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February 2018
In This Issue
Welcome New 
GALA Members!

 Miranda Jennings

GALA Board of Directors

Deb Giordano  President
Nowell Francis Treasurer
Paula Botch (Secretary)
Guy Biechele
Ashley Bird
Kevin Bird
Chuck Heidorn
Bethany Price
Susan Ellis


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!

feedback@galagardner.org

President's Note

  This is the month for LOVE and we are loving the progress we are making on our new Arts Gallery. The ceiling and gables are complete. We are now waiting for some warmer weather so we can start to mud and paint the walls. Still lots to do to get ready for our open house this summer.


The highlight of our exhibition year is the GALA Spring Art Show. We are looking forward to seeing your work in our 2018 GALA Spring Show! This show will again be held at the Winchendon American Legion. We received many positive comments that the Legion had great lighting and people loved the layout, and our musicians liked being on the stage. The dates for the show are May 4th-6th, 2018. The show is open, which means that artists of all levels may participate. A panel of outside judges will award ribbons in various media and a ribbon for Best in Show. We invite musicians to perform during the artist reception and at other times during the weekend. For art lovers and participating artists, the weekend is a highlight of the art show season in North Central Massachusetts. The Call for Artists is now open. Guests can participate with popular choice voting, the raffle, and purchasing original art.

On July 27th, GALA and GallerySitka will collaborate on a themed show called, "PAINT THE TOWN!" We will be accepting all media including photography. The challenge is to paint or shoot anywhere or anything in Fitchburg. There will be awards and the exhibit will be held at Gallery Sitka West, 454 Main Street, Fitchburg, MA. The Call for Artists is now open. We look forward to seeing what artists create.

This year we are looking for talented people to give classes and workshops. If you are interested in teaching let me know. We are also looking for a volunteer event coordinator to help schedule these classes and art exhibits. I will be working alongside of you, so come and join the fun.

Sincerely,


Deb Giordano
President of GALA
  eventsGALA Events/Announcements
Your Tax Return Can Help GALA  

We are working with H&R Block and Block Advisors this tax season! Get a referral code from H&R Block Gardner (978-632-0104) and take it to any H&R Block office when you have your tax return prepared. If you are a new client, we will get a $20 contribution. Thank you.

Vera Coupal
Office Manager
Gardner, MA # 20103
978-632-8500
 
GALA Spring 2018 Art Show     
GALA Arts Gallery, 135 Front Street, Winchendon, MA

GALA Spring 2018 Art Show
May 4, 5, & 6
Call for Entries


GALA 2018 Spring Art Show with Live Music!
May 4 - 6, 2018 at the Winchendon American Legion
295 School Street (Route 12), Winchendon, MA 01475

Opening Reception Fri., 6-9 pm (Art Awards at 7 pm)
    
Two options for entering the show:
  • Option 1: Online entry which submits your information & payment to GALA electronically.
  • Option 2: Paper entry form. A PDF Call for Entries which includes a form that you print & mail with payment to GALA, PO Box 664, Gardner, MA 01440. **Please allow enough time for mailing so that your entry is received by the deadline.**
With either option, your entry is due by April 6.

Please support GALA by donating to the "Off the Wall Art Sale" and/or Artwork Raffle. See the Call for Entries for details on these important fundraising events.

Please consider demonstrating your creative process at the show. Indicate your interest on your entry form.

You will need to renew your GALA membership on your
entry form unless you are a current member.
If in doubt, please email debgiordano59@comcast.net.

See the  Call for Entries for more information.

First 2018 GALA Artists Critique Meeting    
GALA Arts Gallery, 135 Front Street, Winchendon, MA

The first 2018 GALA Artists Critique meeting will be Saturday April 7.

Join us for coffee and conversation. Get some feedback on and insight into what you've created. Please bring two pieces of your artwork, in any medium, finished or in progress, to present to the group.
Whether you are a novice or a master, it's always a fascinating conversation when creative minds come together to talk about color, composition, and technique.

Saturday, April 7, 10 am-12 noon

GALA Arts Gallery
135 Front St., Winchendon, MA 01475
Directions

Register by April 5

This activity is FREE for current GALA members and you can bring a guest to one meeting!

