ARTS
THROUGH COMPELLING STORIES, ARTIST FEATURES, EVENT SPOTLIGHTS, AND COMMUNITY UPDATES, THE MAGAZINE SERVES AS A PLATFORM TO INFORM, INSPIRE, AND CONNECT RESIDENTS WITH THE DIVERSE CREATIVE VOICES SHAPING OUR LOCAL CULTURE.
Exploring
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Entering
Featuring: Donna Liguria Staci Blanchard Kelly Haneklau
For decades, the Prince William County Arts Council has been the heartbeat of creativity in our community. It has served as a gathering place for artists, a champion of cultural programs, and a conduit between creatives and the community. From community theater productions and art showcases and poetry readings, the Council has cultivated a legacy of artistic expression that reflects the soul of our county.
But as we reflect on that rich history, we also recognize a new chapter is calling.
I am deeply honored to step into the role of Chair of the Prince William County Arts Council at such a pivotal moment. I do so with gratitude for those who came before me and with a vision for how we can expand our reach, re-energize our programs, and invite more voices to the table. The arts in Prince William County are vibrant, diverse, and evolving and our Council must grow with them.
My vision is simple: I want every creative in Prince William County no matter their discipline, background, or experience level to see themselves in this Council.
We will open doors for new members, create platforms for artists who have long gone unseen, and reimagine what it means to “serve the arts.” We will host networking events, empower young artists, connect with educators, and invite partnerships with businesses, libraries, and schools. We will tell the stories of our community through art, and support the artists who bring those stories to life. We will be seen. We will be heard. We will lead.
About Us
Building the bridge between artist and audience, under my leadership, the Council will focus on three core priorities:
Accessibility – Making it easier than ever for creatives of all disciplines and backgrounds to join and thrive within the Council.
Visibility – Elevating local artists through social media, showcases, and partnerships with local government, schools, and businesses.
Community Impact – Expanding our programming to reach underserved communities, youth, and schools because every child deserves access to the arts.
As a children’s author, educator, and lifelong arts advocate, I’ve seen firsthand how creativity changes lives. Whether it's a stage, a canvas, a camera, or a dance floor, the arts are not a luxury they are a necessity. They are how we heal, express, connect, and grow.
To the artists, makers, musicians, photographers, dancers, storytellers, and visionaries of Prince William County: This is your moment. Your talent deserves to be celebrated and supported. The Prince William County Arts Council is your home, and we are ready for you
Let’s build a creative legacy together.
With creativity and community, Carylee Carrington Chair, Prince William County Arts Council
OFFICERS
PWC ARTS COUNCIL CHAIR
CARYLEE CARRINGTON
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/MARKETING CHAIR
CARYLEE CARRINGTON (INTERIM)
SECRETARY
KELLY HANEKLAU
TREASURER
PETER ALTEN
NOMINATIONS & MEMBERSHIP
RONALD CRIGGER
PROGRAMMING CHAIR
DAWNE HORIZONS
Supporting The Arts, Right Where It Starts
By Larissa Miller, Neabsco District Appointee to the PWC Arts Council
What do Tom Hanks, George Lucas, Morgan Freeman, Robin Williams, and Walt Disney all have in common? They each studied at a community college! The decision to begin with community college has various facets, to include: smaller class sizes, flexible schedules, affordability, location, and warm, supportive learning environments.
Here in Woodbridge, Northern Virginia Community College is that gem! NVCC has long been associated with quality education at a relatively low cost. Countless students of all ages have utilized this opportunity to take degree programs or to deeply explore an interest through singular subject areas. And, if anything like my daughter, have discovered themselves in the process.
My daughter Nina realized her passion for theater simply by auditioning for the NVCCWoodbridge fall semester production of Dracula in 2023. She had such a tremendous
experience that she immediately signed up for the next semester to dual major, adding classes for the Theater Certificate Program.
