July 2024

Attention Winchendon and Gardner Area Senior Citizens! If you want to have some creative fun, read on!

Gardner Area League of Artists is looking for ways to notify you and the public of upcoming art related events and classes.

Our offerings are both free and fee-based (senior discounts available).

We are located at the Old Murdock School in Winchendon (COA). Most of our classes will be held at this location.

Take advantage of GALA's offerings and have fun being creative.

Current classes & events:

• Monthly Greeting Card Making
• Critiques Sessions

Upcoming Classes & Events:

• "Let's Tangle" - Zentangle making (series)
• Introduction to Plein Air painting using Gouache,
• Watercolor Workshop, Drawing, Needle Felting, Alcohol Ink,
• Mixed Media, Ceramics, Field Trips, Guitar Lessons and more...

Stay Informed!

To sign up to be on our senior list email info@galagardner.org. Provide us with your information: name, mailing address, phone, email address, DOB. If you do not have email... call 978-407-1419 and leave your information.

Feel free to share this info with others. We welcome your suggestions for sharing this info on other media platforms.

Next critique is scheduled for Saturday, July 13th, 10am-12:30pm.

Stevens Memorial Library

20 Memorial Drive, Ashburnham MA

Elevator to 2nd floor, Preservation room

Bring up to 2 pieces of your artwork (finished or unfinished) to share with the group. The first 20 minutes we will be networking, then we will go into discussing our artwork.

You may attend even though you didn't bring any artwork, feel free to join us.

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

A great way to receive heartfelt feedback from your circle of artists friends.

Janet Dupuis will help guide us during our get together. Email Janet to let her know that you will be joining us at Jandu516@gmail.com.

Mark your calendar!

"Summer is Here"

Thursday, July 25, 10:00am-12:00pm

Old Murdock School (COA)

52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon

Come join us in having Fun and create your own greeting card.

Everyone's card will be unique in their own way. You can add any text you want on your card. We keep it simple.

FREE Workshop!

Everyone is invited to attend. There is limited seating, so sign up now! Instructor: Merrily Varone

Two ways to Register:

1. Register online
2. Call the Senior Center at 978-297-3155

Card, envelope and materials are provided. Coffee, tea and snacks available.

If you have other supplies that you want to donate to be used for other art classes you may drop them off.

Sponsored by GALA

Let's Tangle!

Old Murdock School (COA)

52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon

This is a beginner's class. We will teach you the basics and several patterns that you see above. You will practice on quality paper and using quality pens. Art that anyone can do right from the start, it has been called yoga for the mind being a very thoughtful art form simply using pen, multi media paper and your design ideas based on patterns taught in class. You will then be able to take home paper and pen to practice and bring back your own design at the next class in August. With Zentangle, you can be very creative with your own designs. The instructor is Martha Totten.

Class $15 - includes all materials. The public is invited. There is limited seating.

We have two available dates:

• Saturday, July 27 10 AM - 12 Noon
• Tuesday, July 30 12 Noon - 2 PM

Two ways to Register:

1. Register with GALA
2. Council on Aging

Instructor: Louise Hammerman

Where: Old Murdock Building (COA)

52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon

When: Saturday, August 10, 9:30am-1:30pm

Cost $35, all materials included.

With a very basic approach to painting using basic supplies, you will experience the joy of producing an art piece en plein air on location near the historic Old Murdock building. We will provide the necessary supplies and basic instruction for a successful art piece using water-based gouache paint pigments.

We will start inside the Old Murdock Building on the 1st Floor in the Community Room. There you will receive around a 30-minute class of instruction and given packets.

Then we will venture outside to the grounds of the Murdock building or the GAR Park across the street to each choose a view for our painting. The Farmers Market will also be in progress from 10-1, which could be a subject. I will circulate among you throughout the day with help and pointers, and at 1 PM, we will gather to share the day's art pieces. The building will remain open for bathroom use.

