Donna's Cave Paintings Blog - by Donna Liguria Art
An artist’s view of the world – its colors, its creatures, and the canvases yet to paint.
Art stories, art articles, tips and the art around me. Click Follow! And share my posts – Donna Liguria Fine Art of Woodbridge, Virginia.
The power of nature is depicted in this artwork of a light flashing through a dark sky, over water, that storm over the rough seas. The only thing missing, is that crashing sound, the rolling thunder.
Thank you for visiting! I would appreciate it if you Share, Comment, a please Follow My Blog!
_______________________________________
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.
A painting by Donna Liguria of an eagle's nest high in a tree with one of the eagles flying in, another in the nest, and a surprise in the making of the nest.
You may have seen ACEOs on the internet already while scrolling through your social media feeds - artists making miniature artwork masterpieces and offering them for sale. But what are they?
Art Cards, Editions and Originals, known as ACEOs are popular small, collectible art items that are 2.5x3.5 inches, made in any medium. These miniature cards evolved from ATCs, which are Artist Trading Cards (keyword traded), while the ACEOs are typically sold...or at least offered for sale.
ACEOs are great for whimsical, nature-inspired, and folk-style artworks in the form of landscapes, still life, animals, and so much more. The sky is not always the limit for artists you know.
I've heard many artists say they only work large while other artists are quite comfortable working on tiny treasures. Imagine a Starry Night on a baseball card! ACEOs may not be for every artist, but they can be a lot of fun to make.
Let's deep dive into the make-up of ACEOs:
Art Cards for ACEOs are the general term of small 2.5x3.5 inch (64x89mm) blank cards to create small artworks. It is the Size that must be exact.
Editions refer to the limited print runs, for example 1/25, 2/25.
Originals are of course, one-of-a-kind unique artworks.
How They Are Made
Art Cards are created on various cardstock papers; they come in 140lb watercolor paper, blank heavy weight thick cardstock paper, and do look for acid-free cardstock, but it is the exact size that matters. The cards need to be packaged in card sleeves that will protect the art. Use the best paper for the type of medium you plan on using.
You can use almost any medium to make ACEOs like:
Painted using watercolor, acrylic, oil, and oil pastels finished with a fixative. (Ensure paper can handle the paint being used to prevent warping.)
Drawing using pens, inks, pencils, markers, and silky crayons
Mixed media or collage
Digital prints
What your cards are made of will feature the medium used for best effect.
Some definitions of ACEOs say they are originals and limited-edition prints, but the originals are the more valuable ones.
Why Make ACEOs, to be Collected!
The ACEOs are affordable for the fine art collector, making them a potential entry point to your art.
Most are priced under $25, making them very budget-friendly usually, but there are some priced much higher depending on the artist, artist experience, artist popularity.
They ACEO is easily produced, packaged, stored, shipped, transported, and to sell.
For the artist, an ACEO is great for practicing and experimenting with new ideas and styles.
An ACEO can go anywhere - displayed on any nook and cranny, bookshelf, side table.
Collectors may prefer art-themed collections of ACEOs by subject, like all birds, all sunflowers, cats, teacups, all lions, tigers, and bears. So consider making a subject series.
They are little art treasures! Great for gifts, cozy decor, and small pops of color.
Support the art, support the artists!
The ACEOs are popular on Etsy and Ebay - just do a quick search. Actually, its always a good idea to do the research to look at all angles to decide if this is something you want to consider doing.
ACEO Tips and Ideas
Use up your own watercolor paper by cutting your own 2.5x3.5 cards, but be precise. Purchasing precut cards is very affordable.
The whole point is to not use a lot of time to make them, try to keep it UNDER 10-15 minutes if you can!!
Sealing - use a sealer or micro glaze to finish and protect the card.
Artists mark the back of the card with their signature, date, title, and edition number. Include your email and website too.
When packaging in their protective sleeves, do include a business card too.
Think big - Have a mini-art gallery!
Layout a bunch of cards and color them all at once in a solid color, either all one color or multiple colors. Then take some cards with you wherever you go to make them while out and about.
Brushes for painting ACEO tend to be size 000 to size four.
If you have a stamp on the back or include a Certificate of Authenticity with the card, it can add value to the work. Include a thank you card too.
@2026 Donna Liguria. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited without permission
Thank you for visiting! I would appreciate it if you Share, Comment, and please Follow My Blog!
_______________________________________
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.
