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January 2017
In This Issue
Welcome New 
GALA Members!

 Tamar Russell Brown

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!

[email protected]

President's Note

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year everyone! Whatever happens this year, we artists will always be expressing our feelings through our work. Sometimes it is important to show our work so others can relate and enjoy the experience.  Remember our Annual Spring Show, it will be in MAY at the Winchendon American Legion. You have four months to get ready! Watch for Call for Entries.

We have a NEW Website! Check it out; better design, easier to navigate and lots of new photos. If you want to be added to our artist's directory, let us know. We are now supporting our musicians and their information. We are here to please. Let us know how you like it. Thank you to Dana Armstrong for re-designing: www.galagardner.org.

For those of us who are photographers or want to be, sign up for our workshop which starts in February. This is a three part workshop and all levels may sign up. You may want to brush up on your skills because we are having a photography exhibit!

We are having a Spring Photography Exhibit! It will be held on April 15-20th at the Old Murdock Senior Center in Winchendon on the second floor auditorium. Keep an eye out for more information and Call for Entries.

We will be having a Spring May Basket Workshop. Keep the tradition going. Keep an eye out for more information.

The next Poetry Open Mic will be Sunday, February 5th. Mark your calendars!

Would you like to teach a workshop? Call me.

Our Online Auction will start in January. We are still looking for items! Did you get any Christmas gifts that you will probably be re-gifting? We will gladly take them off your hands!

We are always looking for VOLUNTEERS to help with the Shows. Please call me at 978-407-1419 if you want to join our fun crew!

Sincerely,




Deb Giordano
President of GALA
  eventsGALA Events/Announcements
GALA Presents: Digital Photography Workshop with Norm Eggert    

3 Part Workshop to be Held on Sat. 2/4/17, Sat. 3/4/17, & Fri. 4/15/17

Photographers at ALL Levels are Encouraged to Enroll!

Digital Photography Workshop
Instructor:  Norm Eggert
GALA Members: $55  per person
Non-Members: $75 per person (fee
includes a 1 year GALA membership)

Part One
Sat. Feb. 4, 2017, 10 am - 1 pm at the
GALA Arts Gallery, 135 Front St, Winchendon

You will meet with the instructor to discuss camera techniques and cover the basics. You will also cover how to make great photographic compositions. Homework will be given out for the next class.
 
Part Two
Sat. Mar. 4, 2017, 10 am - 12 noon at the
GALA Arts Gallery, 135 Front St, Winchendon

Critique: Photographers will show their work using a projector.  Bring your photos on a USB device. You may bring one of your favorite prints for display.
 
Part Three
April 15-20, 2017
Opening Reception: Saturday, April 15, 2-5 pm
Location: Old Murdock Senior Center, 2nd Floor Auditorium
52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon, MA 01475
Art Drop-off: Thursday, April 13, 4-6 pm
Art Pick-up: Friday, April 21, 4-6 pm

Photographers will choose their best works to enter the GALA Spring Photography Exhibit. Exhibit will be at no additional cost since installation fees are already included in the workshop fee.
 
Norm Eggert has taught for many years at the Worcester Art Museum and Mount Wachusett Community College.
 
Enroll Today
To enroll and pay online with a credit/debit card
or PayPal account, click here.
To enroll and pay by mailing a check to GALA,
PO Box 664, Gardner, MA 01440, click here.

GALA 2017 Spring Photography Exhibit

April 15th - 20th, 2017
Old Murdock Senior Center


2nd Floor Auditorium
52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon MA

Art Drop-off: Thu., April 13, 4-6 pm
Opening Reception: Sat., April 15th, 2-5 pm
Art Pick-up: Fri., April 21st, 4-6 pm
Entry Deadline: Sun., April 2, 2017

Enter online

GALA Poetry Open Mic

Happy New Year - Happy Valentine's Day!