Participants will bring the following items:

• Light comfortable clothes
• Wide brimmed hat
• Sunscreen
• Plenty of water to stay hydrated
• Folding chair
• Your own snacks

Register with GALA

Register with Council on Aging

For more info contact GALA at info@galagardner.org or 978-407-1419

Would you like to teach an art class or are you looking to find a specific art class to take?

We would like to introduce our new Event Coordinator, Meghan Whitehead. Meghan is an active GALA board member and is working on setting up more art related classes and workshops.

If you are interested in teaching a class in the arts, please fill out this online form to let us know you are interested. We will work with you to put together your class.

If you are interested in taking a class or workshop in the arts, you may also fill out the online form and let us know what you are looking for and we will get back to you.

We are looking for instructors and individuals who will teach or lecture in various forms of art: fine arts, photography, ceramics, writing, poetry, music, digital art, and more.

We have several locations in the area where we can host classes.

Scott Niemi has had two paintings accepted into recent exhibits:

2003 acrylic painting entitled, Rise was accepted into the Fitchburg Art Museum’s 88th Regional Exhibition of Art & Craft. The exhibit will be up through September 8, 2024.

Stream in Fall has been accepted into the Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts, 113th Annual Juried Exhibition. The exhibition will be held at the Slater Memorial Museum in Norwich, CT, with an opening on Thursday, July 11 from 5-7pm. The exhibition will remain on view through August 9.

Michele Trifiro's painting Four Horses was chosen for PleinAir Magazine's Salon art competition Best Artist over 65 for the month of April.

Elevate the Arts Fest

Keene, NH

Join us on Sunday, August 11th from 11AM-4PM for our annual Elevate the Arts Fest in downtown Keene! This outdoor community arts festival and fundraiser brings art to the community for all ages. From an awesome open mic hosted by local band Touch the Ocean to a colorful arts market hosted by 17ROX Artist Studios, and DIY arts activities by local creators, this festival has something engaging for everyone!

August 11, 11AM-4PM

Gilbo Ave, Downtown Keen, NH

Learn more

88th Regional Exhibition of Art & Craft

Now through September 8, 2024

This annual show celebrates the incredible artists and crafters of our region by providing a museum environment for their work and connecting them with fellow creators and collectors.

Please join us in celebrating the vitality and importance of our immediate artist community!

Learn more

Community Show Highlights Diverse Artistic Expressions

Jaffrey, New Hampshire – The vibrant community of Jaffrey is set to shine in a celebration of local talent with the upcoming Jaffrey Community Show, hosted by the Jaffrey Civic Center. This new show, exclusively featuring artworks by residents of Jaffrey, promises to showcase a rich tapestry of creativity and artistic expression.

Scheduled to take place June 22 through July 27 at the Jaffrey Civic Center in the Auditorium Gallery, the Jaffrey Community Show will feature a wide range of artworks, including paintings, textiles, mixed media pieces, and more. This eclectic mix reflects the diverse interests and talents of the town's residents, providing a unique glimpse into the artistic soul of Jaffrey. The event aims to foster a sense of pride and unity among residents while offering a platform for local artists to share their work with the broader community. Visitors can expect to engage with a variety of styles and themes, from traditional landscapes to abstracts, each piece reflecting the individuality and imagination of its creator.

In addition to the exhibition, the Jaffrey Community Show will feature opportunities for artists to connect with attendees and discuss their inspirations and techniques during a reception schedule for June 28th beginning at 5:00 pm.

Admission to the Jaffrey Community Show is free, offering families and individuals a chance to enjoy an enriching cultural experience within their own community. Visit the Jaffrey Civic Center, 40 Main Street, Jaffrey, during our open hours, Wednesday-Friday 12-5pm and Saturday 10-2, through July 27 to see this lovely show!

