Monday, August 14, 2023

Post 383: What I Would Like to See at PWAS

What I Would Like to See at PWAS

An Editorial Post.  The Prince William Art Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit group of artists in Prince William County, Virginia that started back in 1971. PWAS will be voting for a new board in October 2023 as we do, every 2 years, and these are my thoughts as well as a few of other members on where we would like to see PWAS go, into the future.

This is a large post, so go grab a coffee (or wine), and let's go...

A Bit of PWAS History

The Prince William Art Society (PWAS) is over 50 years old. The artists styles, mediums and experience levels vary, as well as including photographers, digital artists and sculptors. Since the beginning, the membership has increased and decreased consistently over the years for many reasons and seasons. As is normal in Northern Virginia, as people work, grow, and retire, they do often move on.

About PWAS - a History of a Prince William Count Art Group

This isn't the first time PWAS has been without a gallery and it may not be the last. Unless someone donates big money or PWAS did a lot of fundraising and planning, an actual ownership of a PWAS Gallery space is an ambitious future. My wish is that we could generate enough funding and income to support our very own location for a gallery space. It would be a place that the art group could meet, have classes, have art shows, contests, an art shop, perhaps studio space, and grow within the community. It would be in proximity of restaurants, shopping, and have great parking. It just seems like it does not have to be just a wish.

PWAS has gained a TON of knowledge and experience in the last few years so it is in our best interests to USE that knowledge NOW. We can have a beautiful ongoing future IF the entire membership, or at the very least, the majority of members jumps in with excitement and love of the arts, their belief in this group, and the will to ensure PWAS takes the steps to accomplish our goals (and maybe wishes, too). 

PWAS should be making and leaving footprints all across Prince William County, creating an art culture for the county into a living, breathing, growing and spectacular thing. That means PWAS needs YOU.

Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash 

Members with Leadership Skills

The bi-annual election process for the PWAS Board is coming up shortly. Those now in the positions can run again or new members may step up and throw their hat in the ring. We'll be voting on all Board positions: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, the Arts Council Representative (PWCAC Liason) and the PWAS Member at Large.

We always need great, art passionate people in each role, with some great skill sets, and the desire to succeed. It is advised by "Art Group" articles that a Board member should have (some?) the following, but not limited to any of these experiences and qualities: 

  • Networking skills 
  • Great business associations and acumen
  • Marketing and/or legal experience 
  • Knowledge of working with the press
  • Good writing and communication skills
  • Leadership and relationship building skills
  • Know the importance of delegating, influence, courage, communication, integrity, gratitude, respect, empathy, learning agility, and self-awareness
  • Herding kittens is also an unspecified talent within any group composed of people.
  • I'll take a passion for the success of PWAS in the mix too.

And PWAS also has other committee positions or sub-groups, that need to be filled and added to, including:

Social Media, a Gallery Group, Event/Show Group, Hospitality, Phone Tree, Scholarship, Marketing, Advertising, Promotion, Media/Photographers, Fund Raising, Membership, Website, and probably more, gosh, even a Think Tank Group! Typically there is a lead for each committee or group that reports to the board.

"I think would be helpful for every chair, board position or person heading any other function to have a list of all of the actions that person needs to take as part of their function. We have something similar to that in the bylaws but we really need something a little more complete and specific. It could be in the form of a list of dates ("mid May, request room rental" or "two weeks in advance" etc) and actions, and could start out as a rough outline to be filled in as things occur. It would be something that could be handed to anyone who is interested in a position but uncertain what it entails, and would support someone taking over any position, especially one where their predecessor isn't still around, and it could be sent to each new member picking the function as choice one or two on their membership application, just to provide an overview. Of course each position holder would modify it as conditions change or when they come up with new ideas." - PWAS Member Emily Hawes, Scholarship and Programs Committees

Social Media - EVERYONE within the group with a PC or smart phone, should be sharing website links, blog posts, art show events and images. The more the merrier - but ensure it is a unified message. Promoting online is for one and all. Use Facebook, Twitter/X, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube and whatever else is on the horizon - PWAS should be all over the internet. Darn it, PWAS should be ALL over the county! 

What if we had co-Presidents? Or more than one VPs under a President to delegate duties to? Committee leaders can co-lead with a second person, divvy up their duties and help ensure that committees' tasks are completed.

"A 'co-worker' might be a good idea. In that way, if the secretary, vice president or whoever cannot make a meeting, then the co-person could step in. 

I think co-captains are a good idea for the pop-up shows, as well. One person might not want the burden of running the entire thing, but with a co-captain - and a small committee under them- it might be more attractive. If someone is slightly interested and they have a PWAS friend or member they would like to work with, invite them to be your co-captain. It may help stir up involvement." - PWAS Member Bettie Sperty former Gallery Committee

An art group needs to use all the ways and means to keep their group on target, in focus and on the same page.

Each position, whether in a committee or as a Board member is a commitment to your fellow artists, and sure, it will not be easy at times. We may even want to reconsider the bi-annual positions into a yearly thing.

