April 2024

May 17-19, 2024

Red Apple Farm & Brew Barn

455 Highland Avenue, Phillipston MA

Deadline to Enter: Sunday, May 5th

Opening Reception Fri. May 17, 6 - 9 (Art Awards 7)

Two options for entering the show:

Option 1: Online Entry which submits your information & payment to GALA electronically.

Option 2: Paper Entry Form. A PDF Call for Entries which includes a form that you print & mail with payment to GALA.

Please allow enough time for mailing so that your entry is received by the deadline

With either option, your entry is due by Sunday, MAY 5th

Live music all three days by many talented local musicians and "The Big Random" will be there on Saturday. Weekend music will be outside under the big tent.

Please support GALA by Donating to the raffle table.

Please consider demonstrating your creative process at the show. And if you would like to teach art classes outside under your tent for children and adults. Please indicate your interest on your entry form.

You will need to renew your GALA membership on entry form unless you are a current member. If in doubt, please email Donna at dfoley446@gmail.com.

* Important Note *

Please be sure to drop-off your artwork on May 14th between 4 - 6 pm in the Brew Barn. If we do not receive your artwork by 6 pm, we may not be able to include it in the judging.

Please forward this email to others who might be interested in exhibiting, vendor, performing music at the GALA Art & Music Festival.

Important dates to remember

Entry Deadline: Sunday, May 5

Art Drop-Off at Red Apple Farm, in the Brew Barn: Tuesday, May 14 4:00 - 6:00 pm

Opening Reception: Friday, May 17, 6:00 - 9:00 Awards 7 PM

Art Pick-Up at Red Apple Farm in Brew Barn: Sunday, May 19 4:30 - 5:30 pm

Would you like to teach an art class or are you looking to find a specific art class to take?

We would like to introduce our new Event Coordinator, Meghan Whitehead. Meghan is an active GALA board member and is working on setting up more art related classes and workshops.

If you are interested in teaching a class in the arts, please fill out this online form to let us know you are interested. We will work with you to put together your class.

If you are interested in taking a class or workshop in the arts, you may also fill out the online form and let us know what you are looking for and we will get back to you.

We are looking for instructors and individuals who will teach or lecture in various forms of art: fine arts, photography, ceramics, writing, poetry, music, digital art, and more.

We have several locations in the area where we can host classes.

The Gardner Museum in Gardner, MA, will be opening their 2024 season with an exhibit of selected works entitled, ”The First 50 Years - Expressionist Landscapes by Mark Lore”.

The exhibit will run from March 6th through May 26th with the opening reception on March 10th from 1-4pm.

This personally curated exhibition is a celebration of my artistic journey as a New England landscape painter, designer, and fine arts educator, that demonstrates my strong ties and connections to the natural beauty and seasonal changes in and around the surrounding the Greater Gardner area.

There will be a variety of selected original paintings, drawings, photos, and articles on display, including several commissions for the Gardner community, my career as an art educator, and giclee prints, framed and matted for purchase.

During the reception, live music will be provided by the multi-talented musician, friend and former teaching colleague, Walden Whitham. Light refreshments will also be served. There will be a print giveaway that will be announced by the end of the reception.

Many thanks to Marion Knoll and Janet Stankaitis for the wonderful opportunity to exhibit at The Gardner Museum.

Contemplative Photography: Meditations in the Woods

All welcome - Artist's Reception on Sunday, April 7, 4-6:00pm

Enjoy fine art, good cheer, and delicious refreshments with the artist

Exhibition on display April 7-May 12

Petersham Art Center

8 North Street

Thursday-Sunday, 12 Noon-4:00pm

Photography Workshop - Getting the Most Out of Your Digital Camera or iPhone"

Instructor: Guy Biechele

Old Murdock Senior Center (COA)

52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon

This is a TWO-PART Workshop

COST $30 (includes both sessions)

Bring your own Camera or iPhone

Register and Pay Here (this workshop fee is not refundable if you are unable to attend)

