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March 2020
In This Issue
Welcome New 
GALA Members!

Donna Farrell
Gwendolyn Bertrand
Susan Burdsall
Laurie Thompson
Henry Lambert
Kathy John


GALA Board of Directors

Deb Giordano  President
Nowell Francis Treasurer
Paula Botch (Secretary)
Guy Biechele  
Chuck Heidorn
Bethany Price
Susan Ellis
Christopher Guerra


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

Hello friends,

I hope you all have started working on what you want to enter for the Spring Show! The Spring Show will be held April 24-26-the deadline is only seven weeks away. The Call for Entries and Registration Form are on our website. We need your help working the Spring Show...please let me know if you can. It is a lot of work and we need you. We are looking for Silent Auction Items for the Spring Show. GALA will receive 50% of the proceeds. Please consider contributing to the auction. We are looking for gift certificates, tickets, gift baskets, paintings, and other things for the auction. If you have something to give, please let Deb know.

We will have three Theme Art Shows this year in the gallery. See below for more information.

We are adding something new to our website. Everyone wants to know who each member is and what they look like. When you are at an art show you want to be able to recognize the faces with the names. So, please email us a great photo of yourself, along with a brief bio (up to 200 words), and email it to info@galagardner.org.

This year, we will be renting the gallery out for private functions. Would you like to have an event in a space with beautiful artwork on the wall? If you are interested let me know. We are now taking proposals for 2020 group shows.  Would you like to have a group art show at the gallery, or do you want to join a group art show? Click here for more detailed information and to fill out a Group Show Proposal.

Mark your calendars: GALA's Annual 2020 Spring Show will be on the weekend of APRIL 24-26.

Sincerely,

Deb Giordano
GALA President
978-407-1419

 

  eventsGALA Events/Announcements
GALA Art Critiques      


Since our arts gallery is closed for the winter, we have made arrangements with the Winchendon Beals Memorial Library to host our critiques there. The library is actually right across the common from the gallery. Park on the street and enter the side building and take the elevator up to the auditorium.

Next Art Critique Date at the Library!
50 Pleasant Street
  • Saturday,  March 21, 10 am - 12:00 noon
Please email or call Janet Dupuis to register and let her know that you will be attending: Jandu138@gmail.com or 978-868-0183

You must be a GALA Member to attend critiques. Critiques are free if it's your first time and free if you are a member's guest.
 
GALA Theme Shows 2020       

We are planning 3 theme shows this years so start thinking about what you would like to create!

May: Chasing the Light
July: Food
September: My Favorite Place

Ribbons will be awarded at the Food show. Watch for the call for entries!
 
Take a Selfie!        

We would like to know who you are. We are updating our website with your selfies. This will help everyone to identify members at our events. Send selfie and 100 words (max) to express yourself to info@galagardner.org.
 
GALA Annual Spring Art Show        

Call for Entries

GALA 2020 Spring Art Show with Live Music!
April 24-26 at the Winchendon American Legion
295 School Street (Route 12), Winchendon, MA

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 Sunday, April 12th
 
Please support GALA by participating in the Silent Auction
View the Silent Auction form

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 Dianestonemt@comcast.net.

Advice on how to write an artist statement.

Important Dates to Remember
  • Entry deadline: Sunday, April 12  
  • Art drop-off at Legion: Wednesday, April 22, 4-6pm
  • Opening Reception: Friday, April 24, 6-9pm
  • Art pick-up at Legion: Sunday, April 26, 4:15-5:15pm
Show Location & Hours
Winchendon American Legion 
295 School Street (Route 12), Winchendon, MA 01475
                           
Friday  April 24   6 - 9 pm
**Judges' Awards announced at 7:00pm**
Saturday   April 25   11 am - 5 pm
Sunday   April 26   Noon - 4 pm
 
MemberNewsMember News & Exhibits
Denise A. Jacques          

Denise A. Jacques will be displaying her photography from March through May in the Heywood Hospital Center for Wound Care. Ms. Jacques's interests in landscapes and nature are highlighted in her photographs. Please stop into the Wound Clinic during regular business hours to view this display.