Share a few holiday memories, loving thoughts for Valentine's Day - or a bit of both. We're kicking off another year of GALA Poetry with an open mic on Sunday, February 5, 2017, 2:00 - 4:00 PM.  We look forward to hearing your own poems, or favorites by another. And we love those who simply enjoy a relaxing afternoon listening to poetry in the surroundings of the beautiful Murdock-Whitney House, 151 Front Street, Winchendon, Massachusetts.

For our poets, a sign-up sheet will be available and time slots will be approximately 5 minutes.

Light refreshments will be available.

ENTRY FEE for GALA members is $2.00 at the door (bring your membership cards!); for nonmembers, it's $3.00. Anyone wishing to join GALA that day may do so and will be eligible for the discount.

Please contact Paula J. Botch at 978-575-0863 or by email at [email protected] for further information.

GALA 2017 Spring Art Show: Save the Date   

GALA 2017 Spring Art Show with Live Music
May 19-21, 2017


We are excited to announce our new show location at the Winchendon American Legion, 295 School Street (Route 12), Winchendon, MA 01475

Art Drop-off: Wednesday, May 17, 4-6 pm
Opening Reception & Art Awards: Friday, May 19, 6-9 pm

Look for the Call for Entries in early February.

Expect the entry deadline to be the third week of April.

GALA Online Auction  

GALA Needs Item Donations for its Online Auction Fundraiser!

Raise Funds for Our Track Lighting System!
 
GALA will hold an ONLINE AUCTION to raise money for the purchase of a track lighting system which is needed in order to begin holding art exhibits and workshops in our Arts Gallery. So let's get this done!
 
We need donated items for this auction such as paintings, prints, sculpture, crafts, jewelry, tickets, services, music CDs, tools, toys, furniture, camping supplies...pretty much anything you can give us. We especially need gift certificates.
Reach out to your local businesses, we need your help!  
 
Please call 978-407-1419 to make arrangements to drop-off your donations.
 
Print the Donor Item Form
Please fill out this form for each item donated and attach it to the item.  
 
The auction will begin as soon as we get enough items.

Volunteer/Donation Request  

GALA Urgently Needs Your Support for Arts & Culture in Central New England!

We ha GALA Color Logove been searching for the right place to call our home, and we have finally found it for YOU. A place where we can share our passion for all of the arts. The Winchendon History and Cultural Center purchased the house next door to their museum and has invited GALA to bring the talent of our membership to Winchendon at this location at 135 Front Street. Our office and Gift Shop will be in the main house, but there is also a carriage house on the property with a tall ceiling and large wooden barn beams. We will be renovating this carriage house to be used for art exhibits and other activities. Until this new space is ready, we will have use of a few rooms inside the main house. Besides art exhibits, we will offer classes, coffeehouses, music jams, poetry events, critiques and much more! We plan to continue holding our Annual Spring Show and other events in the Greater Gardner area. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership with the Winchendon History and Cultural Center.

In order for our new Arts Gallery to be successful, we urgently need you to donate and volunteer.

Click here to Donate and Volunteer

You may also mail your check to
GALA, PO Box 664, Gardner, MA 01440

Thank you for your gift!

GALA Musician Survey 

We are working on new plans to help our musicians. We have produced a survey to help us identify what you are looking for, so we are better able to support you as an artist. If you are a musician, please take a few minutes and fill out our survey. Click on this link that will direct you to the survey: https://form.jotform.com/galaform/musician-survey .

You may also find the survey on GALA's Events Website, galagardnerevents.weebly.com.

Thank You!

Custom Label Wines to Benefit GALA
Whether you love art or love wine 
(or both!),  purchasing our wine is a super way to support the local arts community.

They make very creative 
and tasteful gifts as well. 

Get all the info about the wines & order today here  and enjoy a toast to art!

MemberNewsMember News & Exhibits
Naida J. Knox
Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA 
 
Naida J. Knox will be overseeing a 6 week figure drawing class at Mount Wachusett Community College. The class will run on Wednesday nights from 6:00 to 8:30 starting January 18th through February 22nd and will be held in Studio11. The cost of admission is $118.00. If you have any questions call Naida Knox at 978 660-9607.

