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Dedicated to making art accessible to the community . . .
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MEMBER NEWSLETTER: January 2022 |
We’re accelerating into 2022 at high speed! Even with the ongoing challenges of COVID, our 114-year-old nonprofit arts organization is surviving and thriving, thanks to a big dose of community support, focused direction from our Executive Director and Board, and the incredible efforts of our volunteers. Our annual and lifetime membership is growing, gift shop revenues remain strong, and we constantly collaborate with community groups to promote the visual arts in the Greater Meriden area. Besides having secured some key financial support, we have a schedule packed with classes, workshops, and exhibits (see below!). And we continue to look for ways to build on our existing programs and expand into new ventures. Keep an eye on Gallery 53 in 2022 – we’re definitely on the move! |
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Thanks to our Grant Writer Brenda Fazzino for her invaluable efforts in securing both grants! She usually keeps a low profile, but as you can see here, she’ll climb as high as the roof if that’s what it takes to do the job! |
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G53 SECURES KEY FINANCIAL SUPPORT
American Rescue Funds, Meriden Foundation & CT Humanities Grant
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RAISE THE ROOF UPDATE:
American Rescue Funds Approved
As you may know, the Meriden City Council voted to approve $323,000 from the American Rescue Fund to cover essential Phase I renovations for 53 Colony Street, including a new roof, tie rods, and masonry repairs. Where do we go from here? We’ll meet with City of Meriden Finance Director Kevin McNabola to discuss next steps for the grant and tap into expertise in the City’s Purchasing Department to issue a Request for Proposal to qualified firms. Stay tuned as we embark on this important preservation project!
MERIDEN FOUNDATION TECHNOLOGY GRANT
We are very grateful to have received a $9,200 grant from the Meriden Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to creating an all-inclusive community and improving the well-being of the citizens of Meriden and surrounding area. This generous grant will enable us to purchase much-needed technology hardware and software subscriptions, giving us the digital tools we need to operate efficiently and stay connected with our community.
CONNECTICUT HUMANITIES GRANT
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What's New in the Gallery |
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EBONY & IVORY
Black & White Themed Exhibit Coming in February!
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We will be accepting entries 1/28 & 1/29 for our February themed exhibit, "Ebony & Ivory." The show will highlight black and white works, but pieces may also incorporate a splash of color if they're predominantly black and white. Paintings, drawings, photographs, and digital compositions will be accepted. Juried by noted Meriden-based artist Christine Ivers. Four prizes will be awarded. For more information & entry forms visit the website! |
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CHAIR-ity Begins at Gallery 53! |
They say “charity begins at home.” But at Gallery 53, “CHAIR-ity” begins every year with a shout out for donations of used chairs, stools, and accent tables. Our amazing G53 artists can then transform them into one-of-a-kind creations which we sell to benefit G53. This year, we’re especially looking for children’s chairs. Can you help us out? If you have a piece to donate – or if you’d like to paint a chair or table – email the gallery!
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INARVIS BURGOS WINS SIGNATURE QUILT |
Congratulations to Inarvis Burgos who won the signature quilt raffle! The beautiful queen size quilt with individual signatures and inspirational messages was the brainchild of Marge Bucholz, who generously donated her talent to help support our Raise the Roof Campaign! Congratulations, Inarvis! |
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Do you have a few free hours a month? A "think-outside-of-of-the-box" attitude? Do you like to have fun?
If you answered YES, we’d love to have you join us! Artistic ability is not required, just a can-do attitude and a desire to have fun! We are particularly looking for help in these areas:
- IT / Computer Hardware, Software & Networks
- Fundraising / Development
- Teaching (adults, kids, crafts, fine arts)
- Class / Workshop Coordinator
- Gift Shop
- Office Support
- Any unique or specialized skills and experience
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SUPPORT G53 WHEN YOU SHOP AMAZON |
Did you know you can help support Galley 53 by shopping with Amazon? With the AmazonSmile program, you can support Gallery 53 every time you shop, at no cost to you. Just log on to smile.amazon.com on your web browser or activate AmazonSmile in the Amazon Shopping app for iOS and Android phones. Designate Gallery 53 as the charity you want to support. Then whenever you shop, AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to Gallery 53. THANK YOU for your support!