Denise A. Jacques photography
Center for Wound Care
Heywood Hospital
242 Green St, Gardner, MA 01440

Dual Nature         


Along with three other artists, GALA members Doreen LaScola & Linda Widstrand will be showing at the Sprinkler Factory in March 2020 in a show entitled "DUAL NATURE". The concept is an exploration of the similarities and differences between encaustic and other paint mediums. Please join Linda Bigness, Joanne Holtje, Doreen LaScola, Linda Widstrand and Neil Wilkins at their opening reception Saturday, March 7, 5-8 pm at The Sprinkler Factory, 38 Harlow Street, Worcester, MA. Regular Gallery Hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 1-4 pm.

The Sprinkler Factory
38 Harlow St
Worcester, MA

Alicia Drakiotes         

Alicia Drakiotes will bring "Create a Series" classes to Jaffrey Civic Center this coming Spring, beginning on April 7 and continuing to June 28 for 10 weeks (no class the week of May 3rd). After a long run at Sharon Arts Center, the Jaffrey Civic Center has offered to host this class on Tuesdays from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM in the second floor classroom.

Create a Series helps creative persons to reinforce, expand and explore new techniques, color palettes, substrates, etc., while focusing on the artist's preferred medium. Join an established group of creative folks  working in mediums such as watercolor, oil, pastel, and acrylics. Individual mentoring provided.

10 weeks, $250.00

To register contact the Jaffrey Civic Center at info@jaffreyciviccenter.com or phone 603-532-6527.

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ArtShowsandExhibits
Shows & Exhibits
Esprit            
The Healing Arts Gallery, Peterborough NH

     

Esprit
Barbara Danser & other selected artists

The Healing Arts Gallery, Monadnock Hospital, Peterborough NH.
Through April 30th

For more information contact Barbara Danser at bd@danserart.com

Triple SSS: Sensual, Sexual, Smut            
Nina's Nook, Turners Falls, MA

Arisaema by Vincent Frano
Triple SSS: Sensual, Sexual, Smut returns for the sixth time to Nina's Nook in Turners Falls, through Saturday, March 21. Triple SSS features sculpture from artists working in wood, bone, metal, clay and paper to create forms that suggest a spectrum of sensuality, from mildly erotic to deliberately naughty. Photography, prints, and paintings feature both figurative and abstract fantasies and improvisations from mild to wild.
 
Nina's Nook is next to the Black Cow Burger Bar on Avenue A in Turners Falls. Hours are 12-5 p.m. Th, Fri, Sat and by appointment: 413-834-8800.


The East Wing Gallery            
Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA

Upcoming Exhibits

Bob Jennings - Engineer, Architect, Activist
Engineering large-scale sculptures
Blueprints and photographs in East Wing Gallery, Lafontaine Fine Art Center, MWCC, Gardner (Plans for works by Calder and other renowned sculptors, Peace Pagoda he designed, and more)
March 2-25
Gallery Talk: Wed., March 11, 12:30-1:30pm

37th Annual Regional High School Art Exhibition & Competition
April 3-25
Reception & Awards night: Thu., April 9, 6-8pm

49th Annual MWCC Student Art Exhibition
Work from foundation and advanced art courses
May 6-20
Reception: Wed., May 6, 3:30-6pm

All exhibitions are free and open to the public.
Gallery Hours: Mon-Thurs 8am-8pm
Fri 8am-5pm
Open during theater events

The East Wing Gallery
Raymond LaFontaine Fine Arts Center
Mount Wachusett Community College
444 Green Street, Gardner, MA

For more information contact Gallery Director Joyce Miller at jmiller@mwcc.mass.edu or nadkarni.art@gmail.com

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ArtClasses
Classes & Instruction
MAAA 2020 Workshops                     
Monadnock Area Artists Association, Keene, NH

Warm Up Your Snow-Pastel
Lisa Regopoulos
Saturday, March 7, 2020, 10-4
Stone Arch Village Community Room, 835 Court Street, Keene, NH

Class description: I may grow tired of the cold long winters here in New England, but I love to paint snow! I've lived in Massachusetts all my life and I have seen and experienced all different types of snow. I've shoveled it, snowshoed in it, eaten it, and plein air painted standing in it. I have had many opportunities to study it. I've seen how it is sometimes translucent in the sunlight on an evergreen branch on a sunny morning and the way the shadows dance upon it. There is warmth in the snow, and in the shadows, and I have learned how to create that effect in a pastel painting.

