Gardner Area League of Artists Newsletter
December 2022
GALA Events/Announcements
Art Critiques
Next Critiques scheduled
Saturday, December 10th
10:00 am - NOON

December's Art Critique will be held at the Ashburnham Stevens Memorial Library, 20 Memorial Drive, Ashburnham MA. We will be in the Community Room—take the elevator to the 2nd floor. Come and join us!

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

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

A great way to receive feedback from your artists friends. Come and bring up to 3 pieces of your artwork to share with the group.

Janet Dupuis will help guide us during our get together. Mark your calendar!

Email Janet to let her know that you will be joining us at [email protected].
En-Plein-Air & Art Show
En-Plein-Air & Art Show
Kendall Pond Fundraiser
Gardner, MA
August 27, 2022 - May 28, 2023

Register now to receive your map locations and ID Card

The En-Plein-Air started in August, 2022 and will run through Sunday, May 28, 2023 at Kendall Pond, Gardner MA

You must register for this Plein Air. Everyone is invited to participate
Register here and get access to all the instructions and maps

All art works must be For Sale. Property owners will be hosting artists around the pond from August to June. Artists will be able to come visit the pond during all 4 Seasons. Areas indicated will be available to the artists throughout the year so that the various seasons are represented. Artists will be visiting the pond to find perfect venues or scenes to capture in their chosen medium. There will be over 20 locations for view.

An art show will be held at the next KPBA's Fireworks celebration in June on the Pond. This Art Show is a Fundraiser that will help with the cost of treating the pond for milfoil and other invasive plants. A map will be available to all artists for all access points. There is a public boat launch for kayaks.

The Kendall Pond Betterment Association, (KPBA) is dedicated in keeping the pond a natural resource for future generations.

At Kendall Pond's fireworks celebration on June 24th, 2023, GALA will hold an Art Show displaying all of the artists' work for judging.

Cash prizes and ribbons will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd,1st Honorable, 2nd Honorable places. The 1st Place art piece will be donated & raffled off to the public with the proceeds of the raffle split between the Artist and KPBA.

Artists will also have the opportunity to display their work for sale in GALA's show during the afternoon hours of the fireworks celebration.

Several residents have expressed an interest in working with the artist to purchase their painting prior to the event. This is allowed but you must have to make arrangements with the GALA president.

Member News & Exhibits
Coffee and Critiques
Coffee and Critiques sessions are held once monthly on the THIRD THURSDAY from 10-11:30AM, weather permitting. These gatherings will be held at the Keene Senior Center, 70 Court St., Keene, NH. Host is Alicia Drakiotes for the KSC. Bring your in progress work or come for inspiration!

For further information email: [email protected]
Center for Wound Care
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.
Shows & Exhibits
Small Works & Holiday Marketplace
Princeton Arts Society, Princeton, MA
Something for Everyone! - Small Works & Holiday Marketplace

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, ceramics, woodworking, and much, much more. Your holiday shopping will be made all the more meaningful by supporting our local artists.

Fridays December 2 & 9: 6-8:00 PM
Saturdays and Sundays,
December 3 & 4 and 10 & 11: 10 AM-4 PM

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

The Princeton Arts Society is a nonprofit organization promoting the arts in Central Massachusetts through programs, events, and shows.
Now on View
ArtsWorcester, Worcester, MA
Four new shows open in the galleries
On view through December 18

A tight selection of large-scale works in Go Big brings drama, color, and high impact to the West Gallery. Turn into the Window Gallery for the tiny embroidery drawings Leslie Schomp makes with her own hair, radiantly displayed like jewels in With You Here Between. Let the elevator take you to the third floor and the Davis Art Gallery to see the vibrant range of works by Worcester Public Schools art teachers in Outside of Class. Spend a quiet moment inside Catherine Smith's prize-winning installation in the East Gallery, Dread Running, with its exquisite invocation of animal life, animal death, and human mourning.


When exhibitions are on view, gallery hours run Thursdays through Sundays, 12-5 PM.

44 Portland Street
Worcester, MA 01608
508.755.5142
Land/Water
Inner Space Fine Arts, North Reading, MA
Through December 23

With a sense of quietude and introspection, Karen Krieger’s contemporary ink and mixed media landscape paintings are meditative reflections on the natural world. Her paintings explore the simplicity of empty spaces and the essence of a mountain, the flow of water and the movement of mist. Karen integrates traditional Chinese ink with her own combination of painting media including natural pigments, graphite and acrylic paint. She works on rice paper (xuan) which she then mounts onto canvas. This adds a dimensional texture to the painting’s finished surface.