For more Info: GALA 978-407-1419 Senior Center 978-297-3155

Coffee, tea and snacks available

First Session

Thursday, APRIL 11

10 - 12 Noon

Digital photography is an exciting medium that offers many unique advantages as well as challenges for photographers. This course will explore many of the features offered by digital cameras and Apple iPhones, and how to use them to get the best results in a wide variety of conditions. Topics will include exposure, camera modes, creative options, recording modes, videos, and more. We will discuss features included in basic digital cameras as well as those found on advanced camera models and Apple iPhones. After this session students are encouraged to practice some of the techniques learned in this class by taking photographs in and around the Old Murdock School building.

Second Session

Thursday, MAY 9

10 - 12 noon

We will view and discuss the photographs that the students have taken with their camera or iPhone since the first session. We will transfer your photos to our projector. This will be a supportive question and answer time where we can talk about problems and solutions that have been encountered while photographing. We also welcome you sharing your tips to the classroom.

Note:

In October, we will be having an art exhibit at the Old Murdock building. The Theme will be "Discoveries at Old Murdock". You may visit the senior center any time during open hours and take photos, paint, whatever medium you like. When you arrive you just have to sign in at the front desk. Artists Call for Entries will be available soon.

The meditative video, Cadent Altar, co-created by Kara Masters Siekman and C. M. Judge will be screened at the Nashua Public Library as part of the WCA-NH exhibition, RIVERS, celebrating the Nashua River and its fascinating eight to ten thousand years of local history.

Opening Reception: Saturday, April 10th from 2 pm - 4 pm.

Nashua Public Library

2 Court Street, Nashua, NH 03060

Véronique Sapin

Gallery Sitka East, Shirley, MA

Gallery Sitka East presents ink and video works by French artist, Véronique Sapin. This is Ms. Sapin’s US premiere of her ink series.

Opening Reception: Friday, April 26th from 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm.

2 Shaker Road, D101, Shirley, MA  (978) 425-6280

gallerysitka.com

March 2024 Events at the Great Falls Discovery Center

All programs are free and open to the public. An adult must accompany children. Inclement weather cancels outdoor programs. Reasonable accommodations available upon request. Wheelchair accessible. For more information call 413-863-3221 or visit: https://www.mass.gov/locations/great-falls-discovery-center; or email janel.nockleby@mass.gov. The Great Falls Discovery Center is located at 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA 01376.

Visitor Center Hours: Open 6 Days a Week

• Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Wednesdays—Sundays, 10:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m.
• Open Monday, April 8, 10:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.
• Open Monday, April 15, 10:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.

Come explore the natural, cultural, and industrial history of the Connecticut River Watershed in our dynamic exhibit dioramas. Adjacent to the Canalside Rail Trail, the center also includes the Great Hall exhibit gallery, restrooms, and drinking water.

Food, Farms, and Factories Exhibit: New Roots in River Banks*

Ongoing, March 2 —April 28

An exhibit on Polish and other Eastern European immigration stories and their contributions in the Connecticut River Valley. Presented by the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association and funded by Mass Humanities as part of the Expanding Massachusetts Stories initiative. In collaboration with the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center’s Mass Humanities 2024 Food, Farms, and Factories project, highlighting the hard work of all peoples in farms and factories. For all ages. *

Designing My Library: Work by Sheffield 3rd Grade Students

Ongoing, March 23 —April 30

For all ages. View student artwork in our Hallway Gallery from the Gill-Montague Regional School District depicting visions of what a new or renovated town library might be like. Coordinated by Jocelyn Castro-Santos, with Montague Public Libraries.

Spring is Here! StoryWalk®

Ongoing, April 11—30

Enjoy a story, fresh air, and exercise! Join us on the Discovery Center’s grounds for free self-guided StoryWalks® featuring children’s picture books. Follow the path to book pages posted along the route. Spring is Here! by Heidi Pross Gay is for ages 2—8 and everyone looking for the first signs of spring. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Story Walk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. This StoryWalk® is provided by Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Interpretive Services.