At this workshop, I will show you how to capture the calm moodiness of winter, while adding warmth to your pastel painting. The focus of the workshop will be showing you how to create stunning light and warmth in your snow scenes and also how to create beautiful shadows that don't look like thick blankets on the snow. Expect a pastel demonstration of approximately one hour, outlining how to achieve these effects following with lots of uninterrupted painting time and individual help at your easel. I feel it is important to watch the steps I take to achieve this effect, but want my students to have plenty of time to work on their own paintings and to ask questions.

Once you take a workshop with me, I consider you my student, and I will always do my best to answer any questions you may have after the workshop is over.

The registration fee for this workshop is $85 for MAAA members and $115 for non-members

Please visit our website for a registration form:  www.monadnockareaartists.org

Spring Flowers with Colored Pencil and Watercolor Pencil
Kendra Ferreira
Saturday, April 25, 2020, 9:00 - 4:00                
First Baptist Church, Keene, NH

Class description: In this fun and informative workshop students will learn to create vibrant and colorful drawings with the simple tool of colored pencils by layering, blending, burnishing and creating rich darks. Colored pencils are an easy transported medium and can be used for simple sketches to complex layered drawings. We will also be combining and learning about mixing dry colored pencils with watercolor pencils and how this mixed media approach allows for a quicker build up of color and tone. Artists of all levels will enjoy expanding the boundaries of this versatile colored pencil medium.

In this workshop we will be drawing cheerful spring flowers, studying the form and curves and creating colorful drawings. I like to begin the work- shop with a short discussion about materials and a short demo about using colored pencils and different techniques. Students will work from floral still life set ups to their own abilities with my assistance. I like to work a little with each person individually and guide each student to obtain his or her goals.

$65 for members and $90 for non-members.

Please visit our website for a registration form:  www.monadnockareaartists.org

Intuitive Painting-mixed media Workshop
Jane Davies
Friday, May 8, 2020, 9:30 - 4:30            
Stone Arch Village Community Room, 835 Court Street, Keene, NH

Class description: Connect directly to your intuition and express yourself with paint, drawing, and collage. Discover new tools and techniques that get you out of a rut and into a more spontaneous way of work-ing. We will paint to music, paint without brushes, draw with crayons, play painting games, make collaborative collages, make our own collage papers, create spontaneous mono prints, and more. All techniques are accessible, so those with less experience can jump right in. Experienced painters will find this a refresh-ing way to re-energize their art practice. If you have never painted before, this is a great way to start!

The registration fee for this workshop is $130 for members and $155 for non-members

Please visit our website for a registration form:  www.monadnockareaartists.org

Capturing the Light in Pastel
Rita Kirkman
October 31, Nov. 1 & 2, 2020, 9:00 - 4:00
Stone Arch Village Community Room, 835 Court Street, Keene, NH

Rita's classic Pastel Workshop focuses on painting small and often to rapidly improve your skills and expand your knowledge. Learn to capture light and loosen up with Rita's innovative under-painting technique. Instruction emphasizes composition and techniques for a small format (8x10), value and temperature control, how to creatively interpret your photos and how to stay productive with your art within a busy lifestyle. Grow your grasp of values, temperature, color and composition in a relaxed and fun atmosphere! For beginner to advanced.

The registration fee for this 3 day workshop is $275 for members and $300 for non-members

Registration will begin in the next few months. Please contact pastels@tpdi.biz to be put on a waiting list for a form.

Monadnock Area Artists Association
monadnockareaartists.org
  
Mistyscapes & Nightscapes in Pastel                      
River Valley Artisans, Keene, NH

River Valley Artisans is pleased to announce the following workshop:

Mistyscapes & Nightscapes in Pastel
Robert Carsten
Saturday, April 4, 2020, 10-4:00
Keene, NH

Working on a moderate scale (approx. 8x10), we'll accomplish two paintings. Robert will discuss concepts and demonstrate techniques for creating effective misty/fog and night scenes. Demonstrations, helpful critiques and lots of painting time. Please bring photos (foggy scenes and night/dusk scenes).

Our morning pastel: Learn to evoke a serene, tonal mood using desaturated color, soft edges and simplified forms in a misty or foggy landscape or harbor scene.

Our afternoon pastel: Learn to create high contrast against saturated color with a variety of edges in a night scene of town, city or moonlit landscape.