Elise Freda’s abstract paintings are based in nature. She finds her shapes, colors, spaces, textures, and lines in rivers, lakes, oceans, fields, mountains and skies. Elise uses the process of painting to evoke and celebrate the natural world: mists rising over fields, changing contrasts of light and weather, and the infinite depths of water and sky. Her paintings often explore the element of line — an ever-changing continuum from one painting to the next — depicting both land and water. Elise’s paintings are process oriented — the image is found while making it. All of the changes, additions, and subtractions become part of the finished piece. She relishes the mystery of abstraction, the unknown eventually evolving in to the known.

We look forward to your visit!

Inner Space Fine Arts, 189 Main Street, North Reading, MA
The Iconic Octagonal Building on Route 28
INNER SPACE FINE ARTS
Architectural References
Jaffrey Civic Center, Jaffrey, NH
Jaffrey Civic Center Hosts “Architectural References”

Architecture is an art in its own right. The exhibit at the Jaffrey Civic Center titled “Architectural References” explores the theme of architecture through other forms of art. The show which runs through December 16, in the Auditorium Gallery of the Jaffrey Civic Center, features the work of nineteen artists: Phil Bean, Bonnie Castor, Cathy Cox, Gary Custer, Rebecca Fredrickson, Julie Gargan, Linda Greenwood, Holly Harmon-Morse; Dianne Kidd, Mary Pierce, Jan Reiss, Ann Sawyer, Elaine Seidel, Brandie Sweetland, Pamela R. Tarbell, Edith Tuttle, Judy Unger-Clark, Ed Wojtaszek, and Dan Worsham.

Included in the exhibit are drawings, paintings, mixed media works, and photography which all include some reference to architecture. The main image the center is using for the show, “The Shadow of Mont Saint Michel by Ed Wojstaszek has no actual building in it at all, the reference comes in the form of a shadow.

Rebecca Fredrickson, Executive Director of the Jaffrey Civic Center and participant in the exhibit, shares her thoughts on the show:
“ I particularly enjoy this show, architecture surrounds us and plays such a big role in all of our lives. The spaces we exist in can influence our comfort and our moods and they can inspire us. The theme is open to interpretation it is fun to see what artists come up with.”

The center is open Wednesdays through Fridays, noon to 5pm and Saturdays 10 am-2pm.

The Jaffrey Civic Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit cultural facility founded in 1966. The mission of the Jaffrey Civic Center is to provide and sustain a public venue where citizens, residents, and visitors of the Monadnock region can pursue artistic, educational, and civic activities. The Center’s goal is to contribute to the cultural enrichment and enlightenment of the community. There is no admission fee to the Civic Center 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 to the Jaffrey Historical Society. For more information about the Jaffrey Civic Center: www.jaffreyciviccenter.com
December Events at Gallery Sitka
Shirley, MA
“Tiny Abstractions”
Curated by Melissa A. Richard
Closing & Gallery Open House
Friday, Dec. 2.
4:30-6:30 PM

2 Shaker Rd., D101
Shirley, MA 01464

Saturday, December 3
Join us at The Fitchburg Winter Bazaar
At Fitchburg’s City Hall!
11-4:00

Gallery Sitka
978-425-6290
Classes & Instruction
Needle Felting Workshops
Gardner, MA
Taught by Nicol Wander
Location: Gardner, MA studio or your own in-home Felting Gathering

All materials included
Class size limited 4-6
$50.00 per person
Learn & create: Owls
Bluebirds
Snowmen/women
Santa heads
Hearts
And more

Contact for available times and dates: [email protected]
Hands-On Fun!
Fitchburg Art Museum, Fitchburg, MA
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.

Art Education at WAM
Worcester Art Museum, Worcester, MA
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
Call for Artists
Call for Artists & Crafters
RiverCulture, Turners Falls, MA
Save the Date

Winter Bazaar
Saturday, December 3, 2022
11 AM – 4 PM

Fitchburg City Hall
718 Main Street, Fitchburg, MA

Are you a local Maker in the Fitchburg Area? Sign up to sell your works at the Fitchburg Cultural Council’s Winter Bazaar. This event is part of downtown Fitchburg’s holiday kick-off with the Santa Parade and Tree lighting following the bazaar starting at 5:30 PM.

