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December 2019
In This Issue
Welcome New 
GALA Members!

Clara Dennison
Lynn Cohen
Sharon DiPasquale
Carina Martorella
Donna Foley

GALA Board of Directors

Deb Giordano  President
Nowell Francis Treasurer
Paula Botch (Secretary)
Guy Biechele  
Chuck Heidorn
Bethany Price
Susan Ellis
Christopher Guerra


GALA was organized to promote the arts as an essential component of a healthy community. We believe that artistic expression is a community's greatest legacy for future generations. GALA will increase awareness and appreciation of the arts by way of exhibits, instruction, theater productions, musical programs and provision of scholarships to students in local schools.
 
GALA 
PO Box 664 
Gardner, MA 01440
a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

Newsletter Editor
Dana Armstrong

Massachusetts Cultural Council
Send Us Feedback!

[email protected]

President's Note

Hello my dear friends,

Ready for the snow? With snow on the ground, it puts me in the Christmas spirit. So, let it snow! Our Small Works Holiday Art Sale is doing well. Three more weekends left to stop by and check out all the arts and crafts. Take a chance on the great raffle baskets. Bring some cat food to help out the local shelter and you will receive a small gift.

There are a few open slots left to gallery sit. So, if anyone could give us one more shift it would be much appreciated. Email or call Louise, [email protected], 978-874-2660.

Our art critiques are going strong and its so interesting to see a wide variety of different styles. We have decided to continue our critiques through the winter months. We will have the critiques in the Winchendon History and Cultural Center, which is across the street in the mansion. The next critique will be in January after the holidays. We will send out an email to everyone.

We will send out an email once we receive Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce's 2020 calendars. They are free and will have our GALA photographers' photos in it. They will be available to pick up in the gallery.

We are starting to fundraise and ask for donations to put a new roof on the gallery. We have a few leaks and water is getting in. The shingles are very old and it is time for a new roof so we won't have any water or art damage.  If you would like to donate, please go on our Facebook page and donate. If you donate before this Tuesday, Facebook will match your donations. Or you may mail a check to GALA, PO Box 664, Gardner MA 01440.

Mark your calendars: GALA's Annual 2020 Spring Show will be on the weekend of April 24 - 26.

Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas and keep on creating!

Sincerely,

Deb Giordano
GALA President
978-407-1419

 

  eventsGALA Events/Announcements
Small Works Holiday Art Sale    

Come shop for beautiful and affordable art for your friends and family. All artwork is under $100. Take advantage of these prices! Wall art, jewelry, prints, notecards, and more!

We have three amazing raffle baskets already made! Three basket themes; Lottery Scratch Tickets, Italian, Movie!

Show is open until December 21st
Gallery hours are Saturday & Sunday, 12:00 - 5:00pm.





MemberNewsMember News & Exhibits
Samantha L Durfee        

A sample of Samantha Durfee's scanography will be on exhibit in The Seventh Annual One, ArtsWorcester's largest annual exhibition. Featuring over 200 artists, this exhibition is non-juried, non-themed, and allows any active artist member to display one work in the ArtsWorcester main galleries at 44 Portland Street. An opening reception will take place on Friday, December 6, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM.

Members & supporters preview: Friday, December 6, 5:00 - 6:00 PM

The opening reception and gallery hours are free and open to the public. This exhibit will be on view in the East and West Galleries through Saturday, January 11, 2020.
Barbara and Hal Danser        

Jewelry Exhibition at Jaffrey Civic Center

Barbara and Hal Danser are exhibiting contemporary glass necklaces and earrings and also necklaces of strung turquoise and sterling silver at the Jaffrey Civic Center.

The show will run through December 17.

Hal has been teaching fused glass at Sharon Arts, the Currier and in his studio for 20 years. Barbara has been collecting turquoise stones from around the world and making necklaces for 12 years using sterling and bronze enhancements.

There is no admission fee for the public to visit the Civic Center, located at 40 Main Street, Jaffrey, NH.

Alicia Drakiotes        

Alicia Drakiotes is one of a select group of artists to be included in the Annual Small Works Exhibit and Sale at Fry Fine Art Gallery, 36 Grove St, Peterborough, NH. The opening reception is scheduled for Dec 6 from 5-7 PM. Works are available for viewing currently through the end of December.