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G53 SNAPS!
December Highlights
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REDUCED TREASURES
Now until January 27th!
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Grey days of Winter getting you down? We’ve got the cure! Step into the G53 Gift Shop for a little “retail therapy” – and take advantage of some seriously reduced prices on select items! There are all kinds of treasures waiting to be discovered, including special savings on holiday/seasonal gifts and décor. Now until January 27th!
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VOTE GALLERY 53 YOUR FAVORITE NON-PROFIT! |
Are you an Ion Bank customer? STARTING TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST, your vote for Gallery 53 earns us a $25 donation from the Ion Bank Foundation! Every vote counts . . . can we count on your help? Vote 2/1/22 – 3/15/22 at www.ionbank.com.
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KIWANIS SUPERBOWL EVENT!
Now through February 11th!
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Join us in supporting the Kiwanis club in their annual Souper Bowl event to benefit the Meriden Soup Kitchen! Gallery 53 will have a bin for collecting food items (please contact G53 for a list of items that they're in need of) so stop in and make your donation today! Likewise, if you're unable to donate a food item, Kiwanis is accepting monetary donations via Venmo: @KiwanisClub-Meriden. For more information, visit the Kiwanis website. |
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WINTER SESSION CLASSES:
January & February
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Pastel Color Workshop
1 session / weekend: January 16th / 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
All skill levels
With Christine Ivers, PSA-MP, IAPS/MC, PSWC, CPS
Adventures in Pastel
6-week course: Mondays / January 17 – February 21 / 2;30 – 4:30 PM
All skill levels
With Christine Ivers, PSA-MP, IAPS/MC, PSWC, CPS
Evenings@53 OPEN STUDIOS
Ongoing: Mondays, starting January 17th / 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Pay-as-you-go per session, drop-ins welcome!
with Mary Khan
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CRAFTS
Hand-Built Pottery
10 sessions / morning: Tues., January 25th – Thurs., February 24th / 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
NOTE: more sessions starting in March – day & evening!
Ice Dye Workshop
2 sessions / evening: Tuesday, February 1st & Thursday, February 3rd 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Alcohol Inks Class
1 session / evening: Wednesday, February 2nd / 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Beginner Crochet Class
2 sessions / evening: Tuesday, January 25th & Thursday, January 27th / 6:15 pm – 8:15 pm
The Felted Landscape
1 session / weekend: Saturday, February 26th / 10:00 am – 4:00pm
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February
EBONY & IVORY: Black & White Mixed Media- With a splash of color
March
Through Her Eyes: Women Photographers of Connecticut
Entries Due: 2/25/22 & 2/26/22
April
Twisted Visions: Abstract Show
Entries Due: 4/1/22 & 4/2/22
May
The Textured Story: Fiber Art Textile Show
Entries Due: 4/29/22 & 4/30/22
June
Celebration of Art: Student Art Show
Entries Due: 6/1/22 & 6/2/22
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Summer's Light at Castle Craig, one of 5 stunning new Meriden photographs by Peter Wneck Photography, now at Gallery 53! in the gallery or online!
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ARTISANS WANTED!
Sell your crafts in a thriving year-round gift shop!
Did you know that the Gallery 53 Gift Shop showcases work from over 230 regional artisans? Our year-round store is a popular source of unique, creative gifts in the Greater Meriden area! If you’re looking for a way to expand your crafts business, consider placing your items with Gallery 53! If you’re interested, click the link below. Our team will be happy to review your item(s) and see if there's a fit!
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ALEADY SELLING ITEMS AT G53?
Send photos & info so we can promote your items online!
Help us drive more sales for YOU by telling us about your product and uploading photos! We will use this information to promote your items on our online gift shop and social media. Click below to submit info and photos.
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53 Colony Street
Meriden, CT 06451
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