Post 427: Lookout for Cape Lookout Lighthouses

Lookout for Cape Lookout Lighthouses

In preparation of the Harkers Island Fire Department Vendor Show on Saturday, November 6, 2025 at 1219 Island Rd, Harkers Island, NC 28531, my easel has seen a flurry of Bookcase and Small Art featuring the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. The 4x12 painting features the Blue Angels doing a fly by the lighthouse.

Cape Lookout Lighthouse Bookcase Art (4x4x1.5) Series 1-5 and a 4x12 "Lookout Fly By"

Painting Name: Cape Lookout Lighthouse 1

SKU: 11AF25ACGB

Medium: Acrylic

Size: 4x4x1.5 Gallery Wrapped Stretched Canvas Bookcase Art

Edition Year: 2025

The first scene has a few clouds with the morning to evening colors lighting up the skyline and a couple of birds with the lighthouse. A bit of the water and sand shows too.

Painting Name: Cape Lookout Lighthouse 2

SKU: 11AG25ACGB

Medium: Acrylic

Size: 4x4x1.5 Gallery Wrapped Stretched Canvas Bookcase Art

Edition Year: 2025

The second lighthouse again features colorful clouds and the tree line with the Cape Lookout Lighthouse.

Painting Name: Cape Lookout Lighthouse 3

SKU: 11AH25ACGB

Medium: Acrylic

Size: 4x4x1.5 Gallery Wrapped Stretched Canvas Bookcase Art

Edition Year: 2025

The third lighthouse is a mostly blue sky and the lighthouse reflecting a bit in the water.

Painting Name: Cape Lookout Lighthouse 4

SKU: 11AI25ACGB

Medium: Acrylic

Size: 4x4x1.5 Gallery Wrapped Stretched Canvas Bookcase Art

Edition Year: 2025

Number 4 Cape Lookout Lighthouse has a cloud and a few birds flying by.

Painting Name: Cape Lookout Lighthouse 5

SKU: 11AJ25ACGB

Medium: Acrylic

Size: 4x4x1.5 Gallery Wrapped Stretched Canvas Bookcase Art

Edition Year: 2025

And finally the fifth lighthouse has a line of clouds, a couple of birds and the tree line around the lighthouse.

Painting Name: Lookout Fly By

SKU: 11AK25ACG

Medium: Acrylic

Size: 4x12x1.5 Gallery Wrapped Stretched Canvas

Edition Year: 2025

And finally, at least with this batch, is "Lookout Fly By" which is the Cape Lookout Lighthouse with the Blue Angels in formation doing a fly-by over the lighthouse...as the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point isn't very far away.

More lighthouses coming too! Follow and Share!

Have a favorite?

____________________________

Author: Donna Liguria  is the Blogmaster for Donna's Cave Paintings and the PWAS Artistry Spin Blog and an artist member of the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) in Woodbridge, VA. Donna specializes in acrylic paintings of landscapes, seascapes, historic locations, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com and her Donna's Esty site to shop her art.

 *I LOVE reading your comments on my posts! Just remember that the blog comments are monitored so they may not appear right away.

Do you need a handmade, original painting for yourself or as a gift for a friend or family member? Yes, I do most commissions, so please contact me through this blog, on Facebook, My Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com, or go to Donna Liguria Art on Etsy at https://donnaliguriaart.etsy.com to shop my available Artwork.

Post 426: An Art Reception Story

An Art Reception Story 

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.

Art at the Mill Art Reception April 30, 2023

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 (check if you need a one-day ABC license)
  
• 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

And more about Visiting an Art Gallery

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!

This post by Donna Liguria, original appeared in the PWAS Artistry Spin Blog on September 21, 2022

_______________________________________

Author: Donna Liguria  is the Blogmaster for Donna's Cave Paintings and the PWAS Artistry Spin Blog and an artist member of the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) in Woodbridge, VA. Donna specializes in acrylic paintings of landscapes, seascapes, historic locations, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com and her Donna's Esty site to shop her art.