Jaffrey Civic Center’s Member Show

The Jaffrey Civic Center, nestled in the heart of Jaffrey, is gearing up for an exciting event that promises to showcase the diverse talent of its artistic members. From June 22 through August 10, the Jaffrey Civic Center will host its highly anticipated Member Show located in the Cunningham Gallery, providing a platform for artists to display their creativity and artistic prowess. To kick off this artistic extravaganza, an opening reception has been scheduled for Friday, June 28th at 5:00 pm. This event promises to be a celebration of the rich cultural heritage and artistic expression that thrives in Jaffrey.

The Jaffrey Civic Center's Member Show serves as a vital platform for artists of all backgrounds and skill levels to showcase their artwork. The exhibition features a wide range of artistic mediums, including paintings, sculptures, photography, mixed media, and more. Included in this are: Ann-Marie LaBollita, Barbara Danser, Barbara Jo Kingsley, Donald Farquharson, Gary Custer, Greg Hunsaker, Holly Harmon-Morse, Jan Reiss, Joanna Draugsvold, Judy Unger-Clark, Karen Fortier, Lorna Perkins, Mary Bradley, Mary Iselin, Mary Kirk, Nancy C Christopher, Paul Sears, Phil Bean, Sue Ann Hum, Susan Garry, William C Turner, Maureen Ahern, John Grosvenor, and Jill Fischman.

The Member Show will represent over twenty local artists from all over the Monadnock Region. Visit the Jaffrey Civic Center, 40 Main Street, Jaffrey, during our open hours, Wednesday-Friday 12-5pm and Saturday 10-2, through August 10 to see this incredible show!

The Jaffrey Civic Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit cultural facility founded in 1966. The Center’s mission is to provide and sustain a public venue where citizens and residents of the Monadnock region, as well as visitors to the area, can pursue artistic, educational, and civic activities. The Center’s goal is to contribute to the cultural enrichment and enlightenment of the community. The Center does not charge an admission fee, 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 of the Jaffrey Historical Society. For more information about the Jaffrey Civic Center, please visit the Center’s website.

All programs are free and open to the public. An adult must accompany children. Inclement weather cancels outdoor programs. Reasonable accommodations available upon request. Wheelchair accessible. For more information call 413-863-3221 or visit: https://www.mass.gov/locations/great-falls-discovery-center; or email janel.nockleby@mass.gov. The Great Falls Discovery Center is located at 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA 01376.

Visitor Center Hours: Open 6 Days a Week

• Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Wednesdays—Sundays, 10 a.m.—6 p.m.
• Open Thursday, July 4, 10 a.m.—6:00 p.m.

Explore the natural, cultural, and industrial history of the Connecticut River Watershed with our dynamic exhibit dioramas. Adjacent to the Canalside Rail Trail, the center also includes the Great Hall exhibit gallery, restrooms, and drinking water.

StoryWalk® — Dear Treefrog

July 4—August 20

Enjoy a story, fresh air and exercise! Join us on the center’s grounds for a free self-guided StoryWalk® featuring the children’s picture book Dear Treefrog by Joyce Sidman for readers ages 4-7 and everyone who celebrates frogs. Follow the path to book pages posted along the route. For families with children. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Story Walk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. This StoryWalk® is provided by Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Interpretive Services.

Rots to Riches*

Tuesday, July 2, 3:30—4:30 p.m.

A hands-on interactive 50-minute session about the wonders of compost, and the creatures that help turn old scraps into new plants. Hosted at the Carnegie Library at 201 Avenue A, as part of our Food, Farms, and Factories series. Led by a Hitchcock Center educator, kids and their grown-ups read an empowering story, learn the basic science of decomposition, play a “what’s compostable?” game and meet live insects and annelids from their collection. Designed for children and teens.

Find Us at the Farmers Market: All About Pollinators*

Saturday, July 6, 10:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m.

As part of our Food, Farms, and Factories project, join DCR staff, the Friends of the Center, and Western Massachusetts Master Gardeners for family activities and information with a special focus on pollinators. The Great Falls Farmers Market is located between 6th and 7th streets along Avenue A at Peskeompskut Park.

