cannot see all of the artwork. All artists need to be cognizant of the traffic pattern of the visitors! Greet and talk to your visitors but move out of the aisles as quickly as possible.

Any Deadlines? Deadline to enter, deadline for artist signup and to pay fees.

Exhibit Terms - there are probably terms that should be strictly adhered to that your group will need to be aware of. For instance, some exhibits do not want their vendors to fold up shop early under threat of not accepting that vendor back the next year.

Will you need to make alternative arrangements because of the weather? Does the tent have sides?

POS - Point of Sale

How will you make your sales? 
Will you have internet?
Do you have the right size bags and wrapping materials? 
Do you have the marketing materials that display your art group's logo?
Do you have a plan B and C in case of emergency and/or very busy sales?

Getting the Equipment to the Art Show

How and who is getting your equipment (from where it is stored) to the show?

Tent(s) - typical tent is 10x10 and the vendor space allowed may be as well.
Gridwalls (about 36 inch wide and 6 ft tall) and stands, hanging hardware - some gridwalls have covers too.
Weights, sandbags, blocks
Tables, tablecloths, art group logo, signage
Lighting, extension cords
Misc "Go Bag" of tools - hammer, screwdrivers, bungee cords, cable ties, basically any "just-in-case" items.
Print stands, display racks, etc.
 

Know how you will arrange your gridwalls and assign artists PRIOR to getting to the show. Some groups go by first come first served, some draw numbers which has worked fairly well for us lately. Number each gridwall (can be front and/or back), then have the same numbers in a hat for each artist to draw a number. If someone gets an area that is recognized to not be 'as good', do you have a way to help balance them out?

Recruit Your Artists

Do you need a minimum and maximum number to apply? Gridwall space is allocated by how many artists apply to show. Obviously, a 10x10 tent will only accommodate so many artists. In the past, often an artist will get a front and a back of a single gridwall, but do consider the options to reasonably accommodate as many of your artists that want to attend.

Send out an email to your art group with the Dates, Times, Fees (if any), Respond by Dates, etc. Give the artists all the details they need to know and what to expect.

They will have questions about how much art do they need to bring, how much space will they have, what percentage of sales goes to the group and more. Some of these are harder to answer because of the size of the artwork, but you get the idea.

Let them know if they will be expected to help setup, to take down, when to deliver art by and to pickup art. The art coordinator will need to schedule enough artists to help throughout the duration of the show...and its very common for everyone to help "work the show".

Special Considerations

  • Where will they park? Do you need to meet somewhere?
  • Where will they store their packing materials (wagons, roll carts) during the show? 
  • Bus service to the art show - Occoquan is known for this.Vehicles may only be allowed at very specific times and bus passes for vendors is common.
  • Find out where your restrooms are!
  • Wind gusts happen. You may need to secure your gridwalls. 
  • How will you handle a no-show or a VERY late artist? 
  • Should you have an all-artist front-of-the booth wall space? *GREAT IDEA!
  • Can you have a flyer for the artists that accept commissions?
  • If the art show is more than one day, address any and all security concerns. 
 Photo Credit: Donna Liguria at Occoquan Arts and Crafts 2021

Artist's Responsibilities

Artists should have the best of their artwork on display, there is no getting around that. The artist should have their art SIGNED - I recommend on the front with the paint and colors used so that at a glance, the viewer KNOWS who the artist is. But everyone does tend to do their own thing in this regard. On the back of the canvas, the artist should always sign/write their name and the year the piece was created. Many artists include the name of the painting and the medium used as well.

The artist will also need to have their artwork labeled on the back with a tag or sticker label which includes their name, title of the artwork, medium, size and PRICE. And a label for the front and often found under the art, a label with the same info should show for the viewer. Depending on the art group or gallery, these may be provided and may include the art group's logo.

Follow the specific directions for that show.

The artist may need to provide an artist inventory sheet for all the artwork, prints, everything for that show. The art group may provide the inventory sheets for that show, so watch your emails for the needed info and directions.

The artist should have the art pieces READY for display and hanging. If needed, the piece may need to be properly framed or matted and framed. Canvases will need to be wired, and wired for that shows particular hanging method. Likewise, prints need to follow your art group's Display Requirements.

Typical Gridwall Hardware for Hanging Art for PWAS Art Shows

ASK if you need to know more about the particular venue if the art group has shown at this event before. Someone that has previously worked that show may have an idea of what has sold, so that may help the artist to know what types of artwork to bring with him or her. 

As stated above, be cognizant of NOT blocking your aisles! Sure, get out there and talk to those viewing the art (your art), but keep the walkways CLEAR for the visitors.

Other Artist Tips

  • Provide your business cards. Hand them out! If you make a sale, put one in the bag! Likewise for your fellow artists!
  • Watch your art group's cash box and any valuables at all times. 
  • Work your volunteer shifts. 
  • While many artists might be at the art group's show for the duration, it is only fair that if you don't help to set up at the beginning, you are there to help take down at the end. 
  • Ensure that your artwork DOES NOT hang over the edges of your gridwall. Gridwalls are typically 36 in. wide and 6 ft tall.
  • Do you have an Artist Name sign? Can you hang it?

Special Considerations

Allow for changes in the weather - in what you wear, and how you protect your art. You may want to bring an extra set of clothes, shoes, umbrella and you may need your own chair. Plastic bags might not be a bad idea to have on hand in case of a surprise shower.

Remember to bring a hat and sunscreen if the show is outdoors.

And of course, always remember, you are not only representing yourself and your art, but you are part of the art group, representing that group.

It is EVERYONE's Job to Promote the Show

This is an important piece of the artwork pie. Have marketing materials ready to hand out AND to share online AND offline EARLY. Get these promo materials to your art group's Webmaster, Social Media person(s), Advertising person(s), and art group members ASAP. Have these items readily available far in advance so that the entire art group can reach as many potential visitors as possible and potential visitors can mark their calendars.