Nice & Easy Walks*

Fridays, April 5, 12, 19, & 26, 1:00—2:00 p.m.

Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all. Enjoy natural and local history highlights along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Friday 4/26: Our Food, Farms, and Factories* Fourth Friday topic is: In An Immigrant’s Footsteps. Meet at the main entrance.

Food, Farms, and Factories Documentary series: Polish Americans*

Sunday, April 7, 2:00—3:30 p.m.

This 1998 New England Public Media documentary explores the history of Polish immigrants in the Connecticut River Valley and includes vibrant images of this still thriving community, from its distinctive music and art to its strong faith and traditions. Sponsored by the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association and Mass Humanities for both Expanding Massachusetts Stories and Food, Farms, and Factories projects. Meet in the Great Hall.

The Great North American Solar Eclipse

Monday, April 8, 2:15—4:30 p.m.

For this drop-in program, learn about our solar system while viewing the solar eclipse safely! Find out what an eclipse is, make your own sun clock, follow our planetary trail, and while supplies last, get a free pair of safe eclipse viewing glasses. Peak viewing here is at 3:30 p.m. In Massachusetts, we will not see a total solar eclipse, and so it is never safe to directly view the sun without a solar filter, such as eclipse glasses. In partnership with Montague Public Libraries. For all ages. Meet outside on the lawn.

Great Falls Coffeehouse Presents: Big Woods Voices

Friday, April 12, 7:00—9:00 p.m.

Join us for the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center’s concert series featuring local talent. Enjoy a variety of traditional and poetically inspired acapella originals from the band, Big Woods Voices. Refreshments available. Sliding scale suggested donations, all in support of educational programming at the Center. Meet in the Great Hall.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour

Fridays, 4/12: Skunks; 4/19: Osprey; 4/26: Who Lives in a Tree? 10:30—11:30 a.m.

For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Learn more about our wildlife neighbors in the Connecticut River Watershed. Program includes a story, activities, and crafts. Activities are indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. Siblings and friends welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.

Art Naturally Series: Food, Farms, and Factories Edition*

Saturday, April 1310:30—12:00 p.m.

Discover nature through story, poetry, and art in our series of free Art Naturally programs. Using words and images, instruction, and techniques you create an art piece inspired by the natural world to take home. For adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up (accompanied by an adult). All art materials provided. This month’s art is inspired by the traditions of Polish and Eastern European immigrants who worked in local farms and factories. Create woven and folded Polish paper stars. Meet in the Great Hall.

Earth Week Investigation Station and Indoor StoryWalk® - One Earth

Ongoing, April 13—21

Join us at the welcome desk during school vacation week for activities to inspire taking care of where we live. Enjoy indoor and outdoor scavenger hunts, crafts, and activities to honor the Earth, our shared home. Includes the indoor StoryWalk® — One Earth by Eileen Spinelli, which is an invitation to both celebrate our planet and honor it through stewardship. For all ages. Meet at the welcome desk.

Eastern European Immigration & Industrialization in Massachusetts

Sunday, April 14, 2:00 p.m.—3:30 p.m.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Polish and other Eastern European immigrants arrived in the Connecticut River Valley to begin new lives as small farmers and factory workers. Learn about this migration in a talk by Robert Forrant, Distinguished University Professor of History at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He is co-editor with Mary Anne Trasciatti of Where are the Workers: Interpreting Labor and Working-Class History at Museums and Historic Sites. This free event is presented by the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association and funded by Mass Humanities as part of the Expanding Massachusetts Stories initiative. For youth and adults. Meet in the Great Hall.

Eastern European Culture: Family Craft Activities

Friday, April 19, 1:00—5:00 p.m.