As a member of small art groups and larger nonprofit art groups, I've enjoyed learning more about how they were started, how they work, and how they are maintained along with the various types of groups that can be created. This post will help the interested learn more about getting art clubs and nonprofit art organizations off the drawing board.
One of my art groups, the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) at the Bee Festival in Manassas, VA 2024, that was one HOT day!
Decide on the Type of Art Group
So you want to start an art group? What type of art group do you envision? Or maybe you'd like to know more about the workings of your area art org and what may have gone into the building of it. Here are the basics on decisions, considerations, options, and planning behind the scenes that are the makings of most any group.
A decision could be made early on if you want to start a nonprofit artist member group as the process will take time for approval depending on the complexity of the application and form(s) used. It could take as little as 2-4 week or from 2-12 months.
Or if you start out as a simple small group, you have the opportunity to move into a tax exempt status later on. But you need to understand the differences, pro and con of doing either type, and have a general idea of where you want it to go in future, be it a year out or five years from now.
Key Differences (Click on an image to enlarge.)
Detailed Differences
PROS:Nonprofit status is a good way to go if your group wants that federal income tax-exempt status, accept tax-deductible donations, might be interested in grants, and prefers the formal organizational structure - as well as a number of interested members, potential sponsors, and patrons that will support the group.
CONS: There a a LOT of paperwork in creating and maintaining the nonprofit status. Meticulous records are kept on your groups finances, budgeting, by-laws, policies, etc. The fees and other expenses can be challenging as well.
Nonetheless, there are various options available depending on where and what you want your group of artists to start off as or to become.
Art Group, Artist Group, Artist Collective
A few friends with a passion for making art might meet weekly, or monthly, but the group should meet 'consistently' to hold the interests of those involved.
Do you want a group of artists that leans more toward a social get together?
Have you ever joined a book club where the book may or may not have been read, the group is mainly meeting to socialize and drink some wine? Nothing wrong with that at all, and they are fun, its just that it explains the type of group it is. Perhaps a social art group is what you and a few of your artist friends are happy with!
The great thing is that no one needs to have an art degree, certainly the artists can be self-taught or a mixture of artist backgrounds - which is ideal, there may not be any "strict rules" as such for most art groups. The willingness to BE a part of a good art group should be the norm. Consider these group activities and ideas:
Will the art group be more like a workshop? Artist get togethers include working on an art project at each meeting. (Picture a quilting club)
If the group meetings include creating, consider the space and requirements necessary, like water for cleanup. Or spills - basically, mess making. (Ban glitter projects immediately!)
Will the members specialize in a specific medium? Will everyone be watercolorists? Acrylic artists? Mixed media?
Will the group meet in person or be virtual?
Art Collective - an initiative of artists working toward a shared goal, shared intentions, a more serious group.
Collaborative Art Group, Partnership Group, Subgroup to an Art Organization
Exclusive Art Group - a limited member art group of individuals based on specific criteria, outlined by their core group. Consider invitation only.
A few friends may get together and collaborate on a small group art show with the intent to sell their artwork.
Everyone may be responsible for their own POS (Point of Sale system)
Each person would also be responsible for their own taxes and reporting, potentially licensing, insurance, etc.)
Your art group can be whatever you want it to be, as casual or informal or as uncomplicated a club as your members like, but do know that an art group is not necessarily an art class. A world of difference there!
Nonprofit Art Group Organization
An art organization is a different kind of monster, although most of the steps are similar. The biggest difference will be the more complex tax-exempt mission of the group with a higher calling in rules, roles, and requirements.
There are costs to set up the Articles of Incorporation and to maintain a nonprofit 501(c)(3) group. The cost to apply to the simple IRS Form 1023-EZ may begin at about $275 and go up to $600 for the standard Form 1023. There may be additional costs for state incorporation fees and for legal and consulting fees, which could range to a few hundred to several thousand dollars based on the complexity or your organization and the state your org is in.
Filing fees for Articles of Incorporation $20-$100
Employer Identification Number (EIN) Varies, sometimes free
Tax-Exempt Status Application Varies (application fees may apply)
Legal Assistance Varies (depends on complexity)
Annual costs of operating the nonprofit org may include insurance fees, legal counsel and accounting fees, operational expenses, state filing fees, federal tax-exempt status fees, and state tax fees.
Art Organizations are often found with names like Art Society, Art Guild, Arts Alliance, Arts Council, Art League, Art Club, Art Network, Artisans, Plein Air Painters, and more - great for finding art groups near you! Who knows, you may find a group near you that you could join!
