Post: Tech Series 5 Who Art Thou?

Art & Tech Series 5: Who Art Thou?

Explore the use of technology and its impact on the world of art. There are so many tools and resources that can benefit the artists to not only create artwork, but to inspire them, to share their work with the world and to potentially sell their artwork. We'll review and offer suggestions on some of the top trending tech on the web, popular for artists, and those wanting to find out more about art, and perhaps, YOUR art.

Art Today Goes Way Beyond the Canvas

Or perhaps the subtitle should say CAN go beyond the canvas. The choice is the artist's as to which technology available on any given day is of interest to them and what they want to be creative with.

Photo by Surface on Unsplash

Galleries, curators, and art show spaces today make decisions on what they want to include in their displays and what they will or will not include as art changes over time and the mediums used. Many calls for art do not include digital art, or AI created artworks. Therein lies the controversy some may say.

A side note in that respect is that ANY art space HAS the ultimate right to include what they want in their call for art, no matter how you understand or sit on the idea. You don't agree with their decision? Move on to the next art call. 

Artists have ever more avenues to create art, show, and share art. The world can be your canvas, not just in a small gallery in a small town somewhere.

Who art thou leads us to have a look at some of the terminology, the acronyms, and sometimes controversial technologies available for artists - of which a lot of it has been around a lot longer than you might think. 

360° Video

This is surround video. Seeing is believing...

 

What is 360 Video? from: "360 Video: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide." - Scojo in 360 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YryBRi58ma4&t=59s 

You may have seen this type of video before and it is very cool. Be there without getting out the passport.

AI - Artificial Intelligence

AI is such an odd name for this HUGE topic - isn't it saying 'fake smarts'? Artificial Intelligence is the use of a machine (a computer, smartphone, software programs) to perform tasks, decisions, problem solving, and potentially choices, that would pre-AI, be performed by human intelligence. It mimics human brain function.

And the perhaps scary thought that some AI can learn and adapt to supposedly improve over time by identifying patterns used to make predictions for future choices is built into some of the technologies to make them 'smarter'.

Beyond the Machine: Why Human-Made Art Matters More in the Age of AI 

An interesting note is the thought of labeling your 'nonmachine, nondigital' art as 'human-made'. 

Label by Human Artist Donna Liguria 

AI Visual Art

Paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography, printmaking, ceramics (the visual arts) that are created (generated or enhanced) by using artificial intelligence programs.

Algorithmic Art (Algorithm Art)

Visual art for which the design was generated by an algorithm often with very intricate patterns, that probably could not be sketched by hand.

AR - Augmented Reality

Overlays digital information (computer-generated sounds, images, or other sensory stimulation) onto the real world of the user's reality.

Datamoshing

The intentional technique of distorting a digital video file compression info to create glitchy effects. 

Digital Art

Digital Art is art created with computer, computer software and other technologies. This simple description doesn't really describe this form of art as well as it should.

What is digital art, then? by Pau Waelder 

This is the UK version of Adobe, but this article was interesting. What is digital art? It describes digital art as "being real art, its just a different way of working" 

Also see:

• Digital 2D Animation
• Digital 3D Sculpting
• Digital 3D Modeling 
• Digital 3D Animation 
• Digital Art Installation 

Digital Collage

A digital graphic art that is like an onion and all those layers. Layers of images, concepts, and textures stacked on top of each other combined in order to compose an entirely new composition.

Dynamic Painting

A digital art technology that adds the perception of movement interactivity and participation.

Email Art 

Artwork created for email. Animations, screensavers, computer graphics, digital scans of artwork.

Fractal Art

"Fractal Art is a form of algorithmic art created by calculating fractal objects and representing the calculation results as still digital images, animations, and media." - Wikipedia

Generative Art

"Generative art is post-conceptual art that has been created (in whole or in part) with the use of an autonomous system. An autonomous system in this context is generally one that is non-human and can independently determine features of an artwork that would otherwise require decisions made directly by the artist. In some cases the human creator may claim that the generative system represents their own artistic idea, and in others that the system takes on the role of the creator." - Wikipedia

Internet Art (Net Art, Web Art)

This type of new media art that usually offers some manner of interactive or some sort of participation.

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_art 

Mixed Reality Art (MR, XR)

A bridge between virtual reality and augmented reality creating interactive and immersive experiences in art, in galleries and art spaces.

See more on this link Real Example and Use Cases of Mixed Reality in Art. 