Discover how Eastern European immigrant families influenced and enhanced life in the Connecticut River Valley. Join Helena Alves and Patty Solomon, Museum Educators from the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association’s Deerfield Teachers’ Center, for drop-in family craft activities. Explore pysanki egg painting, paper cutting designs and see traditional clothing and costumes that can be fitted for paper dolls. Visitors can dress up in period costumes and take a selfie. This free event is presented by the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association and funded by Mass Humanities as part of the Expanding Massachusetts Stories initiative. All ages welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.

Park Serve Day: Give a Day, Make a Difference

Saturday, April 20, 10:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m., Main Entrance

The Department of Conservation and Recreation invites you to the Great Falls Discovery Center to lend a hand during this day of volunteer service to our state parks. For any special accommodations or needs you may have for the day, please call (413) 863-3221. Bring your own water and snack. Registration: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dcr-park-serve-day. For ages 6 and up. Meet at the main entrance.

A French/Breton Jam Session

Sunday, April 21, 2:30— 4:30 p.m.

An informal group of musicians gathers to play the enchanting traditional dance music from France and Brittany, commonly known as bal folk. Please note, this is not a performance but rather a coming together of musically minded friends. The event is free and open to the public to come and go at will. For all ages. Meet in the Great Hall.

Wildlife Tales: Southern Vermont Natural History Museum

Saturday, April 27, 3:00—4:00 p.m.

Take a literary journey around the world as a storytelling naturalist from the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum shares tales of animals and magic from around the world. With each story, a live animal will visit to bring a natural history piece to the myth and legends! Sponsored by the Montague Public Libraries. For ages 6 and up. Meet in the Great Hall.

New Roots in River Banks Closing Event: A Polish Costume Talk

Sunday, April 28, 2:00—3:30 p.m.

Join Polish Folk artist Susan Urban for a slide presentation of costumes from various regions of Poland, along with a regional costume map and handmade miniature samples of each costume. This event is presented by the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association and funded by Mass Humanities as part of the Expanding Massachusetts Stories initiative. Meet in the Great Hall.

*In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Great Falls Discovery Center

Department of Conservation & Recreation

2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA 01376

janel.nockleby@mass.gov  (413) 863-3221  she/her/hers

Open Hours: Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wednesdays through Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Office Hours: Wednesdays through Sundays

A Three-Week Celebration of Shakespeare's Timeless Works

March 18-April 7

Shea Theater Arts Center, 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA

Main Stage performances of A Midsummer Night's Dream on April 5, 6, and 7

For more information, to audition, or to enroll in a workshop, visit: montagueshakespearefestival.com

The Montague Shakespeare Festival is proud to announce its inaugural season, from March 18 to April 7, at the Shea Theater Arts Center at 71 Avenue A in Turners Falls, MA. This three-week celebration of Shakespeare's timeless works will feature a series of workshops, professional training sessions, and the staging of A Midsummer Night's Dream. The festival is under the artistic direction of Nia Lynn, who brings her experience as voice coach and text coach for the Royal Shakespeare Company (Stratford-upon-Avon) to her role leading the Montague Shakespeare Festival.

On April 5, 6, and 7, the community is warmly invited to experience a captivating performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Additionally, Nia Lynn will be utilizing the talents of the ensemble cast to craft a new, innovative performance inspired by Shakespeare's rich texts. Actors keen on auditioning for a role are encouraged to submit their headshots, resumes, or a letter of interest to info@montagueshakespearefestival.com

Shea Theater Arts Center Managing Director Linda Tardif says, “The Royal Shakespeare Company is one of the most prestigious theater companies in the world. We couldn't be more excited to launch a festival like this right here in Montague! We are very proud to host workshops, performances, and classes led by renowned artists right here in town, and all are welcome. We're putting the Shea in Shakespeare this spring!”