  • I could even see some sort of incentive given to members that serve, or have served on the Board.
  • Filling of persons into positions if they become open is an ongoing and constant recruitment obligation of the Board, I feel. 
  • Also, ensure that membership KNOWs all the opportunities and benefits available to them. 

Volunteering and helping out helps to build respect from your fellow artists which usually leads for them to help you in return, when you need it.

Clarity in Goals and Objectives

Voting for the Board means that the right individuals should be recruited, volunteer and understand all that will be required of them. He or she should be passionate about art and committed to your art groups objectives and goals. He or she should have good organizational and leadership skills and know how to delegate the tasks and responsibilities that must be done, often with due dates and timelines. A nominating committee might be a great way to recruit these individuals. A very clear list of duties, expectations and regular meetings to report progress are all must haves.

  • Realize that a single person shouldn't have to do everything. And the same members that always volunteer shouldn't have to do all the work all the time.
  • Open regular meetings, chat sessions, in person or online are necessary so that any issues can be resolved as they come up.
  • Artists are typically passionate creative people, and most will love sharing their talent, experience, and knowledge with the group. 
  • We all want a thriving group focused on positivity.

"I think we would get a more effective Board if the voting was in secret. When you have someone sitting there watching who raised their hand to vote for them and who doesn't, some people will vote for an incompetent person just to keep from hurting that person's feelings. Also, when only 20/25 people show up at the meeting to vote, you don't necessarily get the choice of the majority. Not all people can show up on the night of the vote. I think we could send out a ballot that would reach all the members and be anonymous." - PWAS Member Sandra McClelland Lewin former PWAS President and Gallery Committees

 The PWAS group should absolutely be inclusive - as we always have been. We have beginner artists to professional artists and everything and age in between. Our location in Northern Virginia gives us artists with full and part-time jobs, from all over the county and surrounding areas. We have folks in the government, in the military, in food service, teachers, and retirees with skills of every kind. (Thankfully

Understand the value that each member brings. PWAS membership is for any adult, 18 or older that has a love for art. They do not have to be an artist. Some artists start early in their lives, while others start later in life. Some of the members have art education under their belts, and others are self-taught.

  • Realize that youngest members often have knowledge of technological skills, social media, and the latest trends, and usually have tons of energy and enthusiasm.
  • Realize that middle-aged members with families and the lovely commuter jobs may have less time to offer, but they may be awesome as the weekend art warriors, organizers, and have current work skills and experiences that are very useful.
  • Realize that older artist members have skills, knowledge and usually mega-tons of experience. They may even be retired and have more time to help with the tasks and volunteering time necessary for an art group.

Some members can help with heavy duty setups while others can perhaps be better at greeting your visitors, or handling the sales. Use the PWAS member resources - find out what areas someone would be great at and get them in there! 

Ensure that all members understand that we are a full hands-on group and their input and collaboration is needed - give and take and sharing is a must. 

"If members are planning to participate in any of the pop-ups, then perhaps they should consider participating in helping. After all, the shows don’t happen by themselves. And it’s not a 'just wait for someone to set up the show and you just come and plop your stuff down' deal." - PWAS Member Bettie Sperty

Everyone wants the best out of all involved, get everyone to contribute in their own unique ways. 

Get and Keep the Members Engaged

As new members arrive - invite them into a group where they may fit. Let the leaders of that group know as well. When the member joins, they fill in the form that asks where they are interested in helping. This has NEVER been followed up on, which is quite unfortunate. As soon as members sign up, get them into one of the sub groups or an area of interest. Get them involved immediately!

"We might consider modifying any future PWAS Membership forms that we print so that when new members join we tell them to pick one as their first choice and one as their second choice.  It's a subtle distinction but I'm suggesting that we not present it as something where you can check off one, three, or zero things you would like to participate in, but rather as one of those spaces where the form isn't complete if it's blank. If they don't put a first choice and second choice down, they get a phone call or an email saying "oops - you forgot to fill in this portion of your membership application". That would require a few calls or emails (most people would fill it in), plus forwarding the contact information to the chosen chairs, but that would be all. Later on, as more experienced members, they could change their own sections." - PWAS Member Emily Hawes

Members need to be kept informed to keep them engaged. Communication can happen in so many ways now, use them - texting, email, social media, Zoom, if you have a forum on your website, smoke signals, etc. A shared calendar is necessary. Encourage active participation and trust by information sharing, and being transparent.

"I feel like everyone should do something to help the group. The bylaws state that everyone should do 4 hours of volunteer work per month. That has never been enforced. Everyone is allowed to show at the outside PWAS shows as long as they've paid their dues." - PWAS Member Sandra McClelland Lewin

Find a good source to communicate with your members without bombarding them with emails if possible but realize that online is also a great method of getting feedback including surveys. Or create a focus group for your member needs or even have a suggestion box in a location. (Good question, "Where?")

Keep the members motivated and involved. 

