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GALA Events/Announcements | | |
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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.
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Call for Entries: Gardner's Open Spaces | |
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Gardner's Open Spaces
A Juried Art Exhibit
Submission deadline: Sunday, May 19th, 2024
Gardner's Open Spaces is a juried exhibition organized by Gardner Area League of Artists. The exhibition will be held at the Gardner Museum at 28 Pearl St, Gardner, June 7 - August 25, 2024
Judging & special ribbon awards will be given.
Submission Deadline: Sunday, May 19, 2024
Jury Selection Notification: Starting Monday, May 20
Art Drop-off at the Gardner Museum: Wednesday, May 29 2 - 4 PM
Art Pick-up at Gardner Museum: Monday, August 26 2 - 4 PM
Opening Reception: Friday, June 7, 6 - 7 PM (subject to change)
All visual artists are invited to submit their best artworks on the theme for inclusion in the exhibition. All types of art styles may be submitted, including both 2D and 3D works, painting, sculpture, digital, printmaking, fiber, photography, graphic, mixed media.
Maximum size for 2D is 20"x 30" includes the Frame. For 3D, contact us.
The theme, "Gardner's OPEN SPACES" The visual representation of Open Spaces, in Gardner, in any of its myriad forms, is acceptable for this exhibit. Only in the town of Gardner. Artists are free to apply their own interpretation in representing the overall theme. Representational and abstract ideas based broadly on this theme, in any media, will be considered.
There are many open spaces in Gardner Massachusetts. Feel free to choose any of the four seasons. Help showcase the beauty of what Gardner has to offer. We have provided a map to help show where all the Gardner green spaces are located. Bring your camera and easel and start exploring these areas. Or you may explore and find a gem of your own somewhere in Gardner. We are announcing this now while Summer and Fall is still upon us.
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As a service to the patients of the Center for Wound Care at Heywood Hospital, GALA has been displaying member art in the waiting room for more than 15 years. We will be contacting artists for the following schedule: September-October and November-December. Three to 12 pieces can be accommodated in this space. Multiple artists may join together to create a theme or display at the same time. Please contact Vicki at Surroundings Gallery & Custom Framing, 978-630-2340. | |
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Events at the Great Falls Discovery Center
Turners Falls, MA
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January 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.—5:00 p.m.
- Open Mondays, January 1 and 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.
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!
Snowy Indoor StoryWalks®*
Ongoing
January 6—25: Under the Snow, by Melissa Stewart
January 26—February 17: Tracks in the Snow, by Wong Herbert Yee
Explore the lives of active and resting winter wildlife. For ages 3 and up, accompanied by an adult. Meet at the welcome desk.
*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 the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Interpretive Services.
First Day Hike
Monday, January 1, 1:00—3:00 p.m.
For ages 8 and up. Start the New Year off on the right foot! A leisurely guided 3-mile stroll on the Canalside Rail Trail. This family-friendly hike follows a gentle, level route. Discover the abundant natural, historical, and cultural features that make the Discovery Center and rail trail an amazing state park! Dress appropriately for winter weather. Wear comfortable winter walking boots. Dogs welcome on leash. Meet at 1:00 p.m. in the Great Hall. Hike begins at 1:15 p.m.
Kidleidoscope Story Hour
Fridays, January 12: Insects; 19: Rabbits; 26: Winter Birds, 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.
Introducing Food, Farms, and Factories
Ongoing in 2024
Throughout 2024 the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories. Building on the success of Crossroads: Change in Rural America in 2023, the conversation continues about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by several local partners and funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Visit: greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.
Nice and Easy Walks
Fridays, January 5, 12, 19, and 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 winter weather, sturdy footwear, and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Friday 1/26 topic: the John Russell Cutlery Factory for our Food, Farms, and Factories series. Meet at the main entrance.
“Let’s Play Library” Bluey Party
Saturday, January 13, 11:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m., Great Hall
Join us for crafts and activities related to the popular character, Bluey! Sponsored by Montague Public Libraries. Ages 3-10+. Meet in the Great Hall.