 *I LOVE reading your comments on my posts! Just remember that the blog comments are monitored so they may not appear right away.

Do you need a handmade, original painting for yourself or as a gift for a friend or family member? Yes, I do most commissions, so please contact me through this blog, on Facebook, My Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com, or go to Donna Liguria Art on Etsy at https://donnaliguriaart.etsy.com to shop my available Artwork.

Post 425: Donna Liguria at the Dec 6, 2025 Harkers Island Holiday Vendor Show

Donna Liguria at the Dec 6, 2025 Harkers Island Holiday Vendor Show 

Saturday, December 6, 2025. Donna Liguria will be at the Holiday Vendor Show at the Harkers Island Fire Department from 10 to 3pm. Located at 1219 Island Road, Harkers Island, the show coincides with the 37th Annual Core Sound Decoy Festival which runs Dec 6 and 7, 2025 and held next door to the Fire Dept, at the Harkers Island Elementary School.

Art on Display by Donna Liguria

Sat Dec 6: Donna Liguria will be at the Vendor Show at the Harkers Island Fire Department in Harkers Island, NC displaying her artworks from 10 to 3pm. Previously, in 2024 and 2023, Donna had her art up in her friend's garage nearby but this year she will be at the Fire Department at 1219 Island Rd, Harkers Island, NC, United States, North Carolina.

The 37th Annual Core Sound Decoy Festival is held at the Harkers Island Elementary School, right next to the Fire Dept, at 1163 Island Rd, Harkers Island on Dec 6 and 7, 2025. See the website here.

The Core Sound Museum will also have their annual Christmas Tree Show going on which is always a pleasure to see. See photos from the previous 2 years - 2024 here and 2023 here. 

 

Harkers Island and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse are a part of the southernmost Outer Banks and is an 85-mile long area called the Crystal Coast.

2024 at Harkers Island Art Show

Going to Harkers Island has been a joy at Christmas time, not only visiting dear friends that live there but meeting so many wonderful people from the area. And I've seen and met people from the previous year's come by and enjoy my artwork too! I look forward to visiting the island once again this holiday season and getting to meet you too. 

A few examples of paintings by Donna Liguria featuring Harkers Island, Shackleford Banks, the ponies and Cape Lookout.

"The Marshes of Harkers Island" by Donna Liguria

"Harkers Island Magic" by Donna Liguria

"Harkers Island" by Donna Liguria, a view from Beaufort, NC

"Wading Shackleford Pony" by Donna Liguria

"Ponies of Shackleford Island NC" by Donna Liguria

Hope to see you at the show!

_______________________________________

Author: Donna Liguria  is the Blogmaster for Donna's Cave Paintings and the PWAS Artistry Spin Blog and an artist member of the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) in Woodbridge, VA. Donna specializes in acrylic paintings of landscapes, seascapes, historic locations, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com and her Donna's Esty site to shop her art.

 *I LOVE reading your comments on my posts! Just remember that the blog comments are monitored so they may not appear right away.

Do you need a handmade, original painting for yourself or as a gift for a friend or family member? Yes, I do most commissions, so please contact me through this blog, on Facebook, My Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com, or go to Donna Liguria Art on Etsy at https://donnaliguriaart.etsy.com to shop my available Artwork.

Post 424: Donna Liguria is the Guest Artist at Laura Jones Fine Art Gallery in Occoquan for Nov 2025

Donna Liguria is the Guest Artist at Laura Jones Fine Art Gallery in Occoquan for Nov 2025 

November 2025. Donna Liguria is the Guest Artist at Laura Jones Fine Art Gallery and Studio in Occoquan, Virginia! For the entire month of November, go by and see Laura's Gallery, Studio AND Gift Shop in Occoquan and see her art space - it is so beautiful. She features art classes AND I am the Guest Artist for the month, Woohoo!