  • Meet, greet, repeat all new members
  • Delegate and integrate the newbies
  • Praise and support, the entire group

Do include fun and games, show and tell, and snacks when time allows. Think up crazy ideas and DO them - they'll make for great social posts when you take pictures and your group will attract attention. At an art show - have everyone wear a funny hat, crazy colors, all one color, mismatched everything, or some theme. At your art reception, have everyone dress in the theme. Post and repost!

Annual Art Competition - PWAS should have an annual art competition, open to the county and/or area artists where a fee is paid, a paid jury/judge person or group selects the submissions, winners and awards ($). The artwork needs to hang somewhere to be seen, get press, do the promotion, etc. A few of us had begun planning this for 2024 at OSA...I would hate to see this idea fall flat.

Find more ways for artists to make sales! Find MORE events, shows, places to do group art shows. Although PWAS is a nonprofit group, most artists are not.

Have contests within your art group to design things, including your art group tshirt. Sell them. Or have a tie-dye or print party with your group logo.

"When I think about when strife develops in the group in the past it's often around hanging shows. That's a byproduct of shows being both important and demanding. People seem to be lightest, loosest, happiest during refreshments or open houses where you hear the most laughter. I'd like to see some lighter, happier, casual events so we had more of that kind of bonding to offset some of the stress that necessarily occurs around the tougher business of art, and things that remind us we are artists because it's pleasurable to us." - PWAS Member Emily Hawes

Best Practices Should Include Growth and Sustaining

Finances. Grants, Corporate Sponsorships, Patrons, Crowdfunding Campaigns can be used to help reach your art group goals, keep the energy and enthusiasm up, and reach your potential. Membership fees, Website fees, Art Commissions, and workshop or class fees are all a part of fundraising. Raffles, donations, benefits, silent auctions, ticketed events, and direct sales - there and tons of ways to raise funding for projects.

  • Fund Raising with GOALS in mind, a plan to reach those goals.
  • How are we going to handle donations?
  • What if we wanted to raise money for an art competition, with sponsorships?
  • How are we going to raise money for the Scholarship Fund?

Ideas. Find out what other art groups are doing and do your version of it. The internet will help in the research but actually going out to other art galleries will generate ideas too. While on vacation in another state, one of my to-dos was to stop at various art galleries and TALK with them. See and hear how they do things. 

Research. Drive to DC, Fredericksburg, Middleburg, Fairfax or Leesburg and see their art scene. Even Manassas has a thriving art culture, with at least 4 galleries within walking distance of each other. If you go on vacation somewhere, check into the local art. Talk to the people there and ask about their group/members, anything interesting. See their hanging systems, print racks, all of it and see what you can find out.

Remember Austin Kleon's book, Steal Like An Artist? Well, there ya go.

Press and Promo. See who can write your press releases, formal letters and other content and requests. Who can create your promotional art work? Don't rely on just one person - there WILL be a day when that person is not available.

Advertising online and offline, more members should be attentive to the free and paid methods for this area. A budget should be set and identify the high profile events that must have press.

Build your brand identity all the time for every event. Create brochures, mini flyers, handouts, let the public know where PWAS will be and when. One of the most unfathomable things to me after joining PWAS and being a part of a gallery, was no one knew what PWAS was, and were amazed to learn that it had been around PWC for over 50 years. PWAS must get on the map far better than it has.
  • Create mini brochures for each show, include the artists participating. 
  • Discover organizations and groups that you can work out deals with, trades.
  • I KNOW there are some writers out there. Write about art, your art, their art, local art, your experiences, your art shows, the group's art shows and events. Get on your blog and the art groups blog. Share and share some more.
  • A newsletter may be an option and advertising on it could be a source of fund raising and/or trade.

Growth. Build more committees with specific duties as needed, to help reach or do specific tasks. These committees can be ad hoc, temporary, or standard operating committees.

Find your leaders and let them lead. An art group must have people that will stand up and take the horns to lead the pack. Provide the details on what is needed, the forms the docs, the bylaws. 

When the group asks for donations, sponsors, or other items from other merchants or organizations, have talking points, rules and the info they need ready so they can properly take care of the tasks given to them. Be sure PWAS gets all of the donors info so that credit can be put in the proper place like the website or printed materials.

We need sub-committees to draw in new PWAS members because of their specific artistic direction. A critique group, a plein air group, an oil painting group, an acrylic group...tossing some ideas here.

We need a committee that is always on the lookout for opportunities - to show art, to be a potential gallery space, to help promote art.

A potential new Gallery Committee, ready to go into a new gallery space and get it up and running. Look for more than one space to show art. Prince William County is a large county with some great towns and cities. With a large membership, more places to exhibit and more opportunities are a part of the growth we should be looking into.

"Someone on the Board should be responsible for heading up a committee to seek out new venues to exhibit our work. Emily (Hawes) recently sent out a document that Fairfax had put together regarding approaching vacant stores and office space to use for art venues. This is exactly what Herb did when he sought and received permission to use OSA. I'm convinced we can do the same thing." - PWAS Member Sandra McClelland Lewin

A documentation method to record ongoing PWAS history and "how tos" to make it easier for your followup person to know what to do.