Smokey Bear’s 80th Birthday Party!

Thursday, July 11, 3:30 —5:30 p.m.

Join Wildland Firefighters from the DCR Bureau of Fire Control & Forestry. Hear a reading of the Smokey Bear Story at 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. Learn about campfire safety. Tour a Wildland Fire Engine, try a scavenger hunt, and at 4 and 5 p.m. meet Smokey Bear himself! Take home a Smokey Story mini book and a party favor bag, including Smokey Bear materials. Refreshments provided. Free and for all ages. Sponsored by DCR and Montague Public Libraries. Rain or shine. Meet outside the Great Hall.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour

Fridays, 7/12: Bobcats; 7/19: Snakes; 7/26: Coyotes, 10:30—11:30 a.m.

Learn more about our wildlife neighbors in the Connecticut River Watershed. Program includes a story, activities, and crafts. Activities are indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult, siblings and friends welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.

Art Naturally Series: Painting with Inks from the Garden*

Saturday, July 13, 10:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m., Great Hall

Discover nature through story, poetry, and art in our series of free Art Naturally programs. Using words and images, instruction and techniques you create an art piece inspired by the natural world to take home. Learn how to make ink from cabbage and more! For adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up (accompanied by an adult). Art materials provided.

Artist Reception and Talk: Remnants*

Sunday, July 14, 1:00—3:00 p.m.

Photographer Joe Wallace captures the stark beauty of Turners Falls’ abandoned Strathmore and Griswold mills. Joe discusses his photography in the mills. Hear from town administrator Walter Ramsey about the past and future of the mill sites. Refreshments provided. Meet in the Great Hall.

Made in Montague Talk*

Saturday, July 20, 2:00—4:00 p.m.

Anne Harding and Michaela Henry present their findings to the question, what’s being made in Montague today? Some companies have a long local history. Others are on the cutting edge of technology. Businesses include food, farms, beverages, factories, music, movies, electricity, arts, photography, fabric, and fashion. Meet in the Great Hall.

Nice & Easy Walk: Downtown Restaurants Food, Farms, and Factories Edition*

Saturday, July 27, 10:00—11:00 a.m.

Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all. Enjoy natural and local history highlights along the way. Join us as we highlight local restaurants downtown and explore their connections to local food. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance.

Find Us at the Farmers Market!*

Saturday, July 27, 10:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.

Montague Public Libraries is joining in our Food, Farms, and Factories fun with summer visits to the Farmers Market, with books and activities about growing food. The Great Falls Farmers Market is located between 6th and 7th streets along Avenue A at Peskeompskut Park.

A French/Breton Jam Session

Sunday, July 28, 2:30— 4:30 p.m., Great Hall

An informal group of musicians gathers to play the enchanting traditional dance music from France and Brittany, commonly known as bal folk. Please note, this is not a performance but rather a coming together of musically minded friends. The event is free and open to the public to come and go at will. Meet in the Great Hall.

*Food, Farms, & Factories: In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Great Falls Discovery Center

Department of Conservation & Recreation

2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA 01376

janel.nockleby@mass.gov  (413) 863-3221  she/her/hers

Open Hours: Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wednesdays through Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Office Hours: Wednesdays through Sundays

Monadnock Area Artists Association Demo Day, July 20, 9am–Noon, and 1–4 pm

Morning and afternoon sessions—attend one or both! All levels of experience are welcome. Workshops held at Stone Arch Village, Community Room, 835 Court Street, Keene, NH.

More information about the workshops and registration

Morning with Liz Winchester-Larson, 9am to Noon, Colored Pencil Art Techniques

Workshop Outline: Colored pencil is a very versatile fine art medium, as simple as layers and layers of pencil on good quality drawing paper. Liz will show how she applies many layers of color, building up the transition of linear marks into solid form. We will explore color mixing with a limited palette, and talk about making color charts. An advantage of the colored pencil medium is a minimum of dust and odors, for artists with sensitivities or allergies looking to avoid exposures. Please bring a selection of pencils, a sketchbook or loose sheets of drawing paper, a support for the paper, pencil sharpeners, kneaded eraser, masking tape, and a ruler. Plants, fruit, and vegetables will be supplied for models.