Studio hours are available by appointment at Alicia Drakiotes Studio in Marlborugh, NH. 


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ArtShowsandExhibits
Shows & Exhibits
Something for Everyone! - Small Works & Holiday Marketplace                    
Princeton Arts Society, Princeton, MA


Come browse, shop and enjoy hundreds of fine art and artisan-made, affordable holiday gift items made by members of the Princeton Arts Society. Wonderful small wall art in many media available, and tables will overflow with jewelry, cards, prints, ornaments, fabric items, original books, bags, and much, much more. Your holiday shopping will be all the more meaningful by supporting our local artists.

December 6: 6-8:30 PM - Opening Reception (public welcome)
Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 7 & 8 and 14 & 15:  10 AM-4 PM

206 Worcester Road, (Princeton Senior & Community Center - street level), Princeton MA

Almost 30 years old, the Princeton Arts Society is a nonprofit organization promoting the arts in Central Massachusetts through programs, events, and shows.

Contact: Jean Strock
Princeton Arts Society
508-736-4175
[email protected]

Holiday 2019 Show                   
West Wind Fine Art, Keene, NH

Join us for West Wind Fine Art's Holiday 2019 Show

Kristen Thies, owner of West Wind Fine Art, is hosting a Holiday Show on Dec. 14th & 15th at the Historic Bruder House, 349 Main Street in Keene, NH

Paintings by Richard Schmid, Nancy Guzik, Kathy Anderson, Carol Arnold, Stephanie Birdsall, Maggie Cahoon, Josh Clare, Cynthia Feustel, Daniel J. Keys, Johanne Mangi, Judy Stach, and a new limited edition fine art print by Timothy R. Thies.

Where: Bruder House: 349 Main Street, Keene, NH
When: Saturday, Dec. 14th, Artists' Reception & Opening, 4-7 pm
Free and Open to the Public
Saturday, Dec. 14th - Still Life Painting Demonstration by Kathy Anderson, 12 noon-3 pm
$20 per person, seating is limited. Tickets available on www.WestWindFineArt.com

Sunday, Dec. 15th - A Celebration of Richard Schmid's new, "My Still Life Art" Book,
10:00 am-3:00 pm. Free and Open to the Public
Richard Schmid's Books, DVDs, and his new limited edition fine art print, autographed by
Richard, will be offered for sale along with his newly published "My Still Life Art" Book.

For more details please contact: [email protected]
508-566-9463
WestWindFineArt.com

December Events at Gallery Sitka           
Gallery Sitka

Affordable Abstract Art Show - Curated by Melissa Richard

This show is a small works show. All the work, which is part of the show, will be $60 or less. It will be a great time for seasonal shopping!

Opening Saturday, December 7
2-4 PM
Gallery Sitka East
2 Shaker Rd. Suite D101, Shirley, MA

December at The Bull Run - Robert Bicknell

Join us in welcoming Robert C Bicknell to The Bull Run for December 2019! Saturday, December 14 from 1-3 PM!

Robert C. Bicknell - A Taste of New England - "This collection of images is a small sampler of my work taken throughout New England. Varying seasons and locations reflect and represent the rich tapestry of our landscape. Included are images from own Nashoba Valley, the Monadnock Region, the Connecticut River Valley and the coast from Massachusetts to Maine."

Opening Saturday, December 14
1-3 PM
The Bull Run
215 Great Road, Shirley, MA 01464

Phone: 978.425.6290
Fax: 978.425.6280
[email protected]
gallerysitka.com

The Seventh Annual One            
ArtsWorcester, Worcester, MA

Opening December 6
 
Members & supporters preview: Friday, December 6, 5:00 - 6:00 PM
Public reception: Friday, December 6, 6:00 - 9:00 PM

Our biggest members' show of the year is back! Join us for the opening reception of The Seventh Annual One: A Members' Exhibition. Featuring over 200 artists, this exhibition is non-juried, non-themed, and allows any active artist member to display one work each in our beautiful new galleries in the Printers Building.

Thanks to the generosity of individual donors, five hundred dollars in prizes will be awarded to artists exhibiting in The Seventh Annual One. Prize winners will be selected by Erin Corrales-Diaz, Assistant Curator of American Art at the Worcester Art Museum, and will be announced at the opening reception. Don't miss out on the excitement of the announcements made during a packed public reception!

