June 2024

Saturday, June 1st 10 - 1 pm or Tuesday, June 11th 10 - 12 pm

Old Murdock Senior Center (COA)

52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon

Instructors: Deb Giordano, Meghan Whitehead

COST $15 (Saturday, Bring your Lunch). Workshop fee is not refundable if you are unable to attend. All materials included.

When class is over you will take home a beautiful Frida or a flower/headwrap planter with shades, including live plants. You may also bring any materials you want to use to design your own planter.

Two ways to register:

1. Register with GALA and pay
2. Register with COA

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

Coffee, tea and snacks available

Next critique scheduled for Saturday, June 15th, 10am-12:30pm

Old Murdock Building (COA)

52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon MA

Elevator to 3rd floor, Alumni room

GALA has been offering art classes to the public in this stunning building and supporting seniors by offering free to low-cost classes.

Come and join us on this day to check out this space and see where GALA will be offering classes.

Bring up to 2 pieces of your artwork (finished or unfinished) to share with the group. The first 20 minutes we will be networking, then we will go into discussing our artwork.

You may attend even though you didn't bring any artwork, feel free to join us.

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

A great way to receive heartfelt feedback from your circle of 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.

Mark your calendar!

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.

Gardner's "OPEN SPACES" Art Exhibit (Over 20 Artists Exhibiting)

Northcountylandtrust.org

GalaGardner.org

Art reception Thursday, June 6th

6 PM - 7 PM (Free to the public)

Exhibit will run from June 6 - August 25, 2024

Light Refreshments and Live Jazz Music by Clayton Phelps

Gardner Museum

28 Pearl St, Gardner MA

Gardner's OPEN SPACES is an exhibition organized by Gardner Area League of Artists. All visual artists were invited to submit their best artworks on the theme for inclusion in this exhibition. All types of art styles may be submitted, including both 2D and 3D works, painting, sculpture, digital, printmaking, fiber, photography, mixed media.

GALA has collaborated with North County Land Trust.

Judging & special ribbons will be awarded

North County Land Trust will be our judges for this art exhibit and will be handing out information.

NCLT connects people to natural places by conserving open land and creating outdoor experiences in north central Massachusetts. North County Land Trust works in the diverse communities of north central Massachusetts, to conserve land and water resources, farms, urban parks, working forests and scenic landscapes for the benefit of all. They tailor their conservation services to the needs of each community, from small urban centers to rural towns and bedroom communities.

Life Still: Celebrating the Ephemeral

Inner Space Fine Arts, North Reading, MA

Amy Vander Els & Marsha Zavez

Opening Reception June 1, 4-6 PM

Life Still is an exhibition of new still life + landscape paintings which illustrate and honor the ephemeral moments that we notice, that we know will pass, that we choose to keep alive.

On view through June 30

Learn more

Inner Space Fine Arts, 189 Main Street, North Reading, MA

The Iconic Octagonal Building on Route 28

Open: Thursdays & Fridays 1:00 – 6:00, Saturdays & Sundays 12:00 – 4:00

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 a.m.—6 p.m., including June 19

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: What’s on Your Plate?*

Ongoing, May 5—June 29

The exhibit What’s on Your Plate? asks artists to investigate the entanglement of food, time, commitment, and ecology. Curated by Exploded View, in collaboration with our 2024 Food, Farms, and Factories project and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Exhibit: Made in Montague*

Ongoing, May 5—Oct. 27

This exhibition in our Hallway Gallery explores products made in Montague today. Some have a long local history. Others are on the cutting edge of technology. Businesses include food, farms, beverages, factories, music, movies, electricity, fine arts, photography, fabric, and fashion arts. Curated by Anne Harding and Michaela Henry for our Food, Farms, and Factories project with Exploded View.

StoryWalk® — Ruby’s Birds

Ongoing, May 9—June 25

Enjoy a story, fresh air and exercise! Join us on the center’s grounds for a free self-guided StoryWalk® featuring the children’s picture book Ruby’s Birds by Mya Thompson, for readers ages 3-7 and everyone who celebrates birds. Follow the path to book pages posted along the route. 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.

Find Us at the Farmers Market: Soils and Soil pH testing*

Saturday, June 1, 10:30 a.m.—1 p.m.

As part of our Food, Farms, and Factories project, join DCR staff, the Friends of the Center, and Western MA Master Gardeners to learn about soils and soil testing. Includes family-friendly activities. The Great Falls Farmers Market is located between 6th and 7th streets along Avenue A at Peskeompskut Park. Bring your soil to be tested for free by following these directions: https://greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/calendar/soiltesting/

Eli Elkus Musical Storytelling*

Saturday, June 1, 11 a.m.—1 p.m.