There needs to be a budget for certain things - hold that group accountable for how its spent with documentation. Donations should always be acknowledged.

Constantly grow, evolve and change. Membership will probably fluctuate. Keep the interest and desire to be in PWAS for the next 50 years. Encourage pictures and posting on social media to ensure the group is not forgotten and to gain more members. That is originally how I found PWAS, was through Facebook.

"I would like to see more social get-togethers for the group outside of the meetings. When people get to know one another better, they are more willing to help each other out and morale is higher." - PWAS Member Sandra McClelland Lewin

Get Feedback from Members

Notifications to the group. ID the PWAS emails so they don't go to junk. Useful feedback is more helpful than "congratulations" and Reply Alls. (Hope you get what I'm saying here!)

Get feedback from your members especially after events, shows, changes, and use whatever methods work. Lessons learned after an event, comments in blogs, suggestion box...get your feedback. And members should share what they think worked great and what could be improved upon for the next time.

Art Activities and Art Events for Members

Know why your members have joined your art group and cater the activities and events to their needs and interests. Have mini workshops within your group. If seating is limited, do it more than once. Record them, blog about them, share the results on blogs and Social Media.

  • How to run an art reception. 
  • How to hang an art gallery. 
  • How to make prints. 
  • How to photograph art. 
  • Art critiques, art talks.
  • Art website do, don'ts, discussion.
  • How to lead an art show.
  • How to frame, display art.
  • Write an artist statement.
  • How to do digital or photoart.
  • How to do Social Media and use hash tags.

Share your knowledge and become THAT valuable resource within your art group!

Art Field Trips - for experiences and inspiration. Go gallery hopping. Rent a bus for a big field trip. Have a committee to come up with exciting ideas!

"We used to do "field trips" where someone with a van took six or so people (who pooled for gas and driving pains) to Richmond to an art museum or to the Torpedo Factory. Going to the Workhouse is easy. We can try some community art endeavors where the process, experience and inclusivity is as or more important than the product. Indoors, in addition to more formal guided workshops there could be "work parties" with byo materials. We could try a few and just do whatever turns out to be most enjoyable. Like Bhutan, we need to start paying attention to our Gross Domestic Happiness." - PWAS Member Emily Hawes

"It is interesting to read all of your comments and many are very familiar to me, since I’m an ole timer. I went on a couple of van trips and we had a fun time. I was also involved with getting in a vacant shop in the strip mall on Minnieville Road across from Lowe’s.

We exhibited our art and occasionally had an evening reception. When Tackett’s Mill first opened we had a gallery down on the lake. We were given a reasonable rent fee. It was very successful, but after two years they raised rent and six months later we just couldn’t financially stay there.

I hopefully can continue working on committees as I have in the past. The only place I drive at night is to our PWAS meeting which is not far from my house. If anyone wants to get together in person and and talk about your suggestions I would like to participate." - PWAS Founding Member Jewell Pratt Burns, the PWAS Scholarship Program bears Jewell's name

Art Group Meetings

Regular meetings are a must. Allow plenty of time for discussion, Q&A, debate. Put in the ground rules and encourage active participation. Everyone should always feel welcome to exchange their ideas, their perspectives. The board should always do their kitten herding when it is needed, and keep things from going off the rails.

Continue to Grow

Do a "State of the Art" analysis of your group periodically to assess the growth and successes of the entire art group, each committee and sub-group. 

  • Are you being successful in meeting your goals and having an impact on your community? 
  • Are the member's needs and preferences being met and exceeded? 
  • Are you finding new ways to engage and attract new artist members? 
  • What new projects are being developed?
  • What is the group doing to raise funds?
  • Are the corporate documents, bylaws and other official documents updated, renewed, and kept up with? 

From lessons learned for specific events to project progress - evaluate all measurable results, trends, member growth, group impact. Do premortem, in process, and postmortem checks so that issues can be resolved or not repeated. Find if there are areas of concern before things go in the wrong direction.

Other To Dos

  • The art group's leadership needs to all work toward ensuring all critical positions are filled at all times.
  • Not just in art groups, but have you ever been in a meeting where everyone talks and talks yet nothing at all gets resolved? Someone needs to be decisive and makes a decision or create a focus group to find out more. Do something!
  • And if someone for whatever reason is not fulfilling what the were voted in or volunteered for, there needs to be a way to remove that person and install someone that will. This should also apply to Committee Chairs as well.
  • Recognize opportunities when presented to the group by outside organizations. 
  • Leaders aren't born, they are created, developed, molded and experienced. Sounds like an artist to me.

"Along that same line, there should be some sort of method of removing someone from office if they are not doing a good job. Just showing up for meetings is not being an effective Board officer. I think this should apply to Committee Chairs as well.  We have so many people who fear confrontation so much that they let people get away with not following the rules. This creates a lot of resentment because it's unfair to the people who are responsible enough to do what is expected of them. Also, when people don't do their fair share, others are left to do the work for them and they get burned out and resentful. This will remain a problem with whatever PWAS does even when we are no longer responsible for OSA." - PWAS Member Sandra McClelland Lewin

Yes, I (we) Have a BIG Wish List

PWAS has a lot of potential, many awesome artists, and a lot of love for the arts. Since I have been a member, PWAS has had and lost 2 galleries. By golly, we have learned a lot though.