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ArtShowsandExhibits
Art Shows & Exhibits
Upcoming Gallery Sitka Events          
Gallery Sitka, Fitchburg, MA

Going Green by Andre Mills
Meet the Artist : Lawrence Libby - Tea & Oranges

Photographer Lawrence Libby will be at the Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Rd, Shirley, Massachusetts. The opening will be Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 2 PM - 4 PM.

Thomas W. Bradley - Remembering the Land

Pastel Painter Thomas W. Bradley's work will be shown at Edward Jones, 200 Littleton Rd, Westford, Massachusetts 01886. The opening will be Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM.

Solo Show: Andre K Mills - Yes, Comics are ART!

Illustrator Andre Mills' artwork will be hosted at Gallery Sitka, 454 Main Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420. The opening will be Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 2 PM - 4 PM.

For more information contact:
Tamara Delaney
Sitka Creations
978.425.6290
Web: www.sitkacreations.com  
Fall 2016 Exhibitions & Gallery Talks     
East Wing Gallery, Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA

Breakout Plate by Isabella Bourque Dixson
 
Exhibition of Student Work 
Painting II & Drawing III
December 12-January 20, 2017

Isabella Bourque Dixson
December 12-January 20, 2017
Gallery Talk: January 27, 12:30-1:30pm

Gallery Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm
For more information contact Joyce Miller, Gallery Director, at [email protected].

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ArtClasses
Art Classes & Instruction
Rug Braiding with Alice Zanga          
Petersham Art Center, Petersham, MA

Petersham Art Center is pleased to announce the return of Alice Zanga, well known textile artist, who will teach the art of rug braiding for six consecutive Wednesday evenings, starting January 18th. The classes will be held in the Davis Room of the Petersham Unitarian Church from 6:30-8:30PM.

Zanga invites braiders of all skill levels to attend the class. She will teach about choice of materials, designs, colors and patterns, and how complete your rug from first concept to final braid. She has been teaching this popular class for many years. Every year brings beginners and returning veterans alike to enjoy the fun and the challenge of making their own heirloom rug.

The classes will take place every Wednesday, January 18 and 25, and February 1, 8, 15, and 22. The class fills quickly so a prompt response is suggested. To obtain more information, call Petersham Art Center at 978-724-3415.

Artist to Artist: Handling the Money            
Arts Alive!, Keene, NH

When: Wednesday, January 25th, 2017 from 4:00-5:30pm
Where: The Studio of Artist, Craig Stockwell at 25 Leverett Street in Keene, NH
 
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the financial side of your creative work? Two presenters will share tools, skills and stories of keeping on top of financial tracking:

Kathy Hodgkins, a certified public accountant, will go over basic rules and structures for tracking your spending and project budgets. She'll share a template budget where you can start plugging in your information right away! Danya Landis, a sculptor and co-founder of Machina Arts, will share technology and software she has used in her businesses. Danya will also talk about some of the challenges and workarounds she has found as a working artist.

Arts Alive! works in partnership with The Hannah Grimes Center to present monthly Artist to Artist workshops. In these workshops presenters share tips and tricks to improve creative industry business practices - from Marketing and social media to selling platforms and copyright law, these free workshops cover what artists need to know to run successful businesses. Read the Artist to Artist Blog for take-aways and handouts from these presentations.

Cost: Artist to Artist workshops are free for Arts Alive members and $5 for non-members. If you are a member, please contact us at [email protected] and we can provide you with a discount code.

Register here

Arts Alive!
15 Eagle Court
Keene, NH 03431
603.283.0944

How To Write an Artist Statement           
ArtsWorcester, Worcester, MA

Led by Toby Sisson
Saturday, January 28, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

This workshop will address an important part of every artist's practice: writing a successful artist statement. Together we will examine compelling statements from a range of artists and explore what makes them effective. Through a series of guided exercises, you will learn how to develop your own statement, one that reveals the deeply-held meaning your work contains. This method is meant to provide you with the beginnings of a new draft and the tools to refine subsequent statements as your artwork evolves.     
 