Print out flyers and hand them out at work, to your friends, etc. BE SURE all dates, times and locations are on it and are correct!

I really mean this, EVERYONE in the art group should be talking it up, sharing on their social media and/or however they can. If you have a Facebook, a website, or an Instagram or can send smoke signals, help get the word out. Spreading the word on what the art group is doing is every member's responsibility, attending or not.

And finally...After the Show

Congratulations, you got through it and hopefully made sales!

But don't give up if you don't sell at that show. You had to have had some positive things come about because of being there.

Did you take the opportunity to talk with your visitors, hand out your business cards, meet and perhaps learn more about your fellow artists? Did you take note of what may sell better at that event the next time? Did you find ways to better improve your art, how it was presented or displayed?

Occasionally we do lessons learned after an event - you might do it on a personal level or as a group.The point is always to LEARN and make those connections to get your name out there.

Speaking with other artists, although a sale may not have been made, commissions for work have come about BECAUSE of connecting with those that did admire your art!

 
Photo Credit: Sheri Herrick at Arts Alive September 2022

Photo Credit: Donna Liguria at Occoquan Arts and Crafts 2021

Well, this was another long post. What can I say, I'm good at long posts. But I probably left out something, so leave a comment and let me know what I forgot!


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!

Thursday, September 15, 2022

Post 216: Otis Stanley's PWAS Comics #4

Otis Stanley's PWAS Comics #4

I love finding the humor in about ANYTHING, and Otis is bringing it with these PWAS Art Comics! The fourth one in the series.



Author/Artist: Otis Stanley 
An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA. Art comics by PWAS member Otis Stanley is a comic series capturing the fun and funny of art.
 
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!

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

Post 215: Arts Alive in Manassas at the Hylton Performing Arts Center Sept 11, 2022

Arts Alive in Manassas at the Hylton Performing Arts Center Sept 11, 2022

Although the weathermen threatened rain and thunderstorms and generally a lousy day, it did not actually occur. The day ended up having some sun and the rain held off for the 2022 Arts Alive at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas.

PWAS Member's Art on Display at Arts Alive

If you enjoy art, all kinds of art, Arts Alive is an annual event that is not to be missed! Song, dance, costumes, readings, writings and visual arts - canvas, paintings, photography and so much more all day!
 
  
Photo Credit: Sheri Herrick


Donna Liguria's mini painting world

Tom Payne

Ken Meardon, John Hartt, and Bilee Sciuto

Ken Meardon, John Hartt, and Bilee Sciuto 

Donna Liguria

Tom Payne and Bilee Sciuto 

Ken Meardon and Sandra Lewin 

John Hartt 



Richard Tyler and Bilee Sciuto 

Richard Tyler and Bilee Sciuto


PWAS Members that attended were:

Ken Meardon
Sandra Lewand
Donna Liguria
Sheri Herrick
Richard Tyler
Linda Nedilsky
Carol Rusaw
Bilee Sciuto
Tom Payne
John Hartt
 
We also saw Kelly Haneklau and Susan Furr with their own art booths too!

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/.

Photography/Video Credits:
Sheri Herrick and Donna Liguria

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!

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Post 214: What's on Your Easel Right Now?

What's on Your Easel Right Now?

PWAS Members show off what's on their easel (in the studio) right now.

PWAS Member's Artwork on the Easel in September 2022

The Prince William Art Society members are periodically asked this question for this blog and they graciously answer with a sneak peek into their studios to have a look at what they are currently working on. Some pieces look nearly finished, some are in the beginning processes. Let's have a look at what some of the PWAS Members are up to.

Anna Gatling

What Anna is working on...Strawberry 11x14 watercolor

And Iris?, -maybe...

 

John Hartt at Arts Alive, September 11, 2022

 

Michelle Baker

On My Easel: Hydra, Acrylic on canvas

I just returned from a vacation to Greece and fell in love with the beauty of the land and people so I decided to try and recreate what I caught with my camera. Telling a story with words and photos is my passion. 

Note from Donna: I'm going to do the next Artist question on Where did you go on your most recent vacation? I several of our authors went to lands far away so I will include Michelle's pictures of Greece there.


My secondary Greek project: A Children's Cat Book. The island of Hydra is known for the cats who reside there. Ran the photos through the cartoon mode on the app Prequel. I'm working on a story line now. https://michellebakerart.wixsite.com/artwork Instagram @MichelleBakerArtwork

Linda Nedilsky

I am currently working on a color pencil drawing 14x20 of a Shih-Tzu. I am using Mixed Media Strathmore Paper and a various brands of my favorite color pencils. 


Otis Stanley

Grandpa's Hands Acrylic Painting 36x36
 

Donna Liguria

Paintings in Progress - actually I have 4 commissioned paintings in progress and I cannot show those! https://donnaliguriaart.com

CJ Davis

I am CJ Davis, a Mexican American artist working out of the PWC area. Here are my responses!

I'm currently working on a 16 painting series, I am halfway through at 8 paintings. The overall theme is 'Why I do art'. The first line is called "For survival" and the second line is called "To grow and heal". The third line will be "To love" and the last will be "To live". They are meant to be presented 4 paintings by 4 paintings, and each canvas is 12"x12". cjdavisart.com

 
 

Fatima Farzana Sumi

My easel is now producing a feature of a mystique woman who is making a journey to a river. A title for this painting "River's Maiden" is in my mind. On a 16X40 canvas, I am painting this piece in the acrylic medium.

Please visit my website: https://www.sumisart.com/

Thank you to all the PWAS Members that reply - look for the next Blog Question!


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!