I believe I have made some life-long friends. I'm very happy that so many are passionate about doing what it takes to succeed, evolve, and thrive - with their art AND with PWAS. We have plenty of great people that could step up to the leadership positions available now and coming soon.

A PWAS member and past President, Sandra McClelland Lewin says that she realized a long time ago, that the best way to change something is to put yourself in a position so that you can help make that change.

"PWAS has changed over the past few years, but the basics have remained the same. We still have our meetings at the Tall Oaks Community Center and we still participate in the Spring/Fall shows there; at ArtsAlive, Occoquan and more. None of that has changed. But considering we are becoming a younger group, I think we need to add more incentives to keep our younger members. If we don't and we rely on the older members to keep the group running, we could end up with no PWAS at all. As people get older, move away, family responsibilities may become more demanding - all these things add up to a less active membership. We can't let a 50+ year old group die. What can we do to get younger people more involved?" - PWAS Member Sandra McClelland Lewin

I would like to see, well, MORE in my art group and the time is NOW! 

What about you? What do you think?


See Also: 

Blog Comments

PWAS Group Something to Think About

PWAS New Board of Directors

Getting Involved in Your Local Art Group  
 

Author: Donna Liguria
An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA and the Artistry Spin Blog Admin, specializing in acrylic painting and writing long blog posts. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com, her Esty site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.
 
Authors: Bettie Sperty, Sandra McClelland Lewin, Jewell Pratt Burns, and Emily Hawes
Artist members of PWAS from Manassas and Woodbridge, VA


Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 52-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia.

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!

Saturday, August 12, 2023

Post 382: Art Tips 9

Art Tips, Tricks, and More...9

You never know when you might hear an art tip about something that is just the suggestion that will solve an issue for you or help you and your work in some way. This is an ongoing series of tips and I would LOVE to have your suggestions as well!
Photo by sydney Rae on Unsplash

Art Tips, Advice, Suggestions

  1. Join an online art community! 7 Popular Online Art Communities to Join in 2023 Why? Many benefits like building a pro network, inspiration, feedback, growth, learning, challenges, courage, confidence, friendships, support, collaboration, and new things!
  2. When asking for art advice, study and research who is doing and is successful in what you are asking about. For example, if you like how someone does a style you like, or if you love they way they package their art prints or if you see someone successfully and consistently getting into art shows or doing something you would like to learn - there is your resource. Also consider, does this person see you as a comrade or as competition? - to ensure they will answer your query in full.
  3. Get your face out there if you are a beginner artist. Attend exhibits, receptions, galleries, shows, and other artsy things and introduce yourself. Show an interest in artwork you admire and cultivate the relationships you build. If you start getting in on the local art scene, people start recognizing you and thinking of you as part of the scene too.
  4. Make those business cards. I've seen art admirers ask for a card from an artist they admire and want to contact - and the artist does not have one.
  5. Want to be a professional artist? Present yourself professionally. This one can cover a LOT of territory, from correspondence to appearance. 
  6. Self-taught artists are NO less gifted than educated artists, by golly. Some may debate this one. There are many of the great masters that were self-taught (more or less). And truly, what is self-taught these days? An artist may have had a semester of art in high school, taken a class or two, or at a minimum, watched some YouTube videos. Van Gogh didn't have that.
  7. Overcome perfectionism. 
  8. Learn the art fundamentals - Color (Light), Composition, Value, Form (Structure), Anatomy, Brushwork and Perspective. 
  9. Learn the elements of art (building blocks) - Line, Shape, Form, Space, Texture, Value, and Color.
  10. Learn the principles of art - proportion, movement, contrast, variety, pattern, balance, emphasis
  11. How to Write an Artist's CV When You Don't Have Much (or Any!) Professional Experience
  12. Should You Include Artwork Prices on Your Website?

Often I hope that you, dear reader, will run into a tip that is new to you and needed at just the right time.

Art Tips is a series of blog posts with 12 tips per post. See the rest of the Art Tips Series on this page for more tidbits of advice: https://artistryspin.blogspot.com/p/art.html

Send me YOUR art tips too or drop them in the comments below. AND let me know if you find an art tip here that you LOVE!


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.


Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 52-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia.

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!

Thursday, August 10, 2023

Post 381: Watching the Jury Process at Open Space Arts

Watching the Jury Process at Open Space Arts

Open Space Arts, Wednesday, August 9, 2023 9am - A new art show at a gallery means that the Call for Art to jury all the art submitted is on the agenda this morning. Here are some things of note that I observed while jurying, or watching the jurying for the new upcoming art show.