To prepare for the workshop exercises, participants will email a copy of their current statement to the facilitator by January 1, 2017, along with a list of at least 25 words (not sentences) that describe the form and content of your current body of work. Create the list while looking at your artwork and bring that list to the workshop. We'll send you her email address after you register.

The workshop is free, but limited to the first fifteen members to sign up. Please use SignUp Genius to register. A wait-list will be held.

ArtsWorcester
660 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01610
[email protected]
508.755.5142

Spring Art Courses         
Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA

Life Drawing
Wednesdays, January 18 through February 22, 6 - 8:30pm
$119


Join a talented artist for a life drawing class using a live model. Students will bring their own supplies and draw or paint independently of the instructor. The model will be set up for different lengths of time for various poses. The instructor will be available if help is needed.  Completed work will be shown during the last session. Space is very limited. Model fees are included in the cost of the course.

No waivers accepted for this class.

Spring Art Courses

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.

The Art Department at Mount Wachusett Community College invites you to remind your art students to consider our program this fall. 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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Material Needs Grants 2017: Call for Proposals
ArtsWorcester

ArtsWorcester's Material Needs Grants, funded by an anonymous donor, support the expenses of supplies and materials for the creation of new art in Worcester County.  We will award $10,000 in grants ranging from $500 and $1,500 this winter.

The deadline is midnight on Monday, January 30, 2017. Applications made after this date and time will not be considered. These grants are restricted to expenses incurred for the supplies, material, and equipment (purchased or rented) needed to make new art. Proposals for any and all kinds of visual art are welcome.

Artists who have been members of ArtsWorcester for one calendar year and are residents of Worcester County are eligible. If you have received a Material Needs Grant previously, you must wait three years before applying again.

For more information and to submit your proposal, visit the ArtsWorcester website.

ArtsWorcester
660 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01610
508.755.5142 
 
Call to Artists: Bulfinch 200 Art Show & Competition
First Church of Christ Unitarian, Lancaster, MA
 
Lancaster's historic Bulfinch Meetinghouse is turning 200 years old in 2016. To celebrate the milestone anniversary of this historic landmark and architectural gem, the Bulfinch 200 Committee is holding a series of events in 2016 and 2017, including an Art Show & Competition.

Art Show Theme: A Sense of Place
To discover your own sense of place and find inspiration for your artwork we welcome you to experience the Bulfinch Meetinghouse and the Lancaster Town Green. Here you can explore the historic buildings and the town common where governance, education, prayer, ritual, and community celebrations all come together in the town center

Artwork can include paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture/3-D artwork. For paintings/prints/framed artwork, please limit the size to no larger than 18" x 24" unframed, or a 2'x4' limit to other media/3D, with the exception of quilts, where there is no size limitation.

Exhibition dates:
April 23 - May 30, 2017

Submission deadline:
March 15, 2017

Download the entry form, fill it out and mail it in with your check.
Download the full brochure with entry form.
More information.

First Church of Christ Unitarian
725 Main Street
Lancaster, MA 01523
www.firstchurchlancasterma.org

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 2017-2018. 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 December 31, 2016. Artists will be notified of the jury's decision by January 31, 2017.
 
Applications may be completed online at https://www.amherstma.gov/FormCenter/Public-Art-Commission-26/Application-for-Amherst-Exhibits-105
 
To request a paper application or ask additional questions, contact 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
Custom Canvas Stretching
Doreen LaScola is offering services for stretching custom sized blank canvases. You supply the materials, and she will do the work. 

Please call 978-297-3427 for a labor-only quote and to arrange an appointment.  
Contact Doreen by email at:  [email protected]
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

Leominster Art Center has launched a new website:  leominsterartcenter.com 
   
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 [email protected]

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 [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 proceeding 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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All Star Award
2015 Winner
GALA won Constant Contact's All Star Award 7 years in a row (2009-2015) 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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