December 2023

We are looking for a part-time proposal writer to help GALA research and apply for art related grants.

We will help and work with you to find the right opportunities that are out there. If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Deb Giordano at Debgiordano59@comcast.net.

Next Critique scheduled for Saturdays:

• December 16

10:00 am - 12:30 PM

Art Critique will be held at the Ashburnham Stevens Memorial Library, 20 Memorial Drive, Ashburnham, MA. We will be in the Preservation Room. Come and join us!

Coffee and tea are provided—bring a snack if you wish.

Bring up to 2 pieces of your artwork (finished or unfinished) to share with the group & bring your finished Mystery Art Challenge piece if you did one. You may bring your art challenge piece to share at any future critique.

Free to all GALA Members. New artists, first class is Free.

A great way to receive feedback from your artists friends.

Janet Dupuis will help guide us during our get together. Email Janet to let her know that you will be joining us at Jandu516@gmail.com.

On Friday, December 1, 2023, the Jaffrey Civic Center will present the third speaker in this season’s “Stories to Share” series. Award-winning architect Dan Scully will speak on the subject of ”Design in the Face of the Mountain.” The program will begin a at 5:00 PM and will be followed by a reception.

Since receiving his undergraduate and architecture degrees from Yale in the early 1970s, Dan Scully has been a prominent architect in the Monadnock region. Among his notable projects and designs are master planning the revitalization of the old rail yards in Peterborough at Depot Square and the Monadnock Economic Development Corporation’s Railroad Street Redevelopment in Keene, including design of the Monadnock Food Co-op. Scully Architects designed the renovation and restoration of the Wyman Tavern and Bruder House in Keene; created a master plan for restoration and renovation of Dublin Town Hall; and served as architects for the renovation of the Washington Meeting House. Dan’s firm designed the SHOWROOM, the second venue of the Colonial Theatre Keene, the old Millwork Masters Marvin windows showroom building and the Keene Ice facility. He has designed countless residences throughout the Monadnock region and beyond. Many of his residential designs have a direct visual connection to the Mountain, which Dan will explain and show during his presentation.

Joseph Steinfield, “Stories to Share” founder, will serve as moderator for the talk. The program is free of charge, but to help support this event and others like it, donations are appreciated. The program will be available as an in-person event at the Jaffrey Civic Center as well as via YouTube live.

Register for in-person attendance

Participate virtually, the evening of the event

603-532-6527

info@jaffreyciviccenter.com

The Jaffrey Civic Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit cultural facility founded in 1966. The Center’s mission is to provide and sustain a public venue where citizens and residents of the Monadnock region, as well as visitors to the area, can pursue artistic, educational, and civic activities. The Center’s goal is to contribute to the cultural enrichment and enlightenment of the community. The Center does not charge an admission fee, and all art shows and receptions are free and open to the public. The Center also hosts fee-based educational and other programs, as well as serving as the home of the Jaffrey Historical Society. For more information about the Jaffrey Civic Center, please visit the Center’s website.

September 2023 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.—5:00 p.m.
• Open Friday, December 8, 10:00 a.m.—8:00 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.

Great Hall Exhibit: Junior Duck Stamps

Ongoing, December 6 – January 16

See the top Massachusetts youth entries for the 2023 Junior Duck Stamp competition! This state-wide art contest by students from kindergarten to high school heightens awareness of the importance of preserving wetland habitats and the delights of wildlife. While you’re here, visit our duck investigation station in the Great Hall and make your own duck stamp!

StoryWalk:® Thanks to the Animals

Ongoing, November 11 – January 1

Enjoy a story, and fresh air! Join us on the center’s grounds for a free self-guided StoryWalk® featuring the children’s picture books, Thanks to the Animals by Allen Sockabasin. Follow the path to book pages posted along the route. For young readers ages 6—8 and anyone grateful for wildlife and storytelling. Wonderful stories await! 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.

It’s A Wonderful Night in Turners Falls … for the Birds!

Friday, December 8, 3:00—8:00 p.m.

Meet in the Great Hall. Craft bird feeders for our winter friends as part of It’s a Wonderful Night in Turners Falls —a town-wide RiverCulture event on December 8. Bird feeder making continues on Saturday, 10:30 a.m.—1:30 p.m. Which birds show up at your feeder? What do they eat? For all ages. Free!

It’s A Wonderful Afternoon in Turners Falls … for the Birds!

Saturday, December 9, 10:30 a.m.—1:30 p.m.

Meet in the Great Hall. Craft bird feeders for our winter friends. Which birds show up at your feeder? What do they eat? For all ages. Free!

Nice and Easy Walks

Fridays, December 8, 15, 22, & 29, 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. Join others seeking fresh air and exercise. Enjoy natural and local history highlights along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Meet at the main entrance.

Orienteering with Zeke

Wednesday, December 13 (rain date Saturday, December 16), 12:00—4:00 p.m.

