Post 442: Preparation of Paintings for the Nostalgia Show

Preparation of Paintings for the Nostalgia Show

The Prince William Art Society (PWAS) will have an art show this summer at the ARTfactory in Manassas, Virginia with the theme of Nostalgia. What a great thought for a theme! And much thought went into the paintings to submit to this show.

Painting Name: I Dream of Ice Cream When I Hear the Music

Growing up in the suburbs as a kid, during those hot summer evenings while out playing, the tinkling of music was heard which announced the soon to arrive ice cream man. All of the children would all rush to their homes, calling out to their own moms if we could get ice cream. If yes, the coinage or the allowances were pillaged or dispensed, then the rush to get in line and make our selection had to be made. The fond memory of ice cream delivered is an ongoing memory ongoing to this day.

SKU: 04H26ACG

Medium: Acrylic

Size: 11x14x1.5 Gallery Wrapped Stretched Canvas

Edition Year: 2026

Framed?: No

Available: Yes

Painting Name: A Vintage Christmas Morning

Christmas morning as a child, what is more Nostalgic than that? I remember the wonder and excitement of Christmas morning and the mad bolt down the stairs to see what Santa Claus brought. Such wonderful memories of Mom and Dad, and my 2 brothers, and the gift wrapping everywhere. The silver tinsel tree with the blue ornaments, that fancy color changing wheel, bicycles, Etch-a-Sketch, Mr Potato Head, Gumby and Pokey, Barbie and Midge, Easy Bake Oven, and presents and presents to tear up. 

This was so much fun to paint.

SKU: 04I26AC

Medium: Acrylic

Size: 11x14 Gallery Wrapped Stretched Canvas

Edition Year: 2026

Framed?: Yes

Available: Yes

I entered 4 artworks for this show and it is juried so I await the decision from the juror.

Prince William Art Society Art Show at the ARTfactory July 10-Aug 9, 2026 

The ARTfactory is at 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, so mark your calendars for this upcoming show.

@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!

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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.

 *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!

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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.

 *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 381: Best of the Region Final Days

Best of the Region Final Weekend

June 3 - 15, 2025. The Prince William Art Society (PWAS) sponsored Best of the Region Fine Art Show and Sale which is now into its final weekend at the ARTfactory in Manassas, VA. Saturday, June 14 is the final full day so if you haven't seen it - time is still left! Get by the ARTfactory today!

My Art in the Show

It was quite the journey for the Prince William Art Society to set up this art show and competition and it took shape actually over only a few months time. Hard work from some dedicated PWAS members made it happen! The Art Call for BoR began on April 1 and ran until April 30, 2025. Our juror, Catherine Hillis began her selections soon after. Notifications went out to let the artists know the decisions.

I had 3 pieces that were juried into Best of the Region! 

My artwork called "No One Can Teach Riding So Well As A Horse" 18x24x1.5 in Acrylics on a gallery wrapped canvas

The Art Reception was Saturday, June 7 - and if you missed it, you missed a good one. There are 3 PWAS Artistry Spin Blog Posts to show the whole event. We had 40 artists from all over the Northern Virginia area - it was so wonderful to meet so many artists - some for the first time and other artists that I had not seen in quite awhile.

See the Blog posts here which include the Best of the Region winners - 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Honorable Mentions. AND we do have a final award - People's Choice that will be ribboned on Sunday, June 15th.

Pictures were taken by PWAS Member Otis Stanley for the reception:

A PWAS Art Reception at the ARTfactory for BoR Part 1
A PWAS Art Reception at the ARTfactory for BoR Part 2
A PWAS Art Reception at the ARTfactory for BoR Part 3

My artwork called "Sunrise at Historic Manassas Train Station" 16x20x1.5 in Acrylics on a gallery wrapped canvas. This piece won 1st Place in the Paint! Manassas show in 2022.

My artwork called "Garden Patio" 18x24x1.5 in Acrylics on a gallery wrapped canvas

Bettie Sperty, me, and Kelly Haneklau - I think I rather match Kelly's painting to the left

A few more PWAS buddies - L-R: me then Bettie Sperty, Anna Gatling, Nicole Fisher and Kelly Haneklau

Jordan Exum (ARTfactory Gallery Director), Betty, Anna, Absku, Nicole, Kelly and I

That was a fun art reception with LOTS of people - almost all of the artists showing came, along with their friends, families, art fans, gallery visitors, PWAS members, PWCAC members...lots of good food and beverage.

Art pickup for the unsold pieces begins on Sunday, June 15 between 3-5pm at the ARTfactory and again on Monday, June 16 between 10-2pm. It will be sad to see it come down, that was quite the adventure.

What do you think, shall we do another Best of the Region Show?

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Author: Donna Liguria
All Photos by Otis Stanley, a PWAS Member artist and photographer

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*Thank you for visiting! I would appreciate if you Share, Comment, a please Follow My Blog! *I LOVE reading your comments on my posts! Just remember that the blog comments are monitored so they may not appear right away.