NFT - Non-Fungible Tokens

Non-Fungible Token - For the definition of this one I HAD to go to AI:

"An NFT, or Non-Fungible Token, is essentially a digital certificate of ownership recorded on a secure digital ledger called a blockchain. Think of it like a unique digital signature that proves you own a specific digital or physical item, such as artwork, music, videos, collectibles, or even virtual real estate.  

Non-fungible means each NFT is one-of-a-kind and cannot be exchanged for another identical item because each has distinct properties and can have a different value. In contrast, fungible items, like a dollar bill or a cryptocurrency coin, are interchangeable because they hold the same value.

• Digital art: NFTs can represent ownership of unique digital artworks, images, and videos, including famous examples like CryptoPunks and Bored Ape Yacht Club."

When you spend ANY time on social media, you will be approached by someone wanting to purchase your art as a NFT. Also noted in the AI explanation of NFT that it says that there is a LOT of ongoing fraud and scams as it is an emerging technology, and note the value fluctuates considerably.

I've steered clear of any of these requests but I'd love to hear if anyone has had any experience with NFTs. 

Photomanipulation (Photo Painting)

The human imagination is a wonderful, beautiful, and crazy thing at times. We've all seen photographs of things that at first glance appear to be one thing, but then with some additional manipulation by the artist, the photo goes somewhere else entirely.

This form of digital art is a combination of various digital images and/or photographs altering the outcome into a new artwork. Adjustments can be color alterations, cropping, adding and removing objects, and the applications of textures or other effects to get the desired outcome.

See Image Manipulation: The What, How, and Why by Tazim UI Mulk - May 10, 2023 (has some cool examples!)

Pixel Art

A pixel is an element of a picture and is the smallest single point (a dot) on a grid that represents not only a specific color, but a brightness value within that image as seen on our smartphones and computer screens.

Pixel Art is a from of digital art that manipulates the images and its dots at the pixel level. 

QR Codes

Our art group PWAS has used several different QR Codes in the last few years. We've used them to lead the viewer to more information about our nonprofit art group - to our website, to our art store for some art shows, and to our membership page, and donation pages. The link in the QR code has been used to show you a menu too.

QR Codes are a type of 2-D matrix barcode that the viewer scans with their smartphone camera, which brings up the appropriate link to the page destination.

QR Code for DonnaLiguriaArt.com

QR Codes: Your Art Collection's New Best Friend (from ArtworkArchive.com)

QR Code Art (QR Code-Integrated Art)

When PWAS was at a gallery in our past, we had several artists that used QR Code Art. On a label or signage there is a QR code printed. The viewer can scan the code with their phones while in the gallery and access information about the artwork. This may include artist info, the price, more of the artist's work, or a VR experience. And the VR experience was very impressive movement on the artwork.

Read more How Artists Can Use QR Codes 

QR codes have even made their way into becoming the art and being embedded on the art. 

Social Media Platform Technologies

Artists can use selected social media platforms to present their artwork, to engage with their followers, and to build their community of art fans.

Choose the platform(s) that work for you, like Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter/X, TikToc, DevianArt, Behance, LinkedIn, Twitch, Dribble, The Dots, Tumblr, Dayflash, Discord.

Choose the places where your potential fans (art collectors, friends, family) can be found and learn about the tools and resources the platform offers to best present your artwork.

When people Like and Share, engage with them and thank them.

Your community of art fans that you build will be curious when you taunt them with upcoming new art, tell them about upcoming shows and events, and more. 

Find and pick the platform(s) that work for you - just be consistent, be real, be intentional, just BE there. Sure, experiment and try them out for awhile to find what works for you, but understand that it all takes time.

Vector Art

A type of digital art that is created by using shapes, lines, points, and curves based on mathematical formulas / equations that are scalable without blurring or losing quality. Commonly used to create logos, illustrations and icons.

VFX - Visual Effects

Let's go again to the AI definition:

"VFX, or visual effects, is the process of creating and manipulating imagery that cannot be achieved through traditional on-set filming. It involves using computer-generated imagery (CGI), live-action footage, and other techniques to enhance or create scenes that would be impossible or impractical to film in reality." 

VR - Virtual Reality

A completely simulated environment, computer-generated, a 3-D world, usually seen in virtual tourism, gaming, and training simulations.

There are certainly other technologies out there and I am sure more is in development even as you read this.  