Accomplishing roles in 4 productions, she’s experienced a wide array of acting techniques such as stage combat, pantomime, puppetry, and commedia dell’arte with masks to name a few. Theater Discipline Group Chair Professor Tyson has an extraordinary work ethic and quickly became one of Nina’s favorite professors, of whom, she says: “He is a professor that deeply cares about his subject. Theater is as important to him as the air we breathe, and he wants to instill that same passion into his students.”
Recently, the NVCC Woodbridge Players were thrilled to have both PWC BOCS Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry and PWC Arts Council Member Alice Mergler (pictured below)
enjoy their spring 2025 productions of an adapted “Six Canterbury Tales” by Chaucer and an original work of “Western Gold, a Campfire Cowboy Comedy”, directed and designed by Professor David Tyson. “Anyone who knows me, knows that I love old westerns, so it was a real treat to see Chaucer’s work adapted to a western and the creativity and humor of the second show truly was “Western Gold”. These kids put so much of themselves into all aspects of the production, in such a short time, it’s just awe inspiring. I love the simple magic of the black box theater. It entices the imagination without getting lost in an overload of complicated background. What an exceptional and important program to have, right here in our own backyard!”Supervisor Victor Angry.
With the closing of the spring show, it’s also the completion of Nina’s time with NVCC, but the love and appreciation she’s gained will continue as she furthers her education at George Mason University in the same dual majors that she enjoyed at NVCC. Her sheer enthusiasm began a family legacy with her younger sibling and I, both students, supporting the theater through sound tech, costumes, sets, and props. We have each
acquired invaluable experience through this exceptional NVCC Woodbridge program. According to Professor Tyson, Theater Arts afford students the opportunity to realize personal growth through such comprehensive areas as: identity development, social awareness, historical perspective, interpersonal relationships, and empathy; simultaneously learning professional life skills such as accountability, collaboration, creative thinking, communication, and the ability to take direction and constructive advice.
The arts are a vital part of what it is to be human and arts education programs are the nexus that promote the development of expression, creativity, and imagination. Funding for arts programs continues to shrink, yet the need for programs such as these is more important now than ever before. With mental health crisis’ all around us, the arts are a lifeline in a sea of chaos. We are on the precipice of calamity with the federal government having cut vital arts funding for programs such as the National Endowment of the Arts. It is the responsibility of each of us to take action to protect the integrity of the arts and humanities. How can you help? Support local arts organizations, be enriched, take a class, take a stand, protect the arts! Our founding father said it best: “To encourage literature and the arts is a duty which every good citizen owes to his country.” -George Washington
Manassas Ballet Theatre
Manassas Ballet Theatre closed its 2025 season on a high note with Sleeping Beauty, earning standing ovations and heartfelt applause from audiences. As the curtain fell, two of our beloved ballerinas gave their final bow, marking the end of an era with grace and emotion.
But while our stage may be dark for now, our mission shines as brightly as ever.
Our school, Manassas Ballet Academy, is buzzing with energy. Preparations for The Nutcracker are already underway, and our Summer Intensive and Summer Classes are in full swing. Looking ahead, we have an exciting lineup of fall classes for all ages and skill levels whether you’re taking your very first plié or preparing for a professional stage.
All classes are taught by our team of highly experienced professional dancers who bring their expertise, passion, and care into every lesson.
Dance isn’t just an art form it’s a powerful tool for personal growth. Students gain strength, confidence, discipline, creativity, teamwork, and lifelong friendships. Whether you’re looking for a fun outlet, serious training, or simply a new way to move, we invite you to join us and experience all that dance has to offer.
And we cannot wait to see you for our next season our professional company returns to the studios in September and takes the stage again this October with Frankenstein, Our 2025–2026 season features an exciting lineup: Frankenstein, The Nutcracker, Les Sylphides and More!, and Don Quixote.