November 2025 Laura D Jones Fine Art Gallery in Occoquan Featured Artist

Laura Jones' Gallery is located at 125 Mill Street Unit 10, Occoquan Virginia 22125. Her studio is upstairs in the Riverwalk Stations (the big white building next to Madigans). The gallery has wonderful artworks from her collection and she offers workshops and classes. She also has studio space, overlooking the Occoquan River with a perfect view of the bridge. Laura also offers fascinating gift ideas and art merchandise, candles, and holiday / Christmas ornaments.

I'll be the Guest Artist for the entire month of November 2025 and an art reception is scheduled for Sunday, November 16 from 3-6pm. As the guest artist, I have some examples of my artwork in Laura's Gallery along with giclee art prints, mini artworks (3x4) with easels, what I like to call Bookcase Art - 4x4 small artworks that can go anywhere. Any of these items make great gifts or something to enhance your own home.

Art Reception RSVP Here (its free)

Laura Jones Gallery website is https://www.lauradjonesart.com/ and learn more about her and being the next Guest Artist!

Go by and see the gallery, RSVP for the art reception, and I'd love to meet you there! 

_______________________________________

Author: Donna Liguria  is the Blogmaster for Donna's Cave Paintings and the PWAS Artistry Spin Blog and an artist member of the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) in Woodbridge, VA. Donna specializes in acrylic paintings of landscapes, seascapes, historic locations, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com and her Donna's Esty site to shop her art.

 *I LOVE reading your comments on my posts! Just remember that the blog comments are monitored so they may not appear right away.

Do you need a handmade, original painting for yourself or as a gift for a friend or family member? Yes, I do most commissions, so please contact me through this blog, on Facebook, My Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com, or go to Donna Liguria Art on Etsy at https://donnaliguriaart.etsy.com to shop my available Artwork.

Post 423: PWAS Fall Tall Oaks Art Show Sat Nov 1

PWAS Fall Tall Oaks Art Show Sat Nov 1 

An art show right in the Lake Ridge Community, rain or shine, come see the art created by local artists on Saturday, November 1 from 10am to 5pm. 12298 Cotton Mill Drive on the corner of Hedges Run and Cotton Mill. Open to everyone, art from various artists from the Prince William Art Society!

Come See the Show

We know everyone is busy, but take a little time out of your busy Saturday of errand running and see the art show right in Woodbridge, in the area of Lake Ridge - just up from Occoquan. Just off Old Bridge Road, where the Giant is, come down Hedges Run and at the first intersection is Cotton Mill Drive - you'll see Tall Oaks right across the street. 

Local artists with a variety of art, art subjects, mediums and styles - we love meeting our visitors! 

The following 12 PWAS Members will be showing their art:

Maria Briganti

Richard Tyler

Staci Blanchard (co-show coordinator)

Michelle Evans

Ana Quispe

Sandra Lewin

Donna Liguria (co-show coordinator)

Eric Ndofor 

Evelyn Chatters

Emmanuel Ndenguebi 

Sheri Herrick 

Kathleen Gates

PWAS is an art group located here in Prince William County that has been around for over 50 years. We have a very diverse group of members with LOTS of talent that create art in multiple mediums and styles. The group has a Spring Tall Oaks Show and a Fall Show every year, and we all love sharing what we do with our visitors. So be sure and come by and see us! See you Saturday!

See you Saturday! 

_______________________________________

Author: Donna Liguria  is the Blogmaster for Donna's Cave Paintings and the PWAS Artistry Spin Blog and an artist member of the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) in Woodbridge, VA. Donna specializes in acrylic paintings of landscapes, seascapes, historic locations, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com and her Donna's Esty site to shop her art.

 *I LOVE reading your comments on my posts! Just remember that the blog comments are monitored so they may not appear right away.

Do you need a handmade, original painting for yourself or as a gift for a friend or family member? Yes, I do most commissions, so please contact me through this blog, on Facebook, My Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com, or go to Donna Liguria Art on Etsy at https://donnaliguriaart.etsy.com to shop my available Artwork.