The Jury Process at Open Space Arts (OSA)

I was on the original OSA Committee Team 2022, along with the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) members Penny Shaw, Bettie Sperty, Staci Blanchard and Sandra McClelland Lewin. But in this jury process today, I was more an observer, a reporter...taking notes on what to pass along to you, the artist reader.

There are 48 local Prince William County artists that answered the Call for Art (C4A) for this upcoming show called "Strut Your Stuff". This show is scheduled to start on Wednesday, August 23 and run until September 17, 2023. 

On this jury committee were Mandy Powell, Evelyn Chatters, Nicole Fisher, Larry Burch, Penny Shaw, Mark Murphy and Aaron. Herb Williams came in as well.

It is different not being behind the table with the jurors. My thumbs caught a break today. Observing their process, and not tracking the results necessarily allowed for interesting details to be noted.

The screen that displayed the artists with their submitted work
 
Penny gave the instructions on the voting. For this particular show, the accepted art is not based on any kind of a theme nor title - as always, we want the BEST of the art submitted. 
  • Numero Uno: It should always always be the quality of the art.
  • Each volunteer juror votes - basically a thumbs up or down. In case of tie, Mark votes. (Mark mans the laptop and slides on the TV.)
  • Composition, balance, use of color - all the art fundamentals, elements, principles of art should be in the jurors minds, as well as the uniqueness, the originality - the impressiveness of the piece being considered. 
  • The name of the artist does not matter.
  • There should be no restrictions in the number accepted per person. The C4A currently asks for up to 8 large, 6 medium, 6 small and 6 sculpture pieces. 
  • The sales ability of the piece is a consideration in a gallery.
  • Consider if it is family-friendly, controversial? Does it speak to the viewer in the manner the gallery finds acceptable?
  • Are there any copyright issues with the piece? For the most part, artists that submit something that may have controversial copyright infringement problems is kicked out. This is for the gallery's protection. An example is that if you took a Disney figure and put it in your artwork. If you are trying to sell that piece, that very easily could be copyright infringement. See How to Tell If an Image is Copyright free (Public Domain Art)
Let the games begin, the jurors thumbs are twitching... 



Submitting Your Art for a Call for Art

As the observer to these good folks volunteering their time to jury this art show, I feel the need to point out the obvious. There are things as juror to be aware of as well as the artists that submit their artwork. 

Not all artwork can be accepted, period.

You know the saying that it only takes 7 seconds to make a good first impression? Well, that can absolutely be said about a jury process, in my opinion. If there are hundreds of pieces of art for the juror(s) to look at, a decision needs to be made, and quickly. I would offer that if there is a judging and awards being given, I would imagine the selections -should and probably do- take more time than that. Some jurors and judges get paid in those cases. Others are volunteers not getting paid.

The more people that enter an art show that will be juried, the more important the rules, directions, and jury process is. If a person does not follow the directions, the more likelihood that an artist that doesn't follow them are to be kicked. (Does it sound better if I say "not accepted"?)

Depending on the size of the gallery or art space, only up to a specific number will actually fit into the given space. And the jurors have to be aware of the size of the artwork coming in. Different shows, some art might be quite large - which of course makes a BIG impact, but definitely they do take up more wall space. Along with diptychs, triptychs and artist series of a collection. 

What did concern me was the number of artists that just do not follow the directions. All of the jurors noted how the image quality was often pretty awful. Clarify, really BAD. Artists must understand that the juror must make a decision on an art piece within a few seconds. If the artwork cannot be clearly seen, it will get the thumbs down vote very quickly although in person, it might actually be quite beautiful artwork. 

I'm noting here, and I have photo posts on this blog and there is tons of info out on the internet about taking quality photos of your artwork. If artwork is not lit well during the photo session, it follows that it will not show well in front of the jurors.

  • Take your photos BEFORE you varnish to avoid that additional glare.
  • Edit your photos to ensure horizontal is straight. Crop off the edges some if you have to. 
  • As much as possible try to take the photo straight at the artwork as tilted can throw distortions across the piece.
  • Take your photos outside - there are specific times of day that will work best. Use a tripod. Take a LOT of photos to get the BEST.
  • Jurors mentioned no frilly setups. ONLY the artwork is to be in the image and nothing around it. In the past, others have submitted art with it posed in a living room looking wall, trying to "Etsy" the look. Know what I mean? You do not do that when answering a Call for Art. 
  • Someone could offer a class or workshop, or be the guest speaker at a meeting to show HOW to take photos! Or write a blog post!

Framing. Oh this one is a stickler. Take the picture of the artwork without the frame or EDIT out the frame! ALL of the jurors mentioned this one and more than once. The frames were so distracting (and sometimes the frame did not do the artwork any favors). Also, because they included the frame in the photo, the actual size of the artwork on the television screen is even smaller, again, making the artwork harder to see.

        *Jurors also made mention that an art piece might work better in another more appropriate upcoming art show. Artists may be asked to not submit repeating artwork within a time frame so understand your inventory of work to the art shows upcoming that you may want to enter. Be aware of the season of the show too. EX. Snow may not work in July - in most places.