Put it in a document. What do you want your art group to be, to achieve? What is the purpose, the meaning, the vision, the goal of your group? Specifically define what your art group is all about by identifying if its just for casual get togethers and socializing, or if it will be a full-fledged art organization. Set these ground rules to define the group's direction and member expectations.
Will the group fill a void in your local art culture that is missing?
Is your group supporting a cause? Or have a scholarship?
How will the group fulfill the needs of its artist members?
How will the club collaborate within its community?
How casual do you want the art group to be?
Are you gathering to create, to paint, to draw, to learn, to share?
Are the members crafters? Is the group fine artists?
What will your group be mainly focused on?
Will your group be a specific medium?
Do you want to focus on watercolor painting only? Or only on acrylics or oils?
Are you interested in an exclusive, or a high-level, perhaps a high skill-level art group?
You would want your artist members to understand what the plan is for the group so that their expectations are set.
Consider the Financials
The art group could certainly be built where everyone shares the costs of their potential goals. Everyone should be able to pay their own way but a consideration should at least be on the back burner for the group.
Will your group need a budget? Probably...
Consider if you will need to collect a membership fee to help offset potential art supplies, venue rentals, promotion, etc.
Will there be a commission on art sales to help support the group?
Will insurance be needed for your art show?
How will you raise funds to meet that budget?
Will everyone bring their own art supplies?
Will there be any equipment that needs to be purchased and shared?
Will there be snacks and beverages?
Whether a solo artist or an art group, there are entry fees to be paid to answer most calls for art, to display in some locations, to show at art festivals, etc. Often, a nonprofit art group may get a discounted (or occasionally free) space that the solo artists may have to pay full price for.
Planning long-term success includes budgeting the needs for the art group. What are the expected expenses, what are your potential revenue streams, and how will you allocate the necessary funds for a 'Plan B', contingency plan?
2. Art Group's Target Members
Knowing your purpose and who your members will be decide the rest of the points following this one. You will need at least a few people to begin, of like-minded artists that will share your core values, your creative goals, and definitely have the willingness and passion to help grow the group. - Starting small is always highly recommended.
Decide who your members will be:
What is the age group of members?
Will the members be students, hobbyists, and/or professionals only?
Will the group accept adults only, retired adults and seniors, and/or those under 18?
Would you include any and all artists, mediums, skill levels - beginners, intermediate, and or advanced artists? Anyone and everyone interested in art?
How many members do you want to include? (How many people will your meeting place accommodate?) Is there a top number of members?
After deciding these (or at least, a starting place...), now the establishment of the group's structure can be built.
According to the above criteria, your group's name and who you will be serving shapes the vibe, the tone, the feel, the target(s) you want to present your group to and for.
Name Selection, and its acronym
Tone - experimental, underground, luxury, academic
Logo - colors
Theme
Check your name to see if it is already in use. Domain Names
What is a Domain Name? - A Beginners Guide to How Domain Names Work!
Consider the shared responsibilities and potential projects, mission statement to help align your group member intentions, potentially in the name and the image your create. Important too is to look at the acronym that your group's name spells out.
Local Artists Mixed Easels is LAME - point taken, right?
4. Art Group Meetings
Your group will want an easy to maintain meeting format that works best for the members you want to enlist. Whether your group begins as a very small group or launches with a firm number of artists interested in your proposed art meetings, an agenda with a brief outline works well and helps the group stay on track.
Start off simply, don't overcomplicate any of your logistics too early. Let the group grow naturally but have an idea of the options available to your group.
Where will you meet?
In person - a tight group of friends might meet in someone's home or rotate who the hostess is each month.
Meeting location options include coffee shops and cafes, in a restaurant, in a library, in a studio, or a community building or a church. A local Wegmans with the upstairs space works great.
Online meetings have various options available like Zoom video calls or Group Chats. Some of these options may have a fee to subscribe for longer sessions.
Hybrid meetings - depending on your techie abilities, you may be able to offer both.
5. Art Group Meetup Scheduling
Consistency is the key (isn't it always?) for maintaining interest, enthusiasm, growth in purpose, your momentum. Your group will function better and become a routine if you manage the expectations of your members. People lose interest quickly if the group is haphazardly thrown together and doesn't have a reliable schedule.
Do you want to meet weekly, biweekly, or monthly?
Do you want to meet during the day, same bat time, same bat channel?
Are evenings better for your members because of 'day jobs' and/or family responsibilities?