Technical Art Fundamental Foundations

When it comes to the visual arts in any form, style or into the future, the basic technical foundations will always be there and must be learned because they construct the beauty, the balance, and truth of the arts.

Perspective, Form, Composition, Value and Lighting, Anatomy - any of the technology or medium we use, these are the fundamentals

Many artists are still questioning....I wanted to type the "rights" and "wrongs" of computer-generated art, as in, "Is it real art?" But we know that honestly, there isn't really any right or wrong precisely in art. There are better techniques to create a thing, draw, or paint it, and have it last over time - and the so called "rules" are often broken to great effect. The experimentation of any of these technologies will be ongoing, refined, and change, perhaps for the better - Much like good quality paints and varnishes have evolved over the years. 

I came across this article called "When Machines Change Art" which starts off with, "At a few times in history, new technologies came along that changed the way we make art. Machines, chemicals, and/or algorithms replaced some of the steps that artists did, changing how we made art—and, sometimes, radically transforming what we thought think art is." by Aaron Hertzmann

Who knows where the future of art will go. Many calls for art (art calls) may limit the art submitted and be restrictive to digital art and other forms of computer-generated artworks. They are sticking to the more traditional forms of art made via a canvas, a board surface, or paper with colors applied in various media like oil, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, etc. 

People sit on both sides of the argument. I've seen absolutely outstanding digital art and if you've seen PWAS Member, Tom Payne's artwork, I consider him as a very successful digital artists in our group. Do a search on Tom Payne in this blog and you'll probably come across some of his work.

Where are you standing when it comes to Technology and Art? 

For Further Reading: 27 Rewarding Types of Digital Art Creation to Explore by Travis Vermilye June 2024 

@2026 Donna Liguria. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited without permission

Like my content? 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.

Post 418: How to Care for Your Art Investment

How to Care for Your Art Investment 

Original fine art is an investment and canvases are, unfortunately, very fragile surfaces. Whether that artwork was thousands of dollars plus, or hundreds or less, your good money went into the purchase, supporting that artist or when you saw it at the art show, it spoke to your soul. You've gotten the artwork home, now what?

Art Care

So you have purchased a painting! Awesome, especially if it was from me!!

• How do you take care of it?
• Where should you hang it?
• Where should you NOT hang it?
• How do you store it?
• How do you clean it?

All very good questions about your art purchase. Fine art is simply not the same as generic mass produced art you find in your local home, discount, or thrift store. And much more care should be considered about not only where you hang it, but how you clean it and store it.

I have seen and heard about folks hanging artwork in a bathroom and cringed... that's NOT a good idea. And as a side note, I've heard a few stores about priceless art found in attics and in those thrift stores, but that's another story.

How to Care for Your Painting

Remember, a canvas is a fabric. It can be made of woven cotton, linen, or hemp, that is stretched and primed, then used as a painting surface. Even if the painting is designed on a panel board or wood panel, there isn't very much between the open air and the paint itself. 

My acrylic paintings are finalized with at least 2 layers of satin or matte varnish which "protects" the paint surface itself - to a degree. A painting will accumulate dust over time, so varnish is an important part of the painting process and the final barrier between the paint and the air. Periodically, paintings will still need some tender loving care to safely show them and perhaps when storing them, for its longest lifespan. Here is a list of reminders of the dos and don'ts to follow.

The DO NOTs When It Comes to Your Original Fine Art

• DON'T stack artworks, paintings, canvases on top of each other - especially in varying sizes. The weight or the wiring can press into the canvases below/above them.
• DON’T allow ANY rigid objects to press the front or back of the canvas, including fingers or easels.
• DON’T clean with ANY solvent, cleaning products of any kind, or water.
• DON’T use moist dust cloths, stiff bristle brushes, or feather dusters to try to clean the painting.
• Avoid spraying any fresheners, polish, etc. directly onto a painting. Avoid the chemicals!
• Temperature and humidity are important factors when it comes to your art collection. Keep away from heat sources (fireplaces, ovens) and moist environments (bathrooms). Damp basements and artwork is an invitation for mold growth, as are attics - too hot!
• Don't leave artwork in a very hot car for long.
• Don't store artwork directly on the floor - or concrete.
• DON'T hang directly where sunlight hits the painting. Direct sunlight can fade paint colors over time. Varnish can crack or yellow in prolonged sunlight.
• DO NOT store paintings in plastic bags, trash bags, store bags, etc. - or at least not for any length of time. Only use archival quality materials between the surfaces.
• My last DO NOT is when using bubble wrap to perhaps ship artwork. I would use archival paper first and foremost to wrap the artwork. Bubble wrap should have the plastic bubbles faced AWAY from the front of the canvas. I've seen artwork with the bubbles imprinted ONTO the surface of the paint.