Not a member yet? Join/Renew Now

Check your membership status by emailing Deb Giordano

GALA "Paint the Town" Art Show     
GALA Arts Gallery, 135 Front Street, Winchendon, MA

GALA "Paint the Town" 2018 Art Show
Call for Entries
July 27 - September 27, 2018
454 Main Street
Fitchburg, MA


Opening Reception Friday, July 27, 6-9 pm
Art Awards at 7 pm
    
Two options for entering the show:
  • Option 1: Online entry which submits your information & payment to GALA electronically.
  • Option 2: Paper entry form. A PDF Call for Entries which includes a form that you print & mail with payment to GALA, PO Box 664, Gardner, MA 01440. **Please allow enough time for mailing so that your entry is received by the deadline.**
With either option, your entry is due by July 16.

Please support GALA by donating a Town of Fitchburg artwork to the show raffle.

Please consider demonstrating your creative process at the show. Indicate your interest on your entry form.

You will need to renew your GALA membership on your entry form unless you are a current member for the duration of the show. If in doubt, please email debgiordano59@comcast.net.

See the  Call for Entries for more information.

MemberNewsMember News & Exhibits
Doreen LaScola              

A Promise of Things to Come by Doreen LaScola
A Promise of Things to Come...

All new work by Doreen LaScola. Hosted by Gallery Sitka West, 454 Main Street, Fitchburg, MA. Opening reception is Saturday, February 10, 2018, 1-4:00pm. The show runs February and March, 2018. For more information contact Doreen LaScola at dart_50@comcast.net.

Gallery Sitka West
454 Main Street
Fitchburg, MA

978.342.1006
gallerysitka.com

 
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ArtShowsandExhibits
Art Shows & Exhibits
An Exploration of Color: Quilt and Fiber Exhibit                      
The Jaffrey Civic Center, Jaffrey, NH

The Jaffrey Civic Center is excited to present, "An Exploration of Color: Quilt and Fiber Exhibit", beginning on Friday, January 12th through February 9th in the upstairs Cunningham Gallery. The show will include various local fiber artists exhibiting a unique array of their fiber arts from clothing to quilts. The show is free and open to the public. 

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 info@thejaffreyciviccenter.com, visit our website, or "Like" us on Facebook.
 
Terrapin Glass Exhibit                      
The Jaffrey Civic Center, Jaffrey, NH

The Jaffrey Civic Center welcomes Terrapin Glass Blowing Studio, who will exhibit their hand blown glass in an exhibit from January 12th to February 9th in the groundfloor Display Case Gallery. In addition to their studio right in Jaffrey, Terrapin offers flameworking and glassblowing classes all year round. The exhibit is free and open to the public. 

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 info@thejaffreyciviccenter.com, visit our website, or "Like" us on Facebook.
 
Flower Exhibit                      
Post Road Art Center, Marlborough, NH

Join us in February for our annual flower themed exhibit. All artwork will be for sale and on view in our gallery from February 1st - Feb 21st. 

Post Road Art Center
1 Boston Post Road East
Marlborough, MA  01752
508.485.2580
www.postroadartcenter.com
 
Slice of Humanity                       
Nina's Nook, Turners Falls, MA

Acrobats by Suzanne Conway
"Slice of Humanity" at Nina's Nook in Turners Falls presents the work of five artists capturing the human figure using paints, brushes, markers, pens and mixed media collage: Robert Bent, Suzanne Conway, Lauren Paradise, Jeff Wrench, and gallery owner/artist Nina Rossi. A wide variety of figural work is represented, each artist working their inimitable style to fill the walls of the Valley's smallest gallery.

Gallery hours are: Thursday, Friday, Saturday from noon until 5 p.m. or by appointment: 413-834-8800. Nina's Nook is located at 125A Avenue A in Turners Falls, next to the Black Cow Burger Bar. The "Slice of Humanity" exhibit will run from February 1 through March 31. Visit online at www.ninasnook.com.
 