6. Art Group Startup Core Members
Once you have the first few decisions made, you'll need to start recruiting your core group which can be family members, art friends, neighbors, classmates, or your social media "friends" and followers. You'll need a very strong circle of artists as your core group.
Recruitment might begin with posting on your local community boards, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram or Meetup by sending out an invitation and gathering people that are interested in being a part of your group, or at least your core group of decision makers. Two or three and up to five is a good base to begin with.
A. Establish Any Necessary Roles
Do you want to be the one that selects, manages, and performs every duty you want to accomplish? Define what the necessary roles of the core members, at a minimum, that the group will need to coordinate on.
Event Coordinator
Treasurer
Secretary
B. Delegating Responsibilities in Your Art Group
For the sanity of any group of people, whether friends (or even family) or a gathering of neighbors and other interested parties, the delegation of tasks, duties, projects, roles - responsibilities - is so very important for the sustainable success and growth of the group.
True, it is great to find members that are all passionate about art, but finding those that have strong organizational skills (or at least the willingness to learn!) goes a long way in building the engagement and ownership, of collaboration and accountability that are so needed in any group setting.
Clearly define each role and responsibility
You'll need to understand the skill sets of your core group and your members as you proceed to know who has the best talents in many areas.
Track progress and report on progress
Address issues as they arise
Provide resources and support
Clear lines of communication
7. Art Group's Startup First Meetup
Structure your meeting to keep it on schedule and engaging...and doesn't go off the rails. Especially if you art group is unknown to each other, you will need to begin with quick introductions.
Have an artwork prompt or activity planned
Share and discuss work
Decide what will be done at the next meeting
Definitely avoid overplanning
Insert "Fun" here. Even if your group is a nonprofit, people want to get something from being a part of the mix. Having fun, learning new things, having their art seen, or the opportunity of selling their art are all reasons why people join art groups.
8. Art Group's Communication
Your group will need a way (a central place) to communicate with each other for updates and news and there are many ways to do so. Establish a main place or means that will effectively work for your core group and for your entire group.
Group chat like Discord or WhatsApp
Video conferencing or chat - virtual meetings
A private page or Facebook group, social media
Shared calendar
Email - we find that artists don't necessarily check email regularly, so perhaps test out your method
Text messages - quickest and effective
Smoke signals - kidding, but you need to have a way to contact everyone when things happen. Like meeting cancelled for bad weather, important calls for art or other deadlines, any necessary reminders, meeting location changes, etc. Sometimes a quick decision just has to be decided on immediately.
Nonetheless, set up at the start HOW you will keep team members informed and on the same page. It is imperative to maintain concise methods of communication and to get feedback, suggestions, and have discussions to help build a thriving body of members.
Even if the group is an informal social gathering, we all need some basic and easily understood structure that work toward the success of the artist club.
Always be respectful, especially if its an art critique!
Consistently show up!
Don't just observe, participate!
The more exclusive or high-level the group or nonprofit, the stricter the rules can and should be. Many art groups, well, any formal type of group works on the Roberts Rules of Order guidelines to help meetings stay on target and orderly.
Also consider:
How your members will join?
How will your members pay any fees for participation or add-ons?
What are the groups attendance expectations?
Will artwork be curated instead of open entry?
10. Art Group Growth
After a few get togethers, understand what will work best, what should be added, what should potentially be changed. Refine and adjust as the group grows / develops.
Grow slowly with a focus on building a great reputation first.
Ask for feedback from your members.
Adjust the activities, the format, anything that suits the membership so that the group stays cohesive and maintains its quality and vibe.
Is it still FUN?
Educational activities - 'learn something new everyday' (or meeting) is a growth model.
Maintain a record of your art group.
Start up dates and names and places
Document activities, events, and take pictures (social media LOVES pictures!)
Finances
A place to archive and keep a history
No group is perfect and flexibility is a must in some items but what works for the many is to be considered.
Once your group has stabilized and the members have built up an understanding, friendship, comradery, and trust, the group can start planning where and what they want to add on their dance cards.
Let it Grow, Let it Grow! Some ideas to consider:
Recruiting new members
Art guest speaker for art talks, art topics, art tutor, showing their art techniques, etc.
Collaborate on group community art projects
Review each other's artworks and share feedback
Public murals
Art workshops - children, adults, seniors
Plein air painting
Collaborative art installations
Field trips, historical art walks, studio visits, gallery hopping
Inspirational trips - photography for reference photos
Run themed challenges
If you are creating artwork in your club, find a way to show off what you do and what you created!