One juror mentioned the difference between artwork that appears more finished and the canvas being covered entirely. She feels that artwork is not complete unless white canvas is painted white - she doesn't like the bare canvas showing. Paintings are often built with LAYERS of paint and the canvas does not show through it. She gave further feedback as follows:

        "When painting with acrylic and oil, be sure to build up your paint on the canvas to create depth and show rich color. Canvas should not show through your medium, creating visible brushstrokes that are not part of the texture."

Oddly enough, red artwork seemed to be trending. More often than not, red artwork got in. I found that interesting and they may not have even realized it was happening.

Sure, I would have voted differently on many of the pieces, everyone is definitely entitled to their own likes and dislikes with art. I was quite surprised at the volume and selections of no votes. But I do consider it as more of a fair process to be juried and voted on by a team of your artist peers than a single voter. At that point, you are selected or not according to only one person's likes and dislikes. What if that person LOVES abstract art and abhors landscapes or vice-versa?

A New Gallery Management Team

Considering that a new gallery management team is starting soon, new Call for Art directions, rules and the process will all probably change. Hence, all artists need to be aware that changes will take place and the reading of the rules and following directions will be even more crucial going forward. As with anything, there will be growing pains and they are to be expected.

Flowers. The Open Space Gallery is scheduled to do an annual springtime art show for flowers, so the gallery's preference is submit subject matter artwork of flowers to that art show. Under discussion were still life and landscape artwork with flowers in them. Hopefully the new management will have more clarity on this later.

One item that was brought up that will be in effect is that after October 1, 2023, if the art call asks for a photo of the artist and bio, they are planning to use that digital info as media/data/press(?) in the gallery. Hence the need to submit those each time you want to enter. By the way, great bio pic, Vaze.

Herb Williams also noted that the jurors should help with the art check in as well. They voted the pieces in that will appear and the art check in is MORE than just that. Artists are required to have their artwork READY to be hung on the gallery's walls. FINISHED sides, WIRED correctly, Framed properly. Has a label on the back? At check in, this is that last filter before art goes on the walls so if the artist does not have the art ready, he or she must get it corrected immediately or risk being rejected from the show. See Display

Therefore, do not pass go, do not collect 200 until you:

R E A D  T H E  D I R E C T I O N S

Thumbs Up!

A Call for Help

Penny Shaw also noted that for the "Strut Your Stuff" art show, she is looking for volunteers to help with the art reception (date?), the window display for the show (Aug 20-21) and help with the art hanging those same days too. Email Penny at shawonesent@gmail.com

For the most part, ALL of the information needed is pretty much on this blog already. Do a search. If you want to show your artwork in a professional gallery, YOU must learn to be a professional as well. Learn how that gallery EXPECTS your artwork to hang.

All artists know, they will hear NO. That will happen at many art shows in your art careers. In a way, because of some of the notes above, it has to...And they always ask why was my artwork rejected? See Rejection. Dust off your knees and keep going, or as one of my friend's always says, "Put on your big girl panties and deal with it".

I hope that makes things a little clearer for everyone.

Talk about a jury process...see Art at the Mill - maybe Open Space Arts one day!


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: 
Donna Liguria

Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 52-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia.

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

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

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

Post 380: The Art with the Artist of PWAS 1

The Art with the Artist of PWAS 1

Otis Stanley is a member of the Prince William Art Society and not only is he a wonderful artist, but a photographer as well. He has participated in many PWAS events, volunteered his time to the cause, had his paintings hung in the Open Space Arts Gallery at Stonebridge, invited hundreds of people to come into the gallery and while attending many events, taking and editing photos of our shows and receptions. He is also the creator of the blog series PWAS Comics.

PWAS Artists with Their Art on Display

These photos, taken by Otis, are of some of the current fellow PWAS artists with a piece or two of their artwork currently on display at Open Space Arts.

The current art show at OSA is called "For Those That Serve" and most of the art in the gallery reflects that theme. This show will be on until Sunday, August 20, 2023. The next show, open to all PWC artists (18 and older) is "Strut Your Stuff" which will run August 23 to September 17, 2023. I hear 48 artists entered this Call For Art!

As always, click on the photo for a larger image.

Katie Keller Dugan

Mandy Powell

David Dillon

Ahmad Khalid Gardizi

Nicole Fisher

Robert Dew

Tony Muller

Evelyn Chatters

Otis Stanley

This blog post would not be complete without a photo of Otis.

Art by Otis Stanley is from a previous art show at OSA

Other PWAS Members *Attention!*

If you are a member of PWAS and want to be included on a blog post similar to these PWAS artist members, this is what is needed:

  • 3-6 great images of you with your hanging art (for now at OSA would be a good background)
  • At least one of those images should be a closeup of the LABEL, please ID which image it goes with too.
  • Send the images to Otis Stanley - he will make the montage and Donna Liguria will post. 
  • NOTE: If you have images of an alternative art show, please label it with the name of the show and dates.

Have an idea for other blog posts? Are you a decent writer and want to help out on this blog? Contact Donna Liguria


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:
Otis Stanley

Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 52-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia.