Stamina, Sojourns, and the College Show                        
ArtsWorcester, Worcester, MA

Orbit by Suzanne Pekar
Friday, February 2, 5:30 to 8:00 PM
ArtsWorcester
660 and 657 Main Street, Worcester

Join us to celebrate three exhibits in one evening: Present Tense Prize winner Colleen Fitzgerald's Stamina; the Fourteenth Annual College Show, featuring the work of rising artists from eight Worcester colleges and universities; and Ann Rosebrook's solo exhibition Sojourns at the Hadley. This opening is free and open to all; free parking is available one block up, in the lots belonging to the Masons (at Ionic and Beacon street); and refreshments will be served by deadhorse hill.

660 Main Street
Worcester, MA
508.755.5142
www.artsworcester.org

 
East Wing Gallery Talks & Events                         
Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA

Pirouette by Deborra StewartPettengill
Ebb and Flow
New work by Deborra Stewart-Pettengill
February 3 - March 1
Gallery Talk: Thursday, March 1 at 3:30pm
Followed by Gallery Reception at 4:30-6:00pm

In the glass cases: Raku Burnished Pottery by Bob Green
February 2-March 16
Artist Talk & Demonstration:
Friday, March 9 at 12:00-1:45pm
Studio II (Room 175)

Artist Talk & Presentation by Robert G. Osborne
A retired New York City art dealer, gallery director, and artist. He will talk about his art dealing then, art making now, and ways that students can use an art education.
Wednesday, March 21 at 12:30-4:30 pm, Rm 172

35th Annual Regional High School Art Exhibition Competition
April 2-19
Reception & Awards: Thursday, April 12 at 6-8 pm

47th Annual MWCC Student Art Exhibition
Work from foundation & advanced art courses
May 7 - 23
Reception: Wednesday, May 9 at 3:30-6:00pm

For more information:
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ArtClasses
Art Classes & Instruction
Art Classes for Kids                       
Post Road Art Center, Marlborough, NH

We have several kids art classes for ages 9-11 and 11-14 starting in February with our new teacher Danielle Bianco. Feel free to explore all the art classes we offer, as we continue to update and schedule new class sessions each month.

Post Road Art Center
1 Boston Post Road East
Marlborough, MA  01752
508.485.2580
www.postroadartcenter.com
 
2018 Workshops                   
River Valley Artisans, Keene, NH

River Valley Artisans is pleased to be sponsoring 2 workshops in 2018

The first will be a Marketing workshop on April 7th with Bruce Baker and the second will be a pastel workshop with Christine Ivers on June 23 & 24.

For more information please visit our website. These workshops will take place in Keene, NH.

Marketing You & Your Art with Bruce Baker - April 7, 2018
Nationally recognized arts marketing authority, Craft's Report columnist, artist, and juror will be in Keene to assist artists and crafts professionals to create better businesses.

This workshop is designed for art/craft professionals who want to compete successfully in today's art field. The purpose is to help artists identify and overcome barriers that keep their businesses from running at peak performance.

NightScapes in Pastel with Christine Ivers - June 23 & 24, 2018
This is a two-day workshop that explores texture, temperature and the medium of pure pigment. Students will have the opportunity to paint from their own photos or photos that will be available.

Please email rivervalleyartisans@tpdi.biz and you will be notified when the registration form is ready.

River Valley Artisans
rivervalleyartisans@tpdi.biz
www.rivervalleyartisans.com

 
Pet Portraits in Pastel                 
Monadnock Area Artists Association, Keene, NH

The Monadnock Area Artists Association is pleased to welcome back Lisa Ober for a Pet Portraits in Pastel workshop September 15 & 16, 2018. Lisa's step-by-step approach to teaching pastel pet portraiture insures that when this workshop is complete you will know how to develop a realistic pet portrait from the first sketch through signing the finished painting.

The registration fee for this workshop is $230 for MAAA members and $255 for non-members. Your dues must be paid for the current membership year in order to receive the member rate.

This fee is non-refundable unless the minimum number of students is not met.