Join Zeke Jakub of Conservación Panamá to learn how to use a map and compass together to stay safe in the woods! Sponsored by Montague Public Libraries. Dress for the weather. Meet outside the main entrance. Rain date: 12/16. For ages 6 and up. Meet at the main entrance.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour

Fridays, 12/15: Chipmunks; 12/22 Deer; & 12/29 Ducks, 10:30—11:30 a.m.

For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Learn more about our wildlife neighbors who share our home 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.

Gingerbread Houses

Saturday, December 16, 11:00 a.m.—12:30 p.m., Great Hall

Montague Public Libraries presents Gingerbread Houses! Decorate a deliciously festive house using frosting, graham crackers, and various candies. Designed for children and their caregivers. Free! For more information, call 413-863-3214. Meet in the Great Hall.

Family Dance Party with Awesome Art in Motion

Saturday, December 16, 3:00—5:00 p.m., Great Hall

Enjoy a youth dance performance from Awesome Art in Motion, with Great Falls Creative Movement.

Winter Solstice Walk

Thursday, December 21, 3:00—4:30 p.m.

Celebrate the change in season. Join us for an easy walk along the Canalside Rail Trail. The walk is about 3 miles long, on a level paved surface. For adults and children ages 8 and up. Be prepared for cold weather, dress in layers. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Walk begins at the front entrance of the Discovery Center. Inclement weather or icy trail conditions cancels. Meet at the Main Entrance.

School Vacation Week: Mammal Adaptations Investigation Station

Ongoing, December 23 – January 1

During open hours come learn about local mammals and their unique winter adaptations. Every animal has special adaptations that enable them to survive in their winter habitats. Explore through touchable artifacts (pelts, replica skulls, and replica tracks), habitat diorama scavenger hunts, and a Bingo game at the Welcome Desk. For ages 4 and up.

Save the Date! First Day Hike

Sunday, January 1, 1:00—3:00 p.m.

Get the 2023 New Year started off on the right foot! Enjoy a leisurely staff-guided 3-mile stroll on the Canalside Rail Trail, a gentle, level route. Be prepared for cold weather: dress in layers and wear comfortable winter walking boots. For ages 8 and up. Dogs are welcome on leash. Meet at 1:00 p.m. in the Great Hall. Hike begins at 1:15 p.m.

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

Friday December 8, “It’s a Wonderful Night in Turners Falls” from 4-8PM

Saturday, December 9, “Millers Falls Magic” from 10am-6PM

RiverCulture is happy to announce two special shopping events in Montague, December 8-9. The annual gift buying and Santa event “It’s a Wonderful Night in Turners Falls” is scheduled for Friday, December 8 from 4-8pm downtown. The fun starts at the Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, where kids can make a free winter bird feeder. The Brick House Pop-Up Shop at 24 Third Street will offer a wide selection of local handmade gifts that complement Turners Falls’ strictly one-of-a-kind retail shops. Santa will arrive at Spinner Park, on the corner of Avenue A and Fourth Street, at 6:30pm. This heartwarming evening concludes with a performance of “Welcome Yule: Music, Dance, Songs, and Stories to Drive the Dark Away” at the Shea Theater, 7:30pm. Tickets are $12-$15.

The neighboring village of Millers Falls gets into the holiday spirit on Saturday, December 9 with “Millers Falls Magic” from 10am-6pm. Browse the sales and special offers at Rustic Romance, The Pub General Pop-Up and Eldrich Goods located near the intersection of Bridge Street and East Main Street. Feeling Crafty? The Millers Falls Community Improvement Association will sponsor a free holiday wreath making workshop at the Millers Falls Library from 1:30-3:30pm. Enjoy live music by Sean Eric Callaghan and a splendid array of handmade gifts including jewelry, fairy wings, homemade soap, tie dye t-shirts, and more from 2-6pm at Element Brewing, 16 Bridge Street. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a pint or specialty cocktail!

For more information about events in Montague and the Turners Falls Cultural District find us on Faceboook or visit www.riverculture.org

The MA Women"s Caucus for Art exhibition "Her Signature" has been extended through December. On view at Main Street Studios in Fitchburg - 675 Main Street.

Gallery hours: Wednesday-Friday 12-5.

Artists include:

Samantha Durfee

Alana Garrigues

Deb Giordano

Joan Hathaway

Bonnie Iannotta

Helen Obermeyer Simmons

Shara Osgood

Jan Puccelli

Joanne Stowell

Nicol Wander

Arts Alive would like to work with YOU!

We are seeking ideas and facilitators for an arts engagement activity or demonstration. We're going to be getting out there to a bunch of community events this summer and whether it's a drawing workshop, a painting demo, or a sculpture activity, we would love to hear your thoughts on how we can engage attendees in the creative process.

We will provide you with a table and chairs, we will purchase or reimburse you for materials, and we will offer compensation for your time. We will also promote your activity or demo on our event website and social media pages to ensure that attendees are aware of your participation.

Deadline: Rolling

Apply

Artists are welcome to submit ideas all this month. We will review all submissions and notify selected artists as needed.

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.