What to DO to Care for Your Fine Art Collection

• Do have clean hands at all times when touching the artwork. An alternative is to wear clean cotton gloves.
• If dusting, you can use a very soft, dry cloth or a very soft brush on textured artwork. 
• Another option is to use compressed air to gently blow away surface dust.
• Or use - A soft sable brush can be lightly brushed on the surface while holding a vacuum - off the surface, to capture and remove debris.
• Or use - A lint roller lightly over the flat surface, test the sides first to ensure tape does not grab too much.
• Your art collection should be kept in a very stable, dry and cool environment. A consistent room temperature is suggested as 40-60% relative humidity.
• Hang your fine art in a place with good air circulation, which will help preserve the art.
• Do be careful to not bump or scratch the painting. IF paint is damaged, avoid dusting altogether. If damage occurs, you will need to consult a professional conservator.

The best type of light is indirect sunlight, recessed lighting and/or halogen lights (not ultraviolet).

Storing and Framing Your Fine Art and Prints

Canvases are, unfortunately, very fragile surfaces. Fine art is an investment and if you have watched any sort of an art museum or gallery movie or video, you see the care that is taken when moving and handling art and the gallery staff are often wearing cotton gloves.

When you purchase a giclee art print, those prints should be in good quality archival packaging, much like historical documents and photos. Use acid-free materials only.

• Giclee Prints should be stored flat.
• Framed Prints should again use archival materials only.
• Be aware that some artworks must be framed, and have a covering to protect them, like Watercolors, Pastels, Sketches, etc. And for some mediums, the glass or plexiglass surface should not touch the artwork surface at all.
• Protect the frames as well as the artwork! Dings, dents and scratches are not pretty and certainly do not look good when an artist is showing their artwork.

It is a very good idea to inspect your investments periodically to ensure they are not suffering any potential problems - dampness, dry rot, bugs, mildew. Check the front and the back of the works.

Artwork Care for further reading:

How to Store Art from Wikihow

Care for Your Paintings

10 Expert Tips for How to Protect Your Artwork from Damage

And for my fellow artists, here is an amusing, awesome video:

Storing Artwork - Tips For Artists by Rafi Was Here Studios

Now, you may want to hang that Picasso hanging next to the bathroom shower somewhere else, right?

@2026 Donna Liguria. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited without permission

Like my content? 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.

Post 417: An Art Gallery Reception List

An Art Gallery Reception List 

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

Art Reception at Art at the Mill

Solo Show or Art Collection?

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

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

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

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

Who's Who in Your Art Group

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

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

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

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

Get the Ball Rolling on Your Art Party!

1. Schedule the Date

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

2. Schedule the Time

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

3. Plan the Program

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

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

4. Public or Private Reception

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

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

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

5. Refreshments

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

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

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

Define your table space so everyone knows what goes where.

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

Suggestions:

• Wine and Cheese, Crackers
  
• Coffee, Tea and Baked Goods
• Punch and Cookies/Cake (already sliced)
  
• Cheese, Fruit, Vegetable Trays
• Charcuterie board - cheeses, meats, gherkins, great olives, mustard
  
• Shrimp cocktail
  
• Ice
  
• Water
• Punch  

 Things you may need:

• Chafing dishes
• Tables, tablecloths
• Bar Tables, tablecloths
• Chairs
• Trash containers
• Trays, punch bowls, ladles
• Paper goods, napkins, paper towels
  
• Cups, wine or champagne glasses 
• Tongs, forks, serving utensils
• Coolers
  

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

Best of the Region 2025 PWAS Sponsored art show at the ARTfactory

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? It SHOULD BE!!
• Have a Guest Book or an email sign-up sheet. Gather emails for newsletters and more!
• Have your Donation box out for the gallery. $ to help support the arts or cause!
• 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

@2026 Donna Liguria. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited without permission

Like my content? 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.

Post 416: 77th Piedmont Art Show at The Plains

77th Piedmont Art Show at The Plains 

The 77th Annual Piedmont Art Show at The Plains runs from October 3-5, 2025. The art drop off date was September 29 and the art pickup is at the end of show on October 5. The art reception (always highly recommended) was Fri Oct 3.