Community Share: Harmony Studios at Locust Shade
On behalf of Harmony Studios, I am writing to express our sincere gratitude for your kind invitation to present "BROADWAY DECADES" at the Prince William County Locust Shade Park amphitheater.
Our young performers dedicated many months, rehearsing twice a week, in preparation for this show. Their hard work, energy, and enthusiasm shone brightly as they took the audience on an unforgettable journey through Broadway history. Beginning with classics from the 1930s, they performed selections from each subsequent decade, including memorable songs from shows like "Grease" and "Annie," and a medley of beloved Disney tunes. While the "Footloose" segment from the 80s was a particular hit for some, the "Hamilton" medley seemed to especially resonate with both the cast and the audience.
We received many wonderful compliments on the performance, with several people specifically mentioning how the beautiful amphitheater provided the perfect setting for our talented young performers. Harmony Studios brings together children from all over Prince William County, and thanks to scholarships, a significant number of our students, for whom this was their first experience performing on a real stage, were able to participate. The event was truly more than just a performance; it was a heartwarming celebration of teamwork, creativity, and the pure joy of self-expression.
We deeply appreciate the Arts Council's support and are very enthusiastic about future collaborations. In fact, we already have a waiting list of young performers eager to be involved next time!
Sincerely,
Harmony Barbour Harmony Studios
Virginia Ballet
Virginia National Ballet recently made its New York City debut with Bohemian Rhapsody at the Ailey Citigroup Theater in Midtown Manhattan and it was a huge success! The company received standing ovations, six curtain calls, and nearly sold out the house, marking a major milestone for the Manassas-based professional ballet company
Coming off that high, VNB is heading into an exciting 2025–26 season. The company has been invited to perform Bohemian Rhapsody in mid-September as a featured guest of the Danville Concert Association in Danville, Virginia, bringing the high-energy, Queen-inspired ballet to new audiences in southern Virginia.
Later in the fall, VNB returns with its signature holiday classic The Nutcracker, with performances at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, Capital One Hall, and a special debut performance at the amazing Chrysler Hall in Norfolk on December 11. Virginia National Ballet is thrilled to be adding more tours every year and expanding its reach throughout the state of Virginia and nationally. In spring 2026, the company will present Swan Lake for the first time in its 13 year history, with a gorgeous production which will be sure to enchant audiences, and the revival of Life in the Fast Lane (to the music of The Eagles) The Four Seasons (Vivaldi) and For those we lost (Richter and Barber), choreographed by Artistic Director Rafik Hegab.
Now entering its 13th season, Virginia National Ballet continues to grow its size, reach, and reputation, recently earning the 2025 Best of Prince William County in Inside NOVA’s Best of Prince William awards Under the leadership of husband-and-wife team Rafik and Elysabeth Muscat Hegab, the company is known for its passionate performances, exciting programming, and dedication to making high-quality ballet accessible across the region.
Founded in November 2019 by Ebenezer A. Allotey, Tema Choir USA, Inc. was established in Woodbridge, Virginia, to build upon the legacy of Ghana’s Tema Youth Choir. What began with eight members has grown into a diverse, volunteer, non-auditioned ensemble of 22 singers, united by a passion for community, culture, and service.
Rooted in the Ghanaian choral tradition, the choir’s repertoire spans classical, contemporary, and sacred music. Their mission is to create community, foster unity, and build a better world through music. Singing with passion and purpose, they use choral music to connect people across cultures and inspire social change.
Over the past five years, Tema Choir USA has provided free annual concerts during Easter, Summer, and Christmas transforming performances into heartfelt acts of worship and compassion. Their outreach includes regular donations of food and hygiene items to assisted living homes, a commitment that continued virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The choir has performed at churches, schools, parks, senior centers, and concert halls, including multiple appearances at the Ghanaian Embassy in Washington, D.C. They have collaborated with Mosaic Harmony, New Dominion Choraliers, Alfred Street Baptist Church’s Trinity Choir, and other groups across the Washington Metro area.