Skill Shares - each member teaches something they excel at - and it could be a computer skill too!
Occasionally throw out the agenda! Play art games, design a t-shirt, learn to tie-dye. Do a collage.
Share New Finds! New art tools, paints, resources, gee...calls for art!
Brainstorm ideas on hosting exhibitions and/or showcases
Hold art shows in various venues, in various and out-of-the-box ways
Library shows, online show cases, gallery shows, cafe or coffee shops, craft shows and festivals, art fair booth, etc.
Art competitions with prizes.
Host an annual end-of-year exhibit - best art club creations
Consider a Christmas party at the end of the year instead of a regular meeting.
Suggestion Boxes, surveys, focus groups - get feedback.
Consider taking the summer off, as vacations tend to make schedules wonky.
Consider the assignment or elect any necessary roles for your group as needed:
President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer
Curator, coordinator, marketing lead
Add on any temporary or permanent committees toward a goal.
Fundraising, sponsorships, grants, crowdfunding.
Alliances or joint ventures with other art clubs can enhance the reach of your group.
Build an online presence for the following:
A website
A blog
A newsletter
Social media with regular updates
Post your online and in person art events
Highlight member achievements - a Success Board
Create a Facebook Group for your art group
Promote shows in online area news and events outlets.
Use online events and activities websites to promote the group (often free)
Celebrate the groups progress, successes
Celebrate member achievements - awards and ribbons, successful show entry and sales - any and all good news!
12. Art Group Common Issues and Pitfalls
If an art group doesn't have some conflict at some point, are the members even human? Here are some common things that spring up:
Starting too big too fast
Lack of clear guidelines
Inconsistent scheduling
No clear purpose
Inability to resolve conflict
Inability to self-manage
Stagnation - letting engagement drop - the commitment and enthusiasm of the members wanes over time
Divas - art groups should inspire and elevate each other, with every member being equal. No man or woman should be a diva, ever.
Similarly, don't let anyone be too dominate and bulldoze the whole membership and meetings.
One person (or the same couple of people) do all the work
Lack of motivation
Insecurity and fear
Too difficult; laziness
Confusion
No sense of ownership
Have a back-up plan if only a few members show up for the project you had scheduled!
Art Members not participating seems to be a very common issue across all art groups, leaving the core group managing every role within the group and that's a shame. Over time this impacts the group as burn-out stresses the support dynamics. Communicate better understanding, build stronger collaboration, and foster clear guidelines. Encouraging member participation is a must.
We need to leave this post on a high note, so here is the final section.
The Benefits of Being in an Art Group
When joining or creating a collection of like-minded creative artists, you will quite often go and grow beyond your potential as a solo artist. Often, in many valuable ways and potentially a much faster track. The art world can be an overwhelming business to learn how to be a part of, and an art group can be a good door opening in helping to learn the ropes.
Learning art tips and techniques unfamiliar to you from other artists. There might be a better way to get that light just right.
Experienced artists are a TREASURE - there are so many tips that can be learned from them, sometimes just by listening and watching.
Build friendships that nurture and feed your talents - a sense of community, emotional support, artistic experience.
Relief from the loneliness often lived by the solo artist.
Networking opportunities with people in your area's local art culture.
Potential to explore other mediums you have always wanted to learn.
Be inspired, rejuvenated!
Experiment, innovate, learn to express yourself, promote personal growth.
Learn about the art business and art practices.
Learn about upcoming art shows, exhibits, Calls for Art that you may not know about.
Share the costs AND the work of hosting art shows.
Share in the art drop offs, art pickups, art travel.
More opportunities to get your art "out there" because of group posts, news, and events - exposure.
Making a name for yourself locally.
Occasionally people and businesses contact an art group to ask their membership for certain art services!
Access to shared resources - be it knowledge or equipment, promotion or support.
Potential opportunity to teach what you do.
Potential chance at being the "featured artist, "artist of the month", or voted "best in show" which always look great on the art resume.
Volunteering is good for the soul! You can learn a lot at art shows, galleries, exhibits and more. AND meet potential clients.
I love being a part of the art groups I have joined. I have met some outstanding artists (I'm in awe of so many of them) and made some wonderful, and I hope lifetime friends. Although there are MANY artists in the area, the art world around me here in Northern Virginia isn't all that huge. I definitely am seeing artist names and styles that I'm starting to recognize because so many are in the same art shows I get into too.
So if you enjoy being a part of the bigger portrait of the art culture around you, consider the art group opportunities that you can grow into. Paint that door, open it, and walk in. And that's if you start a group or join one.