This event is free to all.


Call for Artists & Crafters
RiverCulture, Turners Falls, MA
Pop-Up Shop Downtown Turners Falls, MA
Friday, December 9: 2pm-8pm (annual holiday shopping night)
Saturday, December 10: Noon-6pm

This is a juried show.

Email a brief description of your work and a few images to [email protected] by 11/24
Artists will be notified on Monday 11/28. Participation is free!
Special preference to artists who use upcycle/recycle materials.
Questions? 413-863-3200 ext. 115

RiverCulture, the creative economy program of the Town of Montague, is looking for vendors for their annual holiday Pop Up Shop, Friday December 9 from 2-8pm and Saturday, December 10 from noon-6pm. This is a juried show. Between 8 and 10 people will be selected to exhibit at the Brick House, 24 Third Street in downtown Turners Falls. This event will be well publicized as part of "It's a Wonderful Night in Turners Falls", the annual evening shopping and Santa event. Please send a brief description of your work and a few images to [email protected] by November 24. Notification is Monday November 28. Special preference will be given to artists who use upcycle/recycled materials. Participation if free!

Call Suzanne with questions: 413-863-3200 ext. 115
Small Works & Holiday Marketplace
Princeton Arts Society, Princeton, MA
Something for Everyone! - Small Works & Holiday Marketplace

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, ceramics, woodworking, and much, much more. Your holiday shopping will be made all the more meaningful by supporting our local artists.

Fridays, December 2 & 9: 6-8:00 PM
Saturdays and Sundays, December 3 & 4 and 10 & 11: 10 AM-4 PM
Location: 206 Worcester Road, (Princeton Senior & Community Center), Princeton MA

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


Jean Strock
Princeton Arts Society
508-736-4175
Winter Holiday Fair
Unitarian Universalist Society, Gardner, MA
Looking for Vendors
Winter Holiday Fair & Vendor Marketplace
December 3 – 9am-2pm

The Unitarian Universalist Society of Gardner is returning to the tradition of having a winter fair in advance of the winter holidays. On December 3, we hope to fill the UUSG Fellowship Hall with crafters, artists, and specialty vendors. As part of the event, the church provides delicious food at our café, a bake sale table, and a teacup auction raffle featuring specialty gift baskets. We are looking for vendors who offer handmade craft and art items such as cards, jewelry, prints, clothing, knitting and other types of hand work.

If you are interested in selling your work at the fair, there is a $25 fee for an 8’x3’ table, $15 for a ½ space table. Please see the attached application form for more detailed information. If you have any questions, please e-mail Vendor Coordinator, Catherine Azora-Minda, at [email protected]. We know that it’s a busy time of year and we welcome your participation in this event.
The Little Gallery at Town Hall
Westminster, MA
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.

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.

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.

Mini Grants for Professional Development are available through NewVue Communities. More information.
Ongoing Opportunities for Artists & Musicians
Exhibit Opportunities
Heywood Hospital Wound Care Center  Gardner, MA  (GALA Sponsored Venue)
Contact Vicki Heidorn at  [email protected]  or 978-630-2340

Contact Alice Struthers at [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

More Classes & Exhibits
Volunteer Opportunities
We Need Your Help!
There are many ways to volunteer! Please email [email protected] to express your interest in helping out with our organization.
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.
Ads
If you would like your business logo inserted into our monthly newsletter for only $50 per year, contact us at [email protected].

231 Main St, Winchendon. Homemade Ice cream, grilled hotdogs and daily specials. Open 11am-8pm

290 Central St, Winchendon. Fabulous selection of locally produced food items, locally raised meat and produce. Mon-Fri 10-6. Sun 9-3
HEAL Winchendon is more than a project, it is a community movement for long lasting, “up-stream” change to improve the health and quality of life of Winchendon’s residents.We work hand in hand, building on our shared strengths and knowledge to address the daily struggles and needs of Winchendon residents. We strive to bring all people to the table to make change, connecting those who traditionally hold power with those who may have been excluded in the past. We hope to bring to life the Winchendon town motto: WINCHENDON WORKING TOGETHER!
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.