In 2024, they celebrated five years of music and ministry. Looking ahead, Tema Choir USA is preparing for an international tour in 2026, committed to spreading their message of unity through music around the world.
Gallery Experience
Art students from Gainesville High School recently participated in an Art Gallery Experience organized by the Prince William Arts Council. Jenn MarshallGreeson, Art Teacher, arranged a field trip for the Art Honor Society Class to visit the ARTfactory in Old Town Manassas. Upon arrival, the students were greeted by Jordan Exum, the Gallery Director, who provided information about the current exhibit titled “Off the Wall.” Each year, high school students from the area are invited to showcase their talent in this exhibit presented by ARTfactory. Five Gainesville st d t t d th titi thi nd were t
After touring the gallery, the students participated in a painting session with local artist Mike Flynn. He prepared a lesson on watercolor techniques, discussing various methods to enhance their painting skills. Students were then invited to create their interpretations of a sample painting. Throughout the session, Mr Flynn painted on a larger sheet of paper and frequently paused to explain different techniques for maximizing the use of watercolors.
By the end of the morning, each student had created a watercolor painting to take home and frame. This Art Gallery Experience is sponsored by the Art in Education Committee of the Prince William Arts Council, which aims to connect local students with visual and performing arts in the community. The impact on student learning was evident in the following comments: “Whoa....these artworks are so cool!” “It’s so interesting to see the skills of artists from across the county.” “This is so inspiring; it makes me want to work harder and do better.” “Each piece is so unique!” “I’m so humbled.”
Arts In Education Field Trip to The ARTfactory
On the morning of May 7th, twenty-four 7th and 8th graders from Woodbridge Middle School got off the bus at The ARTfactory on Battle Street in Old Town Manassas, and took part in a program organized and funded by the Prince William County Arts Council, and led by PWC Arts Council Board Member, Susan Dommer The program is called “Arts In Education”, and it is changing the lives of our young citizens.
Woodbridge Middle School Art Teacher, Billie Cube, and Science Teacher, Grant Garrison led their students through the doors, then up the stairs of the local art gallery, and every face lit up with joy. Gallery Director, Jordan Exum, took the students on a tour of the current art exhibit, “Natures Pallet”, where I overheard one student say softly, “This is AWESOME! I want to paint like this!”
The students followed Jordan as she talked about different painting techniques, the use of color and the use of different materials in the
works on display They commented on the progression of the painters’ work, as pointed out by Jordan, and the ability to see how the painters’ abilities, skills, and methods changed over time really stuck a chord with the young artists. In seeing this, they were able to see that all artists change, and grow, and develop over time. One artist in particular used a lot of reflective light in her work, and that was an element that stood out for several of the students.
The tour progressed through the gallery, and we were shown the works of another local artist who painted on copper instead of canvas. The students admired how her use of the copper coming through the pain enhanced the work and added to the complete piece. In another section there was a coastal scene painted on driftwood, which really sparked the students creative ideas, as it brough the elements of the image even closer.
A third section of the exhibit showed yet another artists techniques and style. Jordan pointed out the different “look” and asked for opinions and descriptions from the students. Words like “smoothness”, “dreamy”, and 14.
“blurry” were all used to describe the softer style of the third artists works.
The students then wandered around on their own, talking about their favorites, taking pictures, and asking questions. Ms. Cube asked them to stand by their favorites so she could take their pictures. Several asked others to take their pictures with their favorites as well, but using their phones, so they could show friends and family.
But this wasn’t the end of the tour!
The students all went up to the 3 rd floor of The ARTfactory where there is a performance area dedicated to performing arts. Instead of using the stage and lights, however, there were tables set up and in-house artist Lydia Bratton (“Ms. B”) was waiting to lead the students in a master class of sculpture!