Your thoughts?
Comment below and follow my blog!
@2026 Donna Liguria. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited without permission
_______________________________________
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.
Friday, March 27, 2026. A road trip to the Burwell-Morgan Mill at 15 Tannery Lane, Millwood, Virginia means ONE thing. And that it is almost time for the Spring Art at the Mill Show to begin. I rode with my art friends Sandra McClelland Lewin and Bettie Sperty to deliver our accepted artwork for the show that is opening soon.
Art at the Mill
Twice a year, we love doing that over the river and through the woods road trip. Generally, from the Tall Oaks Community building at 12298 Cotton Mill Road, Woodbridge (where the Prince William Art Society holds its monthly meetings) to Millwood, Virginia is 55.4 miles and takes about 1 hour and 18 minutes to the Burwell-Morgan Mill. And that's a live, working mill. Although these days, during the art show, I do believe they hold the milling because of the potential for dust.
Google Maps from Woodbridge to Millwood (Boyce) Virginia
And you will pass Three Fox Vineyards and another winery or two, or three along the way. There are several of them. The scenery is spectacular through farm and field, vineyard and valley, seeing horsey critters and cows. Toss in the mountains and mole hills...and The Plains and Paris. We're almost there.
The Spring Art at the Mill (AATM) Show will begin on Saturday, April 18 and will run every day until Sunday, May 3, 2026. The art reception for the artists is on Sunday, April 26 from 2 to 5. There is a small fee for visitors.
The Burwell-Morgan Mill
I had to show you my painting "Art Delivery to the Mill" (2025) Acrylic on Canvas by Donna Liguria. This one was shown at the Fall 2025 Art at the Mill and is available on my Etsy here or as a print here.
A body must be able to do the stairs at Art at the Mill. During the show, some artwork is available on the main ground floor, but the bulk is up a flight of stairs. On the 'basement' or bottom floor, that is where the flour is milled and historical artifacts are mainly displayed. That narrow stairway may be closed during the show. And as you may have read in some of my previous AATM posts, the artworks on display number somewhere between 850-1000 pieces from about 300 artists. The show is juried of course, which means that just getting accepted to this show is an honor in itself.
When the show opens, all of the art is shown on their ArtCall.org website gallery and you can watch what sells in nearly real-time. If your artwork sells is shows online and you'll also get an email with the good news. The web gallery link will pop up on this page https://artatthemillspring2026.artcall.org/ and you can see how incredible this show is.
The Art Check in Process is stop at one table and give your name. The Volunteers check your art in online and give you your art labels. Second stop is handing your checked in art over where the volunteers attach the labels to your works. Other volunteers then take the art and most will go up on the walls directly (at least temporarily in a spot). Any Blue Dotted art goes up the next flight of stairs to the "attic" holding area (more on that coming up).
As the volunteers put the art up, it doesn't mean it stays exactly in that spot, they are placing them around the space and will arrange the show after all artwork is dropped off Friday and Saturday, March 27 and 28. The 3-D artwork is generally put on long tables and dispersed throughout the Mill for the show.
Now what about all that artwork up on the 4th floor where the Blue Dots go? As artwork sells, the volunteers automatically go upstairs and fetch artwork to fill in the blank sold spaces so that by the time of the Art Reception, ALL of the artwork will be up on the show walls. And remember, ALL of the artwork is on the web gallery online by artist alphabetically so it is being viewed. There is a preshow for special members and when the gallery goes live, you will see a LOT of artwork SOLD already.
Here are some of my previous posts about Art at the Mill if you'd like to check those out. Lots of pictures, lots of different art and of course different art accepted to each show. Basically, Art at the Mill is wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling, in and on every nook and every cranny of art in many mediums including 3D- wooden, pottery, glass, and more. No photography is allowed.
Well, now we wait until the show and the web gallery opening on April 18. I love this art show, there is so much to see from artists all over Virginia (maybe beyond?). If you are a Prince William Art Society artist, I urge you to go see the show and to consider entering your art in the fall show. It is such a grand learning experience.
These are the 2 of my accepted artworks that will be at the show:
"African Violets in a Terracotta Pot" acrylic on canvas 10x10
"Mahogany Humidor 1" acrylic on canvas 8x10
If you are an art collector, art admirer, art buyer - Art at the Mill is the best show with hundreds of outstanding works all well worth seeing. If I don't see you at the Spring Art at the Mill, be sure and go to the Fall show!
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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.
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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.
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