Post 422: Art Shows Coming Up in Occoquan, Lake Ridge, Manassas, and Harkers Island

Art Shows Coming Up in Occoquan, Lake Ridge, Manassas, and Harkers Island

What a busy art season! Scattered around PWC, in Occoquan, in Manassas, and here in Lake Ridge and at Harkers Island, NC, art shows with my art as well as my art friends and group members are on display for you to see and enjoy. Here is a list of some upcoming art shows around the area.

PWAS Fall Tall Oaks Saturday, November 1 10-5

This is a biannual art show that the Prince William Art Society hosts at 12298 Cotton Mill Road, Woodbridge, VA - on the corner of Hedges Run and Cotton Mill (where the pool is and down from the Giant on Old Bridge Rd). This show is rain or shine and features lots of local artists from PWAS. I will be there too with mini art and bookcase art. You can click on an image to enlarge.

The Spring Tall Oaks Show is typically in May while the Fall Tall Oaks Show this year is in November

Manassas ARTfactory "What the Walls Remember" Saturday, October 11 - November 8, 2025

Currently running, "What the Walls Remember" is an art show at the ARTfactory that is well worth seeing at the ARTfactory in Manassas. One of my artworks called "Blood Orange" is dripping off the walls.

9419 Battle St, Manassas, VA 20110

"Blood Orange" is the painting I have at the Walls Remember Show

Manassas Gallery Art Walk Saturday, November 8 12-4 

The Fall Gallery Walk on Saturday, November 8 is all over the downtown Manassas area, and I'll be at the Sinistral Brewing Company at 9419 Main St, Manassas, VA 20110 - Look for the balloons announcing that an artist is in the shop/location. I'll have some small works and various art on display for the day. Come by and see me!!

November 2025 Laura D Jones Fine Art Gallery in Occoquan Featured Artist

At Laura Jones' Gallery at 125 Mill Street Unit 10, Occoquan Virginia 22125, I'll be the Featured Artist October 30 - Dec 1, 2025

Laura Jones Gallery website is https://www.lauradjonesart.com/

PWAS at Autumn Art Market at the ARTfactory Saturday, November 22 12-5pm

This show at the Manassas ARTfactory is the previously named "Artist Inventory Sale" and the Prince William Art Society will have some members there showing art, including me! This was a very cool show last year when we were at the ARTfactory and we are glad to be a part of it again this year. It is a one-day art event.

9419 Battle St, Manassas, VA 20110

December 6 Holiday Vendor Show at the Harkers Island Fire Station, NC

In December, I will be on Harkers Island at the Harkers Island Fire Station Vendor Show on Saturday, December 6 during the Decoy Festival 1219 Island Rd, Harkers Island, NC 28531. I've been showing art across the road for 2 years and loved meeting all the visitors! But this year I will be at the Fire Station across from the Elementary School which hosts the annual Decoy Festival.

I'll have artworks featuring Harkers Island marshes, Shackleford Banks and the ponies, the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, North Carolina and so much more - mini art, prints and bookcase art too!

Shackleford Banks Pony and the Cape Lookout NC Lighthouse

Autumn at Annaburg Manor Exhibition Oct 24-26

This marvelous show just finished up - and it was a beautiful exhibit! I look forward to the next one!

My artwork "Streams Never Stay the Same"

Well, I hope you mark your calendars and come see me! Lots of shows - come support the arts!

_______________________________________

Author: Donna Liguria  is the Blogmaster for Donna's Cave Paintings and the PWAS Artistry Spin Blog and an artist member of the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) in Woodbridge, VA. Donna specializes in acrylic paintings of landscapes, seascapes, historic locations, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com and her Donna's Esty site to shop her art.

 *I LOVE reading your comments on my posts! Just remember that the blog comments are monitored so they may not appear right away.

Do you need a handmade, original painting for yourself or as a gift for a friend or family member? Yes, I do most commissions, so please contact me through this blog, on Facebook, My Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com, or go to Donna Liguria Art on Etsy at https://donnaliguriaart.etsy.com to shop my available Artwork.