Each student had a pound of clay and a full collection of sculpting tools and accessories awaiting them, with nothing but their own ideas and imaginations to bring to life. Ms. B explained the type of clay they were using and went over some general techniques to get started, and they all jumped in excited to get going.
Ms. B continued to give pointers and instruction as the students were creating. “Think about sculpting all around”, she said. “You want to be able to see it from the front, the back, and all sides. If you want it to “sit”, make sure it has a flat bottom, because once it’s dry, it will break if it falls.” Ms. B also pointed out that when sculpting, you don’t want your pieces to be too thin, because the drying process may crack and break those thinner parts as the material shrinks, and the students learned to “score and slip” in order to stick pieces of clay together.
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As a special bonus, Manassas City Police Officer, Lt. AG Barahona heard about the field trip and came up to take a look. He wandered around the tables and admired the pieces being made and chatted with all the students about their projects. He even asked to be told when we do the next event, because he wants to come back and possibly bring other officers to
s some sculptures themselves too. I made note of the many different things being made and was so impressed by the variety and skill in these young artists! Toothless (from How To Train Your Dragon), a snow man, a monkey, a clown fish, a heart, a makeup brush holder, a dog, a face, a class mate, a bird, a wavy plate, a panda, pinguins on an iceberg, a jewelry box, a crown, a teddy bear, a slug, a Mother’s Day gift, an avocado shaped bowl with the pit, a tree, masks, Squidward (from SpongeBob), a ski mask, a brick, a turtle, a lion, another bowl, a mouse, and a pizza. And finally, my favorite was, “I don’t know yet … but it will be something, and that’s all that matters.”
And really … isn’t that what art, and childhood, and education, and life is all about?
Arts Education: Kid Pan Alley
Compose Yourself!
On April 30, 2025, Pennington Traditional School 5th grade classes premiered the original student-composed songs created through a partnership made possible by grants from the Prince William County Arts Council and the VA Commission for the Arts.
To inspire the students, who would turn their reflections into music, Pennington Traditional School music educator, Debbie Stewart, brought each of the 5 th grade classes to the ArtFactory in Manassas. There, the students were able to view the gallery display of art by local artists. Each class selected one piece of art to serve as their muse for their song composition.
The discussions and reflections about the art and how they could turn their thoughts and feelings into music continued back at school with a 3-day Artist In Residency partnership by Kid Pan Alley. During the Residency, each class was given time with Kid Pan Alley to describe the artwork, discuss how they would show their interpretation of the art through musical elements, and determine the rhyming scheme and structure for their song. Then the composing began.
Over the next month, students composed, revised, and practiced their compositions in music class. Finally, the songs were ready for presentation. At their concert "Compose Yourself!” the student composers presented their songs to their families and community. Each class prepared a framed lyric sheet signed by each of the student composers in that class to be presented to the visual artist. School Board members Lisa Zargarpur and Jennifer Wall att
The first song, “No Place to Call Home,” drew inspiration from the artwork “Mars” by Patricia Taylor Holz.
The students thought about the challenges of humans living on the surface there. The song “Everlasting Quest” was inspired by “Roundabout Number Six,” also by Patricia Taylor Holz, which was interpreted by the students to be a planet swirling through the galaxy covered in gold. Finally, “Looking Through the Window,” was inspired by “Tiled,” by Caroline Adams. This artwork prompted the students to ponder the end of their elementary journey and beginning of their middle school status.
The concert also included the premiere of a new school song, which the 5 th grade students had also helped to write in honor of the school’s
25 th Anniversary. Pennington Traditional School is named for fallen police officer Philip Michael Pennington, who was tragically killed while on duty on November 22, 1990. Students aspire to “Be Like Mike: Mindful, Inquisitive, Kind, and Engaged” following his example.
Members of the Pennington family were present at the concert and received a framed lyric sheet to commemorate the event.