Please make your check payable to: Monadnock Area Artists Association. Please mail your registration form and check before March 1, 2018 to:

Monadnock Area Artists Association
c/o C. Corliss
161 Streeter Hill Road
West Chesterfield, NH 03466

A confirmation will be sent via email, so please print clearly.
If you have any questions, please contact Carol at pastels@tpdi.biz or 603-363-4205, or visit our website.

pastels@tpdi.biz
Monadnock Area Artists Association
monadnockareaartists.org
 
Wood Carving Classes              
Marcia Berkall, Athol, MA

Tuesday evenings, 6:00-9:00pm

Classes on other days may be possible. Marcia Berkall welcomes all skill levels. Once basic techniques are learned she encourages students to express their own visions. Marcia stresses safety, creativity and fun! Marcia has over 20 years of experience teaching carving and now offers classes in her home studio in Athol. Wood carving is relaxing and addictive!

To see Marcia's work, visit:
whittlinsnwood.com
cahvah.wordpress.com
facebook.com/woodcahvah

Marcia Berkall
116 Old Keene Road
Athol, MA 01331
(978) 830-0293
mberkall@roadrunner.com
  
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Call for Artists: All Around Monadnock Art Exhibition                     
Historical Society of Cheshire County, Keene, NH

June 1-September 7, 2018

The Monadnock Region means many things to many people. It is recognized for its natural beauty. It is known as the "Currier & Ives Corner" of New Hampshire because of its remarkably intact early New England historical record and built environment. It is known for its quintessential New England festivals and cultural events. And it is known for its people, from old-time New England characters to those who have come to love the region's heritage, culture and landscape. Our region illustrates the story of New England history, culture and natural environment.

What does the Monadnock Region mean to you? The Historical Society of Cheshire County and the region's artists are collaborating on an exhibit that will allow the artists to answer this question. The people, places, heritage, and culture of the Monadnock area will be recognized and celebrated in this collaborative exhibit. Artists are encouraged to create works that illustrate what the region means to them and how it impacts their own lives. The 40 towns of the Monadnock Region are recognized for their natural beauty and cultural heritage. This exhibit is paying homage to those characteristics of "our" region.


For more information: adrakiotes@webryders.net
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 2018-2019 (July 2018-June 2019.) 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 20, 2018. Artists will be notified of the jury's decision by February 5, 2018.

Applications may be completed online

To request a paper application or ask additional questions, contact Amy at amy@amyacrawley.com
 
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: art@athollibrary.org
 
 
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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. 
 
 
The Central Mass Chapter of the Women's Caucus for Art
The Central Mass chapter of the Women's Caucus for Art (CMWCA) is accepting new memberships.   We are a national organization that supports, develops and celebrates art making by women.  We create exhibition opportunities; network with artists regionally, nationally and internationally;  and offer educational programs locally. We are organized as an artists' collective where each member contributes to our vision and works as needed to carry our mission forward. 

For more information, see our websites:  www.centralmasswca.org and  www.nationalwca.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 Organiz ations, 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
 
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Opportunities 
Exhibit & Other Opportunities for Artists & Musicians
(Ongoing)
The Creative Underground

It's time to reveal your hidden talent and show your work!

The Creative Underground is now accepting new members to their artisan gallery. Located at the Hudson Mill, 43 Broad Street in Hudson, TCU offers artists the opportunity to display their work for a low monthly membership fee with an extremely high commission rate back to you!

We are looking for a mix of works - fine art, hand-crafted, glass, wood, metal, and reclaimed, jewelry and out-of-box works.

Applications are now being accepted for new memberships.

Email us at info@thecreativeunderground.org

Provide us with a little info to start: 
  • Contact info
  • 4-6 sample (low-resolution jpeg preferred/zip larger files)
  • Short description and motivation
  • Materials used
  • Price range
  • Quantity of inventory available (small-moderate amount is need to start, but replenishing is needed through the year).

TCU mission is to reveal the hidden talent of artists in your communities to both encourage and support the arts.

www.thecreativeunderground.org 


Exhibit Opportunities
Heywood Hospital Wound Care Center  Gardner, MA   (GALA Sponsored Venue)
Contact Vicki Heidorn a surroundingsgallery@gmail.com  or 978-630-2340

Contact Alice Struthers aastruthers1@comcast.net  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 dmoskowitz@upwitharts.org.
 
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  kleslie@cwmars.org 
 
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  info@galagardner.org  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  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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award All Star Award

GALA won Constant Contact's All Star Award 8 years in a row (2009-2016) 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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