At the Great Falls Farmers Market, Elie Elkus plays original and rekindled folk songs about family farms and industrialization. Meet at Peskeompskut Park, located between 6th and 7th streets along Avenue A. For all ages! Sponsors: Montague Cultural Council & MA Cultural Council.

Nice & Easy Walks

Fridays, 6/7 & 6/14: 1—2 p.m. and Saturday, 6/22: 10—11 a.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. Meet at the main entrance.

Art Naturally Series: Solar Prints from the Garden*

Saturday, June 8, 10:30 a.m.—12 p.m.

Discover nature through story, poetry, and art in this 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. Use the power of UV light (from the sun or a lamp) to create beautiful garden inspired prints on paper and cloth. For adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up, accompanied by an adult. All art materials provided. Rain or shine. Meet in the Great Hall.

Downtown Foraging Walk*

Sunday, June 9, 2—4 p.m.

Explore how people have coevolved with plants. Join herbalist Laura Torraco, owner of Sage Green Botanicals, for a plant walk guided by the senses. Discover plant ID tips, medicinal and material uses, and histories of plants that live around us. Part of our Food, Farms, and Factories series of programs with Exploded View. For ages 12 and up. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes. Meet at the main entrance.

Great Falls Coffeehouse Presents: Talamana Duo

Friday, June 14, 7—9 p.m.

Join us for the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center’s concert series featuring local talent. Enjoy original music with jazz, folk, and world music elements from the Talamana Duo. Refreshments available. Sliding scale suggested donations, all in support of educational programming at the Center. For all ages. Meet in the Great Hall.

17th Annual Free Family Fishing Day*

Saturday, June 15, 10 a.m. —2 p.m.

Join us for a day of FREE fishing fun at Barton Cove in Gill, MA, with additional activities at the Great Falls Discovery Center. Adults and children of all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Event is held rain or shine. Parking is free.

At Barton Cove Campground: Barton Cove Road in Gill

• Free fishing from 10 a.m.—2 p.m. All ages welcome.
• Fishing equipment provided - limited supplies available. Bring your own pole if you have one.
• No MA fishing license needed.

At Great Falls Discovery Center: 2 Avenue A

• Fly lure tying demonstrations.
• Come see a guest fish from the USGS Conte Anadromous Fish Research Lab.
• Fish printing - The art of Gyotaku from 11 a.m. to 2 pm.
• CATCH THE FISH BUS HERE! Free shuttle bus to and from Barton Cove, as needed, from 10 a.m.—2 p.m.

Fields & Forests – What do Bees Need?*

Sunday, June 16, 10:30 a.m. — 12 p.m., Great Hall

Help us kick-off Pollinator Week! Make your own native bee habitat by “painting” with yarn, fleece, pre-felt shapes, and soapy water. Will your bees live in a tree trunk or holes in the ground? Will they build their nests with mud or leaves? Learn how important our native bees are, especially for growing food, and what they need to thrive. For ages 4 and up, including teens and adults. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Designed especially for families (including dads), but all are welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.

A French/Breton Jam Session

Sunday, June 16, 2:30— 4:30 p.m.

An informal group of musicians gather 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. Meet in the Great Hall.

Revealed: The Amazing Story of Armored Mud Balls and Friends Annual Meeting

Thursday, June 20, 6:30– 8 p.m.

Jurassic armored mud balls - one of the rarest sedimentary rock structures on the planet! Prof. Richard Little explains how he discovered them, how they formed, and why they’re so rare. Featuring stories of plate tectonics, floods, changing climates, and suspension bridges! Sponsored by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center. This presentation is preceded by a brief Friends Group annual meeting. Following, take a guided and short 10-minute walk to Unity Park and see the real armored mud balls! Light refreshments provided. Meet in the Great Hall.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour

Fridays, 6/21: Turtles; 6/28: Eagles, 10:30—11:30 a.m.

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. For ages 3—6, accompanied by an adult, siblings and friends welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.

Nice & Easy Walk - Food, Farms, and Factories Edition: Housing History*

Saturday, June 22 10—11 a.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. Meet at the main entrance. Inclement weather cancels. Discover the housing of mill workers and mill owners during the industrialization of Turners Falls. Meet at the main entrance.

Closing Reception and Performance: What’s on Your Plate?*

Saturday, June 29, 2—4 p.m.

Dynamic art, word, and performance conclude the Exploded View's exhibit on the theme of food, farms, hope, community, and climate. Features readings of selected work by Exploded View, and family sing-along with community bard Annie Hassett. All ages. Meet in the Great Hall.