Musical Arts, Visual Arts, and Language Arts were combined in this project, providing the students with experience analyzing, collaborating, and creating. This project clearly inspired the students who were not only enthusiastically engaged through every part of the grant and performance but even prompted them to compose lyrics to a song in honor of their 5 th grade teachers. They surprised the staff with a performance of the song during their 5 th grade promotion ceremony on June 6 th , 2025. The children have made a mark in their world as composers. It will be fascinating to see their future creations.
Manassas Symphony Orchestra Presents an Exciting New Season
“Beautiful music, close to home” describes the Manassas Symphony Orchestra’s (MSO’s) cultural contribution to our community. For thirty-three years, MSO musicians have presented classical concerts for your enjoyment. A member of the Hylton Performing Arts Center Arts Partners, MSO performs in Merchant Hall, conveniently located on the Manassas Campus of George Mason University’s Hylton Performing Arts Center.
MSO’s 2025-2026 season under the baton of music director James Villani brings new programming from favorite soloists. Three soloists are returning to perform with the MSO and the fourth soloist featured is MSO’s talented harpist Melanie Young.
Highlights include: The return of renowned American pianist Thomas Pandolfi to perform Rachmaninoff’s iconic Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor. Celebrated by The Washington Post as “a master of both the grand gesture and the sensual line.” Pandolfi promises an evening of unparalleled artistry. The program includes Alexander Glazunov’s enchanting Autumn from The Seasons and Amy Beach’s trailblazing Gaelic Symphony in E Minor, a cornerstone of American classical music.
New Orleans legend and worldwide sensation Doreen Ketchens brings her inimitable style back to Manassas, once again accompanied by the full orchestra. This time, Doreen is swinging Merchant Hall with holiday classics in her exclusive Dixieland style. Do not miss this unforgettable start to the holiday season! As always, we close with the kids’ favorite – MSO’s always wondrous and colorful Holiday Music and Light Show Spectacular!
Sonic is the title of MSO’s all-American program featuring principal harpist, Melanie Young, in a performance of Ennanga by William Grant Still. This rarely heard work for harp, strings, and piano is a vivid reflection of the ennanga, an African harp-like instrument. Played on a modern harp, the piece has a calming, restorative quality that gently soothes the soul. The program continues with Edward MacDowell’s Suite No. 2, which draws on motifs from the Iroquois, Iowa, and other Native American tribes to evoke Indigenous life, and concludes with Ferde Grofé’s iconic and sweeping Grand Canyon Suite.
First appearing with the MSO in 2011, violin virtuoso Andrew Sords returns to Merchant Hall for his third performance, this time showcasing Richard Strauss’s vibrant and youthful Violin Concerto in D Minor. The concert opens with Leopold Stokowski’s dramatic orchestral arrangement of J. S.
Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor, made famous by Disney’s Fantasia.
Inspired by a walking tour through the ruins of Holyrood Chapel in Edinburgh, Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3 in A Minor (“Scottish”) brings the program and the MSO’s season to an exuberant close.
The Prince William County Arts Council was proudly represented at the annual Manassas Bee Festival on June 21, 2025. Council members Susan Dommer, Alice Mergler, and Peter Alton hosted an engaging booth filled with Arts Council SWAG and information. To create a welcoming space for families, the team set up a coloring station complete with themed coloring pages and crayons—an interactive highlight enjoyed by both children and adults
Throughout the day, several hundred festivalgoers stopped by the booth. Many were hearing about the Arts Council for the first time, providing a great opportunity for Susan and Alice to share the Council’s mission and the many resources we offer to support the arts in our community.
Interested attendees were encouraged to visit the membership section of our website to learn more about how they can get involved and support the local arts scene.
Season tickets are only $100 and are on sale now at Hyltoncenter org Individual tickets are $30 each. Children and students through college tickets are free. The Manassas Symphony Orchestra celebrates thirty-three years of music with the support of the City of Manassas, Prince William County, Virginia Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, I.J. Breeden Foundation, The Rose Gaming Resort, and Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative. 22. PWC ARTS MAGAZINE
The Prince William Art Society (PWAS) produced and hosted a Best of Region Art Show and Sale, that was exhibited from June 3 - 15, 2025 at the ARTfactory in Manassas, Va.