Bettie Sperty, Donna Liguria, and Sandra McClelland Lewin in front of Grace Episcopal Church at The Plains, after dropping off our art

Piedmont Art Show at The Plains

From: October 3, 2025

To: October 5, 2025 with pickup at show end

Website: https://www.piedmontartshow.org/

Grace Episcopal Church, The Plains, Virginia

6507 Main St, The Plains, VA 20198

The Piedmont Show has a wonderful art reception and they award ribbons for first, second, etc for the various mediums and whether you are a professional artist (blue star) or not. The artwork is always amazing!

Piedmont Art Show Reception

We saw artwork by PWAS Member Staci Blanchard and some other art friends like Maureen Guillot, Stephanie McGee (who won an award for mixed media!), and Anne Hollis. AND Congratulations to Sandra - she had one of those lovely green dots on her mushroom painting!

_______________________________________

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 415: Sep 28 Art Reception at Art at the Mill Fall Art Show

Sep 28 Art Reception at Art at the Mill Fall Art Show 

Sunday, September 28, 2025 was the artist's reception at the Fall Art at the Mill Art Show held biannually at the Burwell-Morgan Mill in Millwood, Virginia. Sandra McClelland Lewin and her husband, John and I went out to the Mill to enjoy the day and the show.

What Brought About this Painting?

Ever since I joined the Prince William Art Society in 2021, I've heard several of the artists talk about Art at the Mill. I soon learned why. And ever since then I try to encourage other PWAS members to apply to that show! Just getting IN, having your artwork accepted in the jury process, is an honor in itself. They are currently accepting up to about 900 or so pieces, depending on size, from about 250-300 artists. 

Don't you love seeing plein air painters out doing their thing at a beautiful spot?

The first order of business when you get tot the Mill is 'Find Your Artwork'...well, at an art reception it could also include 'Get a Beverage' followed by a plate and then walk around and look for your artwork.

We understand that they can currently display about 500 pieces at one time, which means that some artwork - although available on their online Web Gallery - is stored upstairs (the fourth floor). As artwork sells, art of a similar size is quickly brought down and put on display for the visitors. Their goal is to have ALL artwork UP on the walls by the art reception, which is midway point of the show.

PWAS Member Bettie Sperty's painting on the second floor.

My painting on a table called "Art Delivery to the Mill" on the second floor.

My painting called "Going for a Run" is the horse painting above, on the second floor.

Barrel painting by PWAS Member Bettie Sperty, we found this on the second floor.

My painting of Ben's Chili Bowl in Washington DC, on the main floor at the back. You have to walk past the look over spot and see the wheel spinning as the water goes through the mill. Pretty cool.

Sandra McClelland Lewin between 2 of her paintings, on the main floor - the blue jay to her right, and the skull on her left.

We found PWAS Member Mark Clifton's painting on the main floor next to the check out counter, the larger painting.

Sure, its a bit of a drive from Woodbridge, but on a beautiful day, the scenery sure makes the drive worth it. On top of even that, The Burwell-Morgan Mill at 15 Tannery Lane, Milwood, Virginia is a live working mill! The mill may not run during the art show - because of the potential flour dust, but oh that wheel is a-spinnin'!

See https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/2023/03/post-296-art-at-mill.html
and https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/2023/05/post-303-art-reception-at-art-at-mill.html for more Mill workings photos including the lower level where the milling happens.

We did see another of our PWAS members, Terry Sandlin, and talked with him several minutes. We also saw our art friend Maureen Guillot. It is so lovely to meet and speak with the artists at the show and be so inspired by all of the wonderful art - literally, in every nook and cranny, surface and space.

We will continue to encourage the PWAS Members to enter this show! We heard about an art group in Maryland that enters every year and about 15 of them rent a van and all come at once to deliver their art. Oh how wonderful to just make a day of it!

And congratulations to the artists that have already made sales!! Several of us have had at least one sale already. The fall show runs from Saturday, September 20 to Sunday, October 5, 2025 and is open every day. During the show, the artwork can also be viewed online at Art at the Mill Web Gallery.

As Art of the Mill is an art show that is held in the Spring and in the Fall, we all look forward to that next show and the opportunities it gives an artist. Sign up for alerts, and maybe see you there in 2026!

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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.