Find Us at the Farmers Market!*

Saturday, June 29, 10 a.m.—12 p.m.

Montague Public Libraries is joining in our Food, Farms, and Factories fun with summer visits to the Farmers Market, with books and activities about growing food. The Great Falls Farmers Market is located between 6th and 7th streets along Avenue A at Peskeompskut Park.

*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

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

The Monadnock Area Artists Association is excited to announce a new workshop series, with the first workshop in the series presented by well known Monadnock area artist Mary Iselin.

Workshop with Mary Iselin: Seeing (and Using!) Color and Light in your Oil, Pastel, or Acrylic Painting

June 15, 2024, 10am-4pm, Stone Arch Village, Community Room (Senior Housing Complex), 835 Court Street, Keene, NH (Immediately after Savings Bank of Walpole on the right across from Dunkin Donuts)

It has often been said, “we don’t paint objects, we paint light.” And color is, to many of us, one of the biggest joys in our world. In this workshop, we will briefly explore how to see both color and light and explore techniques for using both in our work to enhance interest, excitement, and hopefully, to add that special “magic” that makes painting worthwhile.

Registration fee: $75 for members and $90 for non-members. Deadline for Registration is June 12.

Register

For this Workshop, the presenter and MAAA would like to be sure that no one is excluded due to cost. In the Registration Form (link above), there is a space to request reduced/waived tuition. If you have any questions, please contact Workshop Committee Members Kathleen Kennedy at 603-209-4344 or Gail Shelley at 603-209-0618. Please leave a text message or voicemail.

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

The Fitchburg Arts Community will provide 68 mixed-income, artist-preference apartments in three former historic municipal buildings. NewVue Communities (NewVue) is converting the former BF Brown Middle School (62 Academy Street), the former City Stables, and the former High School Annex (82 Academy Street) into apartments and artist amenities. The project is located across the street from and in partnership with the Fitchburg Art Museum.

Anyone can apply for housing at the Fitchburg Arts Community. However, artists will be given a preference in the housing lottery. To receive this preference an artist must demonstrate they have been active in their work over the past three years.

How the process works:

• Applicants complete the pre-application online
• NewVue will contact all eligible artists with a link to submit materials (letter of interest, 3 work samples, resume, two letters of reference)
• Artists will be assessed on the materials to determine if they should receive the artist-preference in the lottery.
• August 7 the lottery will be held for units in the Fitchburg Arts Community
• Those selected will go through a final verification process with the property manager Wingate.
• January 2025 - units will be ready for tenants to move in.

More detailed information will be coming soon to the NewVue website. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out to Samantha deManbey, Artist Tenant Recruiter, at sdemanbey@nvcomm.org with any questions or concerns.



Call for Exhibitors – Art in the Park 2024

The Monadnock Area Artists Association Art in the Park outdoor art show is now accepting artists applications for its 66th Annual Show to be held in Ashuelot River Park, West Street, Keene, NH on Labor Day Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, August 31 & September 1, 2024 from 10 am – 4 pm both days, rain or shine.

Online registrations for all artists! Forms are available on the Monadnock Area Artists Association website

Online Application

The deadline for applications for the same site as in 2023 is May 14, 2024 and for all other and new applications the deadline is: July 16, 2024

Fees: Monadnock Area Artists Association members, $100, non-members fee $150. For artists sharing a booth, fees are listed in the application. Payment now is through PayPal when you complete the online registration form. Please note: Fees are non-refundable.

All exhibitors are required to have their work on display for both days from 10 am – 4 pm, rain or shine. Artists or a representative must be present at their booth during show hours. Site dimensions are 10' X 10'. Exhibitors provide tents, weights, display systems, and original artwork. Your booth should be at least 75% framed fine art/photography, or sculpture and only 25% additional products such as note cards, calendars, or bins of matted prints/photographs, if applicable. No nudes due to the City of Keene regulations for Art in the Park.

Security will be provided overnight on Saturday evening – Sunday morning, tents and furnishings may be left up, but all artworks on should be taken home and re-installed Sunday morning before 10 am.

Media accepted for Display:

Water Media, Acrylic, Oil, Pastel, Colored Pencil, Charcoal, Pen & Ink, Printmaking, Photography/Digital Art, Collage / Mixed Media, and Sculpture.

Judges will award Cash Prizes and Ribbons in Six Categories: The registration form will have spaces to mark with your preferred media.

Questions, Please contact:

Art in the Park Committee Member

Liz Winchester-Larson

lizart39@yahoo.com



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.