A total of 63 outstanding works of art, created by 40 regional artists, were selected from the 177 artworks submitted for adjudication. Artists representing sixteen cities and towns in Northern Virginia and Maryland were included in this magnificent show of the visual arts!
The Prince William Art Society held an Opening Reception on Saturday, June 7th in the ARTfactory Gallery. At this celebration, nearly 200 people viewed the artwork and enjoyed the food, music, and conversation. PWAS was proud to provide this wonderful opportunity for visual artists and art groups in the region to collaborate and get to know each other.
Nationally known watercolor artist and educator, Catherine Hillis was the juror for the show. Friends, family, and guests in attendance listened in eager anticipation as the names of artists and their winning artworks were announced. Monetary awards were given for:
1st Place ($350) Mike Flynn, “Bull Run” (watercolor)
2nd Place ($250) Kwaku Ofori-Yirenkyi (aka Absku), “Eternal Reflections” (mixed media)
3rd Place ($100) Corban Hubler, “Ambush” (oil) Honorable Mention ($50) Michele Frantz, “Peaches in the Garden” (Watercolor).
Honorable Mention ($50) Jill Brabant, “Summer Symphony”
People’s Choice award ($50) Emily Thomson, “Hydra” (oil)
The generous donations and contributions made by many local businesses and art groups helped to make this incredible art show a monumental success.
You may view all of the Best of Region artworks at the following web address: https://bestoftheregionexhibit.artcall.org/pages/ web-gallery
To find out more about the Prince William Art Society, go to princewilliamartsociety.com
To foster the creation, production and appreciation of the arts in the Greater Prince William Area through ADVOCACY and EDUCATION.
The Prince William County Arts Council envisions a region where: People of all ages and communities experience, feel connected to and value the arts. The arts sector is resilient and healthy. – Our artists and arts organizations are recognized locally, regionally, and nationally for their work. – The arts reflect the diversity of stories of all the region’s people and communities.
Donna Liguria ARTS
Sunshine Manassas Train Station
Lighthouse Shacklefort Pony
A native Virginian, born in Alexandria and wandering through Central Virginia before moving back to Northern Virginia in 2007, Donna Liguria has always been a dabbling artist and painter, working mainly with acrylics on canvas. Her style is typically ‘painted realism’ rendering l andscapes, seascapes, animals and pets, and wonderful pl aces to be and see She often gets comments, “is it a photo or a painting?”
No One Can Teach Riding So Well As A Horse
lriG nI dleiF
Staci started her art journey later in life. About 7 years ago she found a local military in the arts program for veterans like herself, that promoted mental health wellness through art therapy. At that time in Staci’s life, she had to put her career path on hold and became a full-time caregiver to her mother and motherin-law Art became a place she could go, put the outside world and all her responsibilities on hold, and focus on herself. What started as therapy quickly moved through the hobby phase and into a passionate outlet for creativity and personal growth.
Colored Glass
Puffin
Bell Peppers
Kelly Hanekl au
Kelly Haneklau is a free-lance multidisciplinary visual artist who works primarily in oil and acrylic. Her portfolio ranges from abstract to realism and she does not conform to any one art methodology – being diverse in many styles and techniques.
Passionate about art and helping others, Kelly is founder and president of the nonprofit, Art of Life Charities. She’s a muralist and speed-painter with K[squared]² performance group and an internationally published artist and children’s book illustrator, having received multiple awards for her artwork and community volunteerism. Kelly’s latest project is lead designer & lead painter for The Arlington Players in their upcoming summer production of The Full Monty.
Museum Feels
Table for Two in Paris
Trailhead at the Bluebells