Food, Farms, and Factories: Sunday Matinee Documentary Series
Sundays, January 14 and 28
Hear directly from historians and those who are a part of local food systems, agriculture, or manufacturing in our region. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, Montague Public Libraries, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, RiverCulture, and funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Light refreshments provided. Meet in the Great Hall.
Sunday, January 14, 2:00—3:30 p.m. — A Long Row in Fertile Ground by WGBY. The story of agriculture in Western New England. Meet retired WGBY General Manager Russ Peotter for a discussion after the film. Snow date: 1/21.
Sunday, January 28, 2:00—3:30 p.m. — The Genesis of the Turners Falls Community and The Franklin County Fair – a double feature by the Montague Historical Society. Join Chris Clawson and Ed Gregory of the Montague Historical Society for a discussion after the films. Snow date: 2/4.
Great Hall Exhibit: On the Ground and in the Air and in Between
Ongoing, January 23 — February 23
Artist, Amy Dawn Kotel’s exhibit asks: “What do we see and how do we perceive our earth and all who dwell here?” See beauty and strangeness from different angles.
Going against the flow: The History of Montague’s Navigational Canal
Saturday, January 27, 2:00—3:00 p.m.
The Connecticut River used to be navigable. Come learn about the original canal connecting Montague City to what is now Turners Falls and why it was important for moving molasses! Meet in the Great Hall.
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
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Concert & Workshop of Music
Montague, MA
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Live Concert and Workshop of Music from Eastern Europe and The Balkans at Montague Center Common Hall
On the evening of January 20, 2024, two local bands will come together for a unique collaboration. Orkestar Banitsa and Myrtle St. Klezmer both play music from Eastern Europe, but in very different styles – Banitsa plays traditional music of the Balkans, while Myrtle St. plays Ashkenazi Jewish dance music. This concert brings them together to explore the similarities and differences between their styles. The evening will begin with a workshop at 7pm, in which participants learn to play a song that appears in both bands repertoires. The concert will start with Orkestar Banitsa at 7:30, followed by Myrtle St. Klezmer at 8:30. For a grand finale, both bands will perform together with workshop participants.
Myrtle Street Klezmer is an ecstatic exploration into the past, present, and future of klezmer music – the traditional celebratory music of the Ashkenazi Jews. An ensemble comprising some of the East Coast’s finest klezmer musicians, MSK has been connecting with audiences through performances, workshops, and presentations since 2021. Core members include Jason Ditzian (bandleader, clarinet), Myk Freedman (guitar), Jesse Olsen Bay (vocals, bass, bouzouki, percussion), Bea Carlson (vocals, accordion), Doug Plavin (percussion) and Dan Baker (tuba, banjo). MSK has received awards/support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, among others. https://www.klezmer.com/myrtle-street-klezmer
Orkestar Banitsa is a five member folk dance band, specializing in music of Bulgaria, Macedonia, Serbia and Greece. It is led by Becky Ashenden on accordion and percussion, who has been playing this music in a variety of ensembles for over forty years. She is joined by her nephew and virtuosic accordionist, Gawain Thomas, and Addie Rose Holland, who plays clarinet and sings. Joe and Barbara Blumenthal make up the rhythm section on bass and Bulgarian tambura. https://www.facebook.com/p/Orkestar-Banitsa-100064256404799/
Okestar Banitsa and Myrtle St. Klezmer perform on Saturday, January 20, 2024. Workshop begins at 7pm, concert from 7:30 - 10p at the Montague Center Common Hall, 34 Main St, Montague Center. Suggested donation is $15-20, kids free, with nobody turned away for lack of funds. For more information, contact Jesse Olsen Bay at (510) 387-0765 or tangledmusic@gmail.com. Event webpage: www.klezmer.com
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Art Instruction with Jill Pottle | |
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Oil and Acrylic Winter Painting Retreat
Wednesday February 21 - Sunday February 25, 2024
Get away from winter blahs and come paint for four days at the Sea Meadow House in Friendship, Maine during our second winter retreat. No matter what the weather, we can paint our hearts out! There will be numerous still lives to choose from and window views of the landscape. It's a great time of year to explore your many gray tones of winter. John Sloan’s winter paintings are lovely to look at. And don’t forget Matisse and Bonnard’s lively interiors. The still life will challenge you with composition and color relationships. Always so much to learn!