For additional details, audition opportunities, or to enroll in one of our engaging workshops, please visit montagueshakespearefestival.com

The MA Women's Caucus for Art will be having two events at Main Street Studios in Fitchburg this month:

Women in the Visual Arts

Presentation and drawing workshop

Sunday, April 21, 2:00-4:00PM

This event is free and open to the public

Funded by the Mass Cultural Council

Artists presented include:

Zehra Dogan presented by Cicek Beeby

Jay DeFeo presented by Alana Garrigues

Lotte Reiniger presented by Nicol Wander

6000 Circle Project - The Mother Cycle

The 6000 Circle Project is part of a National WCA project. Members from all over the country are creating and exhibiting circles honoring the feminine March-November 2024.

The MA Chapter will be showing our circles at a different location each month, starting at Main Street Studios through April. Come view the exhibition and even create a circle of your own!

Both events are at Main Street Studios / Fitchburg Cultural Alliance

Open Wed-Fri, 12:00-5:00PM and during events

675 Main Street

Fitchburg, MA 01420

There is additional parking in back

Drawing Foundations and Beginner Digital Illustration Spring Break - Ages 9-13

Warm up your arms, hands, and shoulders for great drawing fun! Big circles, small circles, lines, shapes, and shadows will soon make your characters come to life with expressions and actions. The instructor, Robert Clark, will work with individual students on drawing techniques to improve their drawing skills.

The instructor will teach the basics of illustration using the Procreate app for iPad. The students will learn how to create simple illustrations with character designs. All levels are welcome. iPad with downloaded Procreate app and an Apple (or similar) pencil are recommended for students who want to create digital illustrations with Procreate.

Students to bring to class:

1) Doodling pencil, sharpener, eraser

2) Large Drawing pad

3) **Not Required** Please bring an iPad with downloaded Procreate app and an Apple (or similar) pencil are recommended for students who want to create digital illustrations with Procreate.

4) Water and a Nut-Free Snack

**Parent/guardian is NOT required to stay.**

More information

Needle Felting Workshop - Make Your Own Bluebird

Instructor: Nicol Wander

Old Murdock Senior Center (COA)

52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon

Wednesday, May 1, 10:30am-1:00pm

Cost: $15, all materials included

When the class is over you will take home a cute, felted bluebird sitting on her birch log. Warning: You will be handling very sharp felting needles.

Register and pay here (This Workshop Fee is not refundable if you are unable to attend)

For more Info: GALA 978-407-1419 Senior Center 978-297-3155

Coffee, tea and snacks available

This monthly dance occurs the 3rd Friday of every month, at the Montague Common Hall at 34 Main Street in Montague, MA.

Swing Dance Lesson is 7:00-8:00PM

Live music provided by the Butterfly Swing Band is 8:00-10:00PM

$20 for dance and lesson, $15 dance only

Supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council

Want to donate work for the Line? First, let us thank you!

How to participate:

• Membership to ArtsWorcester is not required. Any and all artists may contribute.
• Artists may contribute up to four works, each no larger than 5” x 7”.
• Artworks must be flat and light enough to be suspended from a binder clip. We suggest works on paper.
• Clearly label your work on the back with your name, medium, and social media and/or website.
• Please do not frame your work(s).

All donated works must be delivered to ArtsWorcester no later than Thursday, April 11 at 5:00 PM. Please come to the artist-only drop-off party on Wednesday, April 3, from 5:30 to 8:00 PM, if you can. If you can't, we gratefully accept works dropped off in person or by mail.

Art On The Line is for you, but we can only do it with you. Thank you for donating your artwork!

44 Portland Street

Worcester, MA 01608

508.755.5142

artsworcester.org

Deadline for submission: April 26, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

What’s On Your Plate? asks artists to investigate the entanglement of food, time, commitment, and ecology. How is what we eat related to our personal history, and to the climate emergency? What should be on our plate as we think about our planet’s future? If we love the place where we live, what are we willing to do for it, and for each other?

Using Plates as a jumping off point, follow the question in any direction. Explore plates themselves as raw material or as a prompt for thinking about humorous or celebratory statements; pointed social commentary; the emotional, financial, and familial fodder of our lives, or a stage where we perform the joy of eating. All interpretations are welcome for submission to this community art exhibit.