About Liz Winchester-Larson: Introduced to colored pencil years ago during her studies at Pratt Institute, Liz Winchester-Larson achieves rich color and intricate detail in her work. Her tiny studio is filled with objects, plants, and flowers to inspire her paintings, all saying; “Draw me, no me, draw me first!”. Liz has exhibited her award winning paintings throughout the New England area. She is a member of the Monadnock Area Artists Association, Nashua Area Artists Association, Saxtons River Art Guild, and the Colored Pencil Society of America.

Afternoon with Kate Beetle, 1 to 4pm, The Absolute Basics of Oil Painting

This workshop will explore some key materials and techniques used by oil painters. The goal is to give a beginner or intermediate student some jumping off points for further exploration. We will look at the paints themselves, brushes, and supports, how they work, and the mediums used to alter their properties for an artist’s individual style. We will explain the toolbox of the visual artist, including composition, value, color, brushwork, and edges. An understanding of these tools will help anyone look at a piece they admire and analyze how the artist achieved that look. We will also do some demonstrations, on how to “block in” a painting and hopefully stay on track with it. Questions are encouraged.

About Kate Beetle: Kate grew up in northern New Jersey, with a wildlife refuge in her back yard, and New York City a train ride away. Her love of nature led to a degree in environmental studies and geology from Richard Stockton College in southern New Jersey. Upon graduation, she moved to New Hampshire where she found a beautiful and inspirational habitat. Working steadily, she has found her own voice and technique to express her love of the landscape. She also just enjoys the tactile sense of messing around with pigments. Recently she has won Best in Show at Stonewall Farm, and First, Third, and Honorable Mention at Art in the Park.

This monthly dance occurs the 3rd Friday of every month, at the Montague Common Hall at 34 Main Street in Montague, MA.

Swing Dance Lesson is 7:00-8:00PM

Live music provided by the Butterfly Swing Band is 8:00-10:00PM

$20 for dance and lesson, $15 dance only

Supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council

The Fitchburg Arts Community will provide 68 mixed-income, artist-preference apartments in three former historic municipal buildings. NewVue Communities (NewVue) is converting the former BF Brown Middle School (62 Academy Street), the former City Stables, and the former High School Annex (82 Academy Street) into apartments and artist amenities. The project is located across the street from and in partnership with the Fitchburg Art Museum.

Anyone can apply for housing at the Fitchburg Arts Community. However, artists will be given a preference in the housing lottery. To receive this preference an artist must demonstrate they have been active in their work over the past three years.

How the process works:

• Applicants complete the pre-application online
• NewVue will contact all eligible artists with a link to submit materials (letter of interest, 3 work samples, resume, two letters of reference)
• Artists will be assessed on the materials to determine if they should receive the artist-preference in the lottery.
• August 7 the lottery will be held for units in the Fitchburg Arts Community
• Those selected will go through a final verification process with the property manager Wingate.
• January 2025 - units will be ready for tenants to move in.

More detailed information will be coming soon to the NewVue website. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out to Samantha deManbey, Artist Tenant Recruiter, at sdemanbey@nvcomm.org with any questions or concerns.



The Destination: Nature 2024 Juried Art Show invites artists inspired by nature to reflect their interactions with and response to the wild and scenic Nashua River Watershed. Juried by Jane Winchell, Director of the Art & Nature Center at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA. Cash and future exhibit awards. Submissions open September 6, 2024. Artwork specifications and all additional information at destination-nature.org.



This year’s theme is “Wild and Scenic” offering artists the chance to reflect their interactions with and response to the wild and scenic Nashua River Watershed. Artists are free to interpret this theme in any way that captivates viewers' attention and imagination.

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.

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.