Let me know if you like my paintings and if you need a handmade, original painting for yourself or as a gift for a friend or family member. If you want to commission me to do a painting for you, 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 380: PWAS Member Art Exhibit People's Choice!

PWAS Member Art Exhibit People's Choice! 

This post first appeared on the Prince William Art Society's Artistry Spin Blog.

https://artistryspin.blogspot.com/2025/06/post-pwas-member-art-exhibit-peoples.html

Saturday, May 31, 2025. The Prince William Art Society (PWAS) Member Art Exhibit came down today at the ARTfactory. This member only show was at the gallery in Manassas from May 15 until today. Our next show, the Best of the Region Fine Art Show and Sale is about to begin on June 3 and will run until June 15. We counted the People's Choice votes too.

People's Choice Awards

People's Choice awards are a fun way to see what strikes the gallery visitor's fancy and allows them time to really consider the artwork on display. Especially when there are so many wonderful artworks, in so many styles and subjects and mediums. We had a LOT of votes (that's GREAT!). Sheri Herrick and Evelyn Chatters did the honors of counting out the choices, so let's have a look at what the ARTfactory visitors loved the most - although most all of the artwork did receive some votes.

See the Web Gallery here.

Click on artwork to enlarge.

Third Place People's Choice

Mandy Powell's "Gratitude" 30x24x1.5 Mixed Media - Alcohol Ink, mixed media paper, oils

Second Place People's Choice - a Tie

Betty Sperty's "Beedazzeled" 16x20 which Bettie describes the media as Acrylic and Bling. The photo just doesn't do this artwork justice as it doesn't show the wonderful glimmer and shimmer work that went into it! This was a definite one to see in person.

Donna Liguria's "Spring at Merrimac Farm" (the Bluebells) 20x16x105 Acrylic (Painting SOLD!)

First Place People's Choice

 

"Stormy Seas" by Donna Liguria 40x16x1.5 in Acrylic

Best of the Region Fine Art Show and Sale

A People's Choice Award will also be given at the Best of the Region Show at the ARTfactory June 3- 15, so be sure to get to the ARTfactory and vote your favorite there too! The Art Reception is Saturday, June 7 from 6-8pm. Awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and some Honorable Mentions will also be awarded at the Art Reception.

See the online Web Gallery here for this show.

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*Thank you for visiting! I would appreciate if you Share, Comment, a please Follow My Blog! *I LOVE reading your comments on my posts! Just remember that the blog comments are monitored so they may not appear right away.

Let me know if you like my paintings and if you need a handmade, original painting for yourself or as a gift for a friend or family member. If you want to commission me to do a painting for you, 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 377: PWAS Member Art Exhibition at the ARTfactory

PWAS Member Art Exhibition at the ARTfactory 

The Prince William Art Society Member Art Exhibition is currently showing at the ARTfactory in Manassas, VA. Sandra McCelland Lewin and I stopped in yesterday to check out the show and see Jordan Exum the ARTfactory's Gallery Director.

Around the Art Gallery

I suppose the first thing we all do when we go into a gallery where our art is hanging is to look for our own art...Guilty here! So have a look and find your own - although I may not have quite captured all of the pieces on display.

Online Web Gallery - check this out, it is all of the artwork with details

Over the river and through the woods on Friday, May 16, we had to first pickup our unsold art from the recent Spring Art at the Mill art show at the Burwell Morgan Mill in Milwood, VA. Then we stopped in Manassas. We heard rumors that some artworks had sold already at the new show that just opened at the ARTfactory this week. 

And so that the PWAS artists are aware, the ARTfactory does, and prefers to have all of the art stay up on the walls for the duration of the show whenever possible. Occasionally - and understandably - some gallery visitors don't live nearby so that if they want to purchase an artwork, the gallery has arranged so that the purchased artwork can be taken with them. 

Katie Keller Dugan is above and my "Going for a Run" is below, which I painted this year.

Bettie Sperty's artwork above, and "Patio Garden" is below, that I painted early 2025.

Staci Blanchard's artwork sold

"Spring at Merrimac Farm" is a 16x20 gallery wrapped canvas that I painted in 2024 after going to the Bluebell Festival at Merrimac Farm. I was very pleased to see that the piece was purchased and will be picked up next week as a gift for someone.

"Stormy Seas" is another artwork that I did late in 2024

Art Reception Saturday, May 17, 2025 6-8pm

I do believe the ARTfactory will be filled with Prince William Art Society artists, friends, and family this evening along with gallery visitors to see and enjoy the show. Wall-to-wall art lovers - I'd love to see that for the ARTfactory's Artist Reception tonight (ohhh let's just say, all day). 

And by the way, VOTE for People's Choice while you art there!

Come out and meet the artists and see all of the very diverse art from Prince William County's oldest art group (est. 1971). See you at the show!

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*Thank you for visiting! I would appreciate if you Share, Comment, a please Follow My Blog! *I LOVE reading your comments on my posts! Just remember that the blog comments are monitored so they may not appear right away.

Let me know if you like my paintings and if you need a handmade, original painting for yourself or as a gift for a friend or family member. If you want to commission me to do a painting for you, 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.