The opening reception and gallery hours are free and open to the public. This exhibit will be on view in the East and West Galleries through Saturday, January 11, 2020.

44 Portland Street
Worcester, MA 01608
508.755.5142
www.artsworcester.org

Upcoming Events at Jaffrey Civic Center                   
Jaffrey Civic Center, Jaffrey, NH

Barbara and Hal Danser Jewelry Exhibit at the Jaffrey Civic Center

The Jaffrey Civic Center will host a joint contemporary jewelry exhibit by Jaffrey artists, Barbara and Hal Danser through Dec. 23. The exhibit will feature glass necklaces and earrings in addition to turquoise and sterling necklaces. Free and open to the public.

Hal has been enticed by fused glass for the past twenty years. Through experimentation and learning, he has refined his style, focusing on the creation of unique, contemporary jewelry in the form of necklaces, pendants, and earrings. His jewelry is represented at a number of select galleries throughout the United States. Formerly a teacher at NHIA Sharon Arts Center, Hal currently teaches glass fusing at the Currier Museum Art Center in Manchester and in the Danser Art Glass Studio in Jaffrey.

Barbara has been designing contemporary glass necklaces for eight years, creating interpretations of Earth and the Universe, as well as totally abstracted forms. Each design is a one-of-a-kind original. She is passionate about the reflective quality and transparency of the glass medium. Barbara has been a frequent visitor to New Mexico for twenty-five years, taking plein air painting groups to Santa Fe, Taos and Ghost Ranch since 1996 and occasionally retreating there to paint and sculpt. Her interest in Pueblo culture has enhanced her love of turquoise, one of her favorite stones. She designs turquoise and sterling necklaces, gathering stones from around the world. Formerly a painting teacher at NHIA Sharon Arts, Barbara continues to teach painting locally in a class environment and in workshops.

2019 Annual Fall Art Exhibit Opening Reception at the Jaffrey Civic Center

One of our largest exhibits of the year, the Annual Fall Art Exhibit will include all types of mixed media including but not limited to: photographs, paintings, drawings, textiles, glassworks, paper works, pottery, woodwork and other 3D disciplines. A great place to purchase original art at reasonable prices for gifts for the holiday. The exhibit will run through December 23th. The exhibit and reception is free and open to the public.

Hours are: Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2p.m., Sunday: Closed

The Jaffrey Civic Center, is located at 40 Main Street, Jaffrey, New Hampshire, parking in rear.  We are a designated 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to art, education and civic activities. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 am- 12 noon, 1to 5 pm and Sat 10-2. Admission is always free. For more information about us, call 603-532-6527, e-mail us at [email protected]. Find our website, www.jaffreyciviccenter.com, or "Like" us on Facebook.

Fall Exhibits at the East Wing Gallery                  
Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA

Walking Wonders: the multimedia work of Nancy Sepe
November 12 - December 8
Reception: Friday, November 22
4:30-6:30pm

Exhibition of Student Work from Drawing III and Painting II & III
Decenber 18, 2019 - January 25, 2020
Reception: Wednesday, December 18
3:00-5:30pm

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ArtClasses
Classes & Instruction
2020 Workshop Calendar                   
Monadnock Area Artists Association, Keene, NH

Kendra Ferrier-colored pencil & watercolor pencil
April 25

In this fun and informative workshop students will learn to create vibrant and colorful drawings with the simple tool of colored pencils by layering, blending, burnishing and creating rich darks. Colored pencils are an easy transported medium and can be used for simple sketches to complex layered drawings. We will also be combining and learning about mixing dry colored pencils with watercolor pencils and how this mixed media approach allows for a quicker build up of color and tone. Artists of all levels will enjoy expanding the boundaries of this versatile colored pencil medium.

Intermediate to Advanced Watercolor
Jane Davies-mixed media "Intuitive Painting"
May 8

Connect directly to your intuition and express yourself with paint, drawing, and collage.  Discover new tools and techniques that get you out of a rut and into a more spontaneous way of working. We will paint to music, paint without brushes, draw with crayons, play painting games, make collaborative collages, make our own collage papers, create spontaneous mono prints, and more. All techniques are accessible, so those with less experience can jump right in. Experienced painters will find this a refreshing way to reenergize their art practice. If you have never painted before, this is a great way to start!