To make life absolutely the best we will have wonderful food provided by Chef Trey Bare.
Come and join me for a wonderful winter paint-a-thon retreat.
About Jill Pottle
Jill M. Pottle is an artist from Worcester County and she exhibits her paintings and drawings locally and nationally. She is a graduated from Syracuse University with her BFA and graduated with her MFA from the Boston Museum School. She is an accomplished artist and art teacher for 38 years. Her works have been included in shows at the Three Stones Gallery, W. Concord and the East End Gallery in Provincetown, MA. She is a member of the Fountain Street Gallery in Boston and the Trumpet Gallery of Fine Arts in Peterborough, NH. She was the artist in residency at the Fruitlands Museum. Her accomplishments include being in a variety of collections: Danforth Museum/Framingham State, Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for the Aged in Roslindale, MA, Sterling Drug Inc., Fidelity in Boston. She won two grants from the Somerville Artists lottery and has published in the “Artists Magazine”. She won a grant from New Vue, Fitchburg, MA.
Painting workshop fee: $450
Lodging/meals fee: $700
Registration Deadline: ASAP OR BY January 1, 2024 for both the workshop & lodging.
Please Contact Jill Pottle with questions regarding the workshop: (978) 855-7194 or
pottleart@gmail.net
Winter in-person & zoom classes
Contact: jillpottle@pottleart.com for questions
MONDAYS:
Pottleart Zoom Drawing – my zoom
All levels invited
I can send you registration information
10 sessions- 9:30-12:30 – Jan. 8- March 18 (no class Feb.19)
TUESDAYS:
#1 GPL – contact them directly – in person- https://www.gpl.org/
Drawing class – 10:30-1:30 – 10 weeks starting Jan. 9
#2 WAM – contact them directly - in person - https://www.worcesterart.org/classes/
Beginning Acrylic Painting class – 2:30-5:30 – 10 weeks starting Jan. 23
WEDNESDAYS:
GPL – contact them directly – in person class
Basics in painting w/oils or acrylics – 1:30-4:30 – 10 weeks starting Jan. 10
THURSDAYS:
#1 Pottleart Zoom Painting – my zoom
All levels invited
I can send you registration information
All levels painting class – 9:30-12:30 – 10 sessions, Jan. 11 (no class Feb.22)
#2 WAM – in person
Collage Class – 2-5 – 10 weeks – starts Jan. 25
SATURDAYS:
WORCESTER ART MUSEUM – in person
Contact them directly – 10-1 – Beginning painting in oils or acrylics
Starts Jan. 27 for 10 weeks
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My Life As a Painter
Jaffrey Civic Center, Jaffrey, NH
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On Friday, January 5th, 2023, the Jaffrey Civic Center will present the fourth speaker in this season’s “Stories to Share” series. Artist and farmer Mary Iselin will speak on the subject of “My Life as a Painter – A Continuing Journey”. The program will begin a at 5:00 PM and will be followed by a reception.
Mary Iselin’s paintings are luminous and filled with light. She paints draft horses, sheep, cattle and landscapes the way some artists would paint a bowl of fruit: to explore light, color, and atmosphere—especially spiritual atmosphere. A professional painter in oil, Iselin is represented by several fine art galleries, including 3 Pears in Dorset, VT; Vermont Artisans in Brattleboro, VT; and Hannah Grimes in Keene, NH. She is the recipient of numerous awards, has been featured on Rural Heritage TV, and is collected both in this country and abroad. She is a former faculty member of the NH Institute of Art. And, on a light note, last year she received the Gold Award for “Best Artist” in both local newspapers! “The longer I paint, the more I feel that the point is to just keep painting. Techniques can be learned, but it is my job as an artist to be standing there with a paint brush in my hand when Inspiration comes through. And painting is all I really want to do.”