We will work on a smaller scale so as to accomplish two paintings. Robert will discuss concepts and demonstrate techniques for creating effective misty/fog and night scenes in the beautiful medium of pastel.

The registration fee for this workshop is $90.

Please contact rivervalleyartisans@tpdi.biz for a registration form

Figure Drawing                       
Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA

Wednesdays 5:00 - 7:30pm
March 4, 11, 25, and April 1
$79 per student
Coordinator: Corrine Goodrich

For more information contact:
Lifelong Learning
978-630-9525
noncredit@mwcc.mass.edu
Joyce Miller, Chair of Art Dept.
jmiller@mwcc.mass.edu

Bring your drawing materials and we provide the models for figure drawing sessions in the college's art studio. Short and long poses will be set up for creating work either for a portfolio or to simply practice gesture drawings or full renderings. This is a casual gathering of figurative artists. Late arrivals or departing early is acceptable. Artists 18 years old and older are welcome to enroll.

444 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440
mwcc.edu

Enroll Online

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Call for Entries: The Second Annual Beals Prize for Poetry
Beals Memorial Library, Winchendon, MA

A presentation of the Beals Memorial Library in partnership with GALA

Submission deadline: Tuesday, March 31
Third Prize: $25
Second Prize: $50
First Prize: $100

Contest Rules:
  • You may submit only one poem
  • Submissions can be mailed, hand-delivered, or emailed to bealspoetryprize@gmail.com
  • Only unpublished poems will be considered
  • If mailing, please submit on white, letter-sized paper, typed in an easy to read font
  • Place no personal information on the side where your poem appears
  • On the reverse side, affix your name, address, telephone number, and email address
  • Notification of receipt of entry will be via email or telephone
  • Poems will not be returned
  • Ten finalists will be chosen to compete for the prize money on Friday, April 24
Mail your entry to:
The Beals Prize for Poetry
Beals Memorial Library
50 Pleasant Street
Winchendon, MA  01475

For more information call the library at 978-297-0300
 
Call of Entry: Annual Spring Art Exhibit at the Jaffrey Civic Center
Jaffrey Civic Center, Jaffrey, NH

The Jaffrey Civic Center is seeking artwork from the public to be included in our Annual Spring Art Exhibit. We are looking for all types of mixed media including but not limited to: photographs, paintings, drawings, textiles, glassworks, paper works, pottery, woodwork and other 3D disciplines. This is our largest exhibit and a great place to purchase art for gifts. The show will run from Friday, March 20 -  April 24th. There will be an Opening Reception, which is free and open to the public on Saturday, March 21 from 5-7 pm with great food and drink. Dates to drop off artwork: Saturday, March 7 through Saturday, March 14th.

To secure your spot, entry forms are being accepted now and are available on our website at www.jaffreyciviccenter.com or at the center. Please call or email us at if you have any questions.

Open Hours: M-F 10 am to 5 pm (closed 12 to 1 for lunch) and Saturdays 10 am - 2 pm. Closed Sundays

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@jaffreyciviccenter.com. Find our website, www.jaffreyciviccenter.com, or "Like" us on Facebook.
 
Keene Art Walk
Keene, NH

Downtown Keene
Friday, May 29 through Sunday, June 7, 2020

Here's your chance to show your work in a juried show with a large audience. Fill in the entry form, enclose your entry fee, and mail it in before April 1st.

You must e-mail a brief biography (50 words or less) to keeneartwalk@gmail.com.
PLEASE NOTE: If bio is over 50 words, we reserve the right to edit. We will notify you after May 1st if you have been selected to participate.

Please provide us with photos (no slides). If you would like them returned, please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope. The committee would prefer if you could submit images in jpg or pdf format by e-mail to: Madeline Ullrich, keeneartwalk@gmail.com.

This is a juried show and not all applicants may be accepted. Please remember this is a family event and all work must be G-rated.

Official Deadline: Wednesday, April 1, 2020
 
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.
 
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 2020-2021 (July 2020-June 2021.) 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 19, 2020. Artists will be notified of the jury's decision by February 9, 2020

Applications may be completed online

Please send questions to 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.

www.fitchburgculturalalliance.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 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.

Princeton Arts Society Blog

Mini Grants for Professional Development are available through NewVue Communities. More information.

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Opportunities 
Exhibit & Other Opportunities for Artists & Musicians
(Ongoing)
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 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.
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