Rita Kirkman-pastels- 3 days
October 31, November 1 & 2, 2020

All workshops take place in Keene, NH unless otherwise noted.

We will be adding a few more workshops so please check our website after the first of the year.

Monadnock Area Artists Association
Keene, NH
www.monadnockareaartists.org
  
Fall Art Courses                 
Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA

All levels of Drawing, Figure Drawing, Painting, Ceramics, Sculpture, 2D and 3D Design. Classes are open to majors, non-majors, and seniors (tuition free). Students 60 years and older are eligible for a waiver of tuition and fees. Call 978-630-9270.

We have an Art degree for students considering transfer to an art school or a four year institution majoring in Art. We also recently added a Liberal Arts Degree with a Concentration in Art for students who want to minor in Art and pursue other studies, or pursue related fields such as museum studies, art education, art therapy, art administration, and art history.

The Associate Degree in Fine Art is a cost effective way to begin a college degree and minimize debt after graduation. We assist students in creating a strong portfolio and application for transfer and potential scholarships. Our students have successfully transferred to Massachusetts College of Art and Design, University of Massachusetts, School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Montserrat College of Art, Maine College of Art, Boston University, Hartford Art School, Pratt Institute, and others.

Visit our website to learn more about our program, facilities, and student work.

Contact Thomas Matsuda at [email protected] for more information.
  
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Amherst Town Hall Gallery
Amherst Public Art Commission, Amherst, MA

The Amherst Public Art Commission invites area artists or groups of artists to submit work for consideration for exhibition in the Amherst Town Hall Gallery in 2020-2021 (July 2020-June 2021.) Both established and emerging artists are encouraged to apply. Exhibitions are on display for two months, and artists are asked to participate in the monthly Amherst Arts Night Plus (first Thursday of the month) during their show.

Various hanging media including painting, photography, drawing, printmaking, pastels, mixed media, fiber and illustration will be considered.

Submission requirements: Completed application, artist statement and/or resume, and 5 digital images. A $20 entry fee is payable upon acceptance to exhibit. Applications must be received no later than January 19, 2020. Artists will be notified of the jury's decision by February 9, 2020

Applications may be completed online

Please send questions to Amy at [email protected]
 
The Art Exhibit Committee
Athol Public Library
Athol Public Library
The Art Exhibit Committee of the Athol Public Library invites area artists to submit work for consideration for exhibition in the library's conference room.

The committee will review work for one person shows on an ongoing basis.

Various hanging media including painting, drawing, printmaking, illustration, photography, textiles and mixed media are eligible.

Application forms with submission requirements are available at the library circulation desk and online at:  www.athollibrary.org and
http://tinyurl.com/ptswy4v

For more information please or call Heidi at 879-248-9995 or email: [email protected]
 
 
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Resources 
Resources for Artists
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.

www.fitchburgculturalalliance.org

Art Support & Other

Art Support is a website dedicated to providing support and resources for artists of all types.

The following is just a small list of support provided to artists: Organizations Helping Visual Artists, US Government Art Organizations, State Agencies and Art Commissions, Non Governmental Art Organizations, Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, Laws Regarding Visual Arts, Artist Consultants, Grants for Artists & Grant Assistance, Artist Health Insurance, and many other legal support and resources for Massachusetts artists.

________________

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.

Princeton Arts Society Blog

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

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Opportunities 
Exhibit & Other Opportunities for Artists & Musicians
(Ongoing)
Exhibit Opportunities
Heywood Hospital Wound Care Center  Gardner, MA   (GALA Sponsored Venue)
Contact Vicki Heidorn a [email protected]  or 978-630-2340

Contact Alice Struthers a[email protected]  or 978-597-2057

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 [email protected].
 
Falmouth Artists Guild  Falmouth, MA

Post Road Art Center   Marlborough, MA
 
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  [email protected] 
 
Workers' Credit Union   Gardner, MA
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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More Exhibits & Classes
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We Need Your Help! 
(Ongoing)
There are many ways to volunteer! Please email  [email protected]  to express your interest in helping out with our organization.

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NewsletterSubmissions Newsletter Submissions
Have news about exhibits, awards, events, classes, call for artists
or other art info?
Please send your news "publication ready" to  [email protected] . 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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award All Star Award
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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