Curated by Exploded View, a multi-disciplinary arts group, the exhibit will take place in May and June at the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls. A variety of related programming focusing on the Center’s year-long theme of food, farms, and factories is planned during the two months of the exhibit, including How to Make a Meadow, What’s Made in Present-Day Montague, a Downtown Foraging Walk, and an Edible Plants presentation. Opening and closing receptions will include creative performances by Exploded View.

Artists living within 60 miles of Montague are eligible. Wall art only for submission, please

Must be wired for display; no sawtooth hangers.100% of the sale price will go to the artists; neither Exploded View or the venue will handle sales—buyers will have to contact artists directly to purchase the work.

Up to three (3) submissions will be considered.

Drop off will be Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. to noon.

Opening reception is May 5, 2-4 p.m.

Closing Reception is Saturday, June 29, 2-4 p.m.

Pickup will be Sunday June 30, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Submission form

If you are submitting from a Gmail account, you can upload images of your submissions in the form. If not, please fill out the form and email images directly to: explodedviewma@gmail.com



The Town of Montague seeks an experienced muralist to paint a 3,000 square foot mural on a wall of the Shea Theater Arts Center, located at 71 Avenue A in Turners Falls, Massachusetts. The mural will function as a gateway, with the goal of instantly branding the village as a creative community and encouraging residents and visitors and enjoy local retail shops, restaurants, and the art scene.

The Town is working with Common Wealth Murals (CWM) to assist with this project. CWM is a mural management nonprofit that partners with professional muralists and communities to create public art which reflects the hopes, histories, and heroes of their neighborhoods.

A steering group is comprised of Montague residents, business owners, and representatives from the Shea Theater, RiverCulture and the Montague Planning Department has been formed to provide oversight of this work. The steering group will assist with preparing the Artist Call/RFP, muralist selection process, public outreach and community engagement, and the review and approval of the final design. The muralist selection criteria will focus on previous work and experience, commitment to creating public art that reflects the community where the art is located, and increasing the diversity of artistic representation in Turners Falls.

The selected muralist will be expected to attend community listening sessions to seek public input about the project’s design theme. Based on public input, the muralist will prepare a concept for the steering group’s review and approval. The mural is expected to be painted by September 2024.

The selected muralist will receive an artist fee of $15,000. All paint, supplies, equipment, transportation, room and board will be provided.

Learn more or apply

Application deadline is at 11:59PM EST on Sunday, March 10, 2024.

For questions/comments, please contact RiverCulture Director Suzanne LoManto at riverculture@montague-ma.gov or Montague Town Planner Maureen Pollock at maureenp@montague-ma.gov.

PAS Spring Show Call For Artists

You are invited to enter the Princeton Arts Society's Spring Show.

Entry information and entry form

• Dates: May 3, 4 and 5
• Cash prizes awarded May 3 at the Opening Reception
• Two- and three-dimensional work welcome
• PAS membership required, new members welcome
• See the entry information document (link above) for other details such as entry fee, hanging requirements, etc.



Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) and check out the MCC blog ArtSake

The Painter's Keys where you can subscribe to twice weekly letters from artist Robert Genn.

Visit the Arts Marketing Project website for info, ideas, tools and training on marketing art.

Mini Grants for Professional Development are available through NewVue Communities. More information.

Please send your news "publication ready" to news@galagardner.org. See previous newsletters for example formats and the type of info to provide. We strongly recommend that you include a digital image related to the news as well as your website address & links to any venues. Image filenames should include the name of the artist and the work. Please post your press releases online whenever possible and submit a link.

Submission deadline is the 23rd of each month for publication on the 1st of the following month.

Inclusion of items/announcements is always at the discretion of GALA, but inclusion of submissions from non-members is limited to information deemed to be of benefit to GALA members.