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.
To register for in-person attendance please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stories-to-share-with-mary-iselin-tickets-685793144757?aff=oddtdtcreator
To participate virtually, the evening of the event, please use this link: https://www.youtube.com/@jaffreyciviccenter/live
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.
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Make Art at Main Street Studios
Fitchburg, MA
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Do you get inspired by fellow artists? Would the company of other creatives motivate you to work on an idea or abandoned project?
Come to Main Street Studios on Tuesday evenings. We have plenty of work space for you to set up with your writing, painting, knitting, etc.
We will socialize for a half hour-ish and then have a quiet hour or two to do the work. If you are inclined to share at the end of the evening - or the end of the summer, you are welcome to do so. But that is not required.
Main Street Studios has coffee/tea/water and maybe a few snacks. There are also options for delivery if you want to order dinner.
The point of this evening is to have fun and employ a little gentle peer pressure to kick aside those creative blocks. If you have any questions, send us a message or leave a comment in the event. You can also email studios@fitchburgculturalalliance.org.
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Hands-On Fun!
Fitchburg Art Museum, Fitchburg, MA
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FAM at Home art activities and tips for creating art with children. Create with us from home!
Explore the artistic techniques, concepts, and themes behind Fitchburg Art Museum’s permanent collection artworks through these fun creative projects. Explore the full list of tutorials below. Click here for information on how to best use these resources.
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Art Education at WAM
Worcester Art Museum, Worcester, MA
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Worcester Art Museum offers online, in-person, and off-site programs that cover a variety of subjects and media. In-person classes are held either in the galleries or WAM’s studios, and have reduced class sizes. WAM is following current CDC guidelines. Online classes are taught through Zoom and are encrypted and secure.
Call or email with questions, to register over the phone, or to request a print brochure!
Phone: 508.793.4333
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Call for Artists: Arts Engagement Activities
Arts Alive, Keene, NH
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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.
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The Little Gallery at Town Hall
Westminster, MA
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Westminster now has a public art gallery open for showings by Westminster artists. "The Little Gallery at Town Hall" is now accepting applications from artists or artist groups who would like to exhibit 2-D work for a month-long show. For more information, visit the Town of Westminster website.
"The Little Gallery at Town Hall" is sponsored by the Westminster Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
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The Fitchburg Cultural Alliance | |
Go to our website to sign up for our newsletter and check out our calendar of events in the North Central region.
A vibrant force advancing arts and culture in the Fitchburg community and in the North Central Massachusetts region.
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Ongoing Opportunities for Artists & Musicians | | |
The Arts Alliance has quarterly exhibits at the Hudson Town Hall, so if you are interested in a solo exhibit of your work, contact Danielle Moskowitz at (978) 562-1646 or dmoskowitz@upwitharts.org.
The Library is always looking for exhibitors to show their work in the Art Gallery. If you are interested in exhibiting as an individual or a group, please contact the Library Director, Kathleen D. Leslie at 978-632-5298 or kleslie@cwmars.org
The bank offers the opportunity for a small display of artwork at the 171 Main St. branch in Gardner. For more info, contact Monica Whitehouse at 978-632-9207.
Art & Music Instruction Opportunity
The West Boylston Arts Foundation (WBAF) is always looking for artists, crafters, or musicians that would like to offer workshops or classes.
Donating a portion of the course fee to the WBAF to support school arts & music would be most welcome.
If interested, please contact Mark Baldi (508) 767-2803 - work (508) 835-6489 - home
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There are many ways to volunteer! Please email info@galagardner.org to express your interest in helping out with our organization.
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Have news about exhibits, awards, events, classes, call for artists or other art info? | |
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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.
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GALA has achieved Constant Contact's All Star Award for 10 years in a row (2009-2018) for demonstrating best practices in the use of email marketing.
Award winners were selected from over 500,000 organizations in recognition for setting the standard of being a responsible, engaged, professional, and successful online marketer.
GALA continues its efforts to put out an informational, entertaining newsletter every month to inform its members of recent, current and future art news.
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Gardner Area League of Artists
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