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

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

Saturday, August 5, 2023

Post 379: Art Tips 8 - Social Media

Art Tips, Tricks, and More...8

You never know when you might hear an art tip about something that is just the suggestion that will solve an issue for you or help you and your work in some way. This is an ongoing series of tips and I would LOVE to have your suggestions as well!
Photo by sydney Rae on Unsplash

Art Tips, Advice, Suggestions

Social Media and Online Tips

  1. Research and use tags and hashtags whenever and wherever you post online. Do you post on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, X? Use the best keywords so that your post and art can be found. Use the best hashtags according to what you do. Examples: #DonnaLiguriaArt #PrinceWilliamArtSociety #PWAS #acrylicpainting #beachphotography #visualart #artlife #supportthearts
  2. Use the emoticons 🖼🖌🎨📷 when posting on your social sites. Beach artwork? Use those emoticons.
  3. Share what you do - visually. Create a video about the process you use to create your art (OR photography, OR digital art)
  4. Be a role model for other artists. If they find you and love your art, they'll look up to you and you can teach them various aspects of what you do. Record workshops, classes, and do live spots.
  5. Engage with your followers, comments the post, feedback they give - and find various ways to do that.
  6. What's the story behind the scenes? Can you engage your audience with the hidden meaning of your artwork, the inspiration and/or the reason you do what you do?
  7. Collaborate with other artists. Perhaps create a joint live session. Help each other out with the comments, reposting, sharing, etc.
  8. Content is KING! New, fresh, consistent posting is how to keep your followers engaged and coming back for more. See https://www.allshemakes.org/blog/50-social-media-content-ideas-for-artists
  9. Cliffhangers...build suspense. Slowly reveal what you are working on. Find enticing ways to do that. 
  10. Don't be that used car salesman. Do use a call for action.
  11. Remind your followers of past work. Not everyone sees everything so periodically resurrect older artwork.
  12. Track your Stats. See what is working, what is engaging and what is not.

Art Tips is a series of blog posts with 12 tips per post. See the rest of the Art Tips Series on this page for more tidbits of advice: https://artistryspin.blogspot.com/p/art.html

Send me YOUR art tips too or drop them in the comments below. AND let me know if you find an art tip here that you LOVE!


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, her Esty site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.

Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 52-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia.

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!

Friday, August 4, 2023

Post 378: PWAS Member's Pet Helpers and Inspiration

PWAS Member's Pet Helpers and Inspiration

Sometimes an email goes out to my fellow Prince William Art Society members with a question, some artists respond, many do not. Free advertising/promo...The question could be "What's on your easel?" or something like a favorite quote, favorite art tool, etc. This one was a little different.

PWAS Members Pets

Do you have a pet(s) that 'helps' you with your art or been a muse or inspiration for what you do? Leah actually posed the question, so thank you Leah...

Leah Boynton

I've got three little helpers! 
Ellie - 6 year old yellow retriever whose favorite thing in the world is playing tennis ball (jpg attachment Ellie Inspo and Ellie Art) the artwork is a 5x7 acrylic painting


Suki- 4 year old torti who is queen of the household and oversees projects (jpg attachment Suki Inspecting and Suki Art) artwork is an ATC (artist trading card) 3x5 watercolor/mixed media


Loki- 3 year old black cat is my mischief maker who lives up to his name and has gotten his own little "Loki Adventure" series

(jpg attachments Loki Helping and Loki Necklace plus the Loki Digital Collage) the necklace being real butterfly wing jewelry and the digital art is 8x8  




Donna Liguria

It took me a long time to paint my last cat, who passed awhile back. I did a cartoony version of her on a 3x4 mini canvas

Tupy, 3x4 Mini Canvas

It's been awhile since I had my aquarium going, but this was a nod to my fishy friends in a freshwater aquarium. 

 

Bettie Sperty

This is Mack. He was my daughter’s dog. I did this as a birthday gift for her a few years ago. It is acrylic on canvas. 12”x12”. 

By the way, fellow Prince William County artists - the deadline for the Call for Art for the Strut Your Stuff art show is Saturday, August 5, 2023 midnight https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/call-for-art


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, her Esty site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.

Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 52-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia.

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

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

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Post 377: PWAS Will No Longer Manage the Open Space Arts Gallery

PWAS Will No Longer Manage the Open Space Arts Gallery

July 2023. A new management group will take over the duties of managing the art gallery at Open Space Arts (OSA) at Stonebridge, located at 15000 #140 Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, Virginia. The official changeover is set for October 1, 2023 and more information will be forthcoming. All inquiries about the gallery, its operation procedures, any new rules, calls for art, volunteering, art promotion, events, etc should be directed to the PWC OSA Gallery representative directly at 

Email: OsaWoodbridge@gmail.com

Desk Phone:  703-944-0336

This PWAS Blog, Artistry Spin, will be updated to reflect these changes. 



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.


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 and our monthly meetings - held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center 12298 Cotton Mill Drive, 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!