Call For Female Artists of the Shenandoah Valley

Details here: Call For Female Artists of the Shenandoah Valley: Women Artists of the DMV Survey Show — Melissa Ichiuji

Battle of Covadonga

Today (we think) marks the 1303rd anniversary of the Battle of Covadonga, the historic event that stopped the tide of the Islamic invasion of Spain and turned back the Arabic armies in what became the Reconquista of Spain.

It is said by Arab historians that with Pelayo (Pelagius, 681-737) as their leader, the combined Gothic, Celtic and Asturian Christian armies under Pelayo, a son of Favila, who had been a noble at the court of the Visigoth King Egica, (687-700), and had established his headquarters at Cangas de Onís, in Asturias, united the various northern peoples of Iberia (the Celts in Galicia and Asturias and the former ruler Visigoths) and began an uprising against the advancing Umayyad Muslims, who had defeated and killed Rodrigo (Roderick) the last Gothic King of Spain.

On this day, in either 722 or 721, the ten-year-old Islamic invasion of western Europe was turned around as Pelayo defeated the Islamic armies and the battle assured the independence of the most ancient Kingdom of Asturias, and it is that kingdom's survival which eventually became the kernel of new thrust that reconquered the westernmost European peninsula and became the modern nation of Spain.

Freedom does not come easy.

Art Scam Alert!

Beware of this ASSWIPE trying to rip off artists - this is the oldest "check" scam alive, because banks will cash the check, and then once it bounces, will take the money away from your account.  She has been reported to Gmail and the FBI task force.

From: Lilly Gibbs -- prettylilly010@gmail.com 

I have been on the lookout for some artworks lately in regards to my step-daughters wedding which is just around the corner. I stormed onto some of your works which I found quite impressive and intriguing. I must admit you're doing quite an impressive job. You are undoubtedly good at what you do. 

With that being said, I would like to purchase some of yours as a surprise gift for my daughter in honor of her upcoming wedding ceremony. It would be of help if you could send some pictures of your piece of work, with their respective prices and sizes, which are ready for Immediate ( or close to immediate) sales. My budget for this is within the range of $1000 to $7000. 

I look forward to reading from you in order to know more about your pieces of inventory. As a matter of importance, I would also like to know if you could accept a check as a matter of payment. Check clears and you have funds ready before pickup commences, I can only pay with a check at the moment as my daughter handles the bank cards and electronic transactions from time to time. 

Cathy Abramson at Women Artists of DMV

Cathy Abramson writes about her work, which includes the below gorgeous work which will be part of the Women Artists of thevDMV survey show!:

The city — it's pulse, stories and color, captivates me. The city changes moment to moment not just in appearance but in its narrative. My representational paintings examine the transitory nature of city life and the effect of rapid change on the urban environment. The artwork explores the physical backdrop as well as the connections or estrangement of people as they go about their daily lives. I see poetry in the ordinary and although I paint particular people and scenes, my local paintings of Washington, DC and the DMV resonate with everyone.

I explore the urban environment through the more painterly aspects of my subject matter; the linear quality of buildings under construction and the effect of light and shadow on the geometry of the built environment. I use squeegees, rollers and brushes to convey textures and surfaces. Recent paintings explore the dichotomy of artifact and the new in the built environment as well as change in people's lives. In my current practice I imagine the stories behind the people and places I paint and examine what lies beneath the surface.

Cathy Abramson 

Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square!

Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting.

A Local Landmark Reimagined

On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood.

But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus.

Art, Innovation, and Collaboration

This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship.

Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens.

The Ongoing Journey

Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community.

“Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.”

See It for Yourself

Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at:

Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse)

Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St)

For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo.

This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future.

At the ACM Galleries

Questi siamo Io e la straordinaria artista Michela Mansuino e il suo altrettanto splendido dipinto "Jade" presso le Gallerie ACM dell'National Children's Hospital, Washington, DC.

The Washington Printmakers Gallery will open its doors to the Georgetown and D.C. art communities on Thursday, September 4th, 2025. From 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, experienced art lawyer Richard Louis will speak to young and beginning artists about creating a small business, copyright law, and other issues that can arise when selling your artwork in Washington, D.C. 

This free talk will set the foundation necessary for building a business out of your passion. Louis is licensed to practice in both DC and New York and has worked with both Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts and Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. He is experienced in writing and reviewing contracts, estate planning, and other small business concerns. 

He has also worked to support emerging artists through career development and professional empowerment as a speaker in the Access/VSA Emerging Young Artists Program at the Kennedy Center. At the Washington Printmakers Gallery this September, he continues the mission. 

This talk is completely free but participation is limited. Visit the Washington Printmakers Gallery website to learn more about the talk and register for one of fifteen available spots. https://www.washingtonprintmakers.com/classes-and-workshops