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October 2019
In This Issue
Welcome New 
GALA Members!

Joseph Lillie

GALA Board of Directors

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


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

Hello my dear friends,

The color this year is just spectacular! What color we grasp and put into our paintings and photos.

Our En Plein Air at the Farmstead in Philipston last weekend was fabulous. We had great weather, met a few artists from Boston, and shared conversation and great food.

We worked with the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce and provided them with many wonderful photographs from our own photographers to help them create their 2020 Calendar for their fundraiser. We hope GGCOC will chose some of our own photographers for their calendar. We will have these calendars available in our Gallery in the beginning of November if anyone would like one.

Well, our theme art show, "Lost & Found" is over. Our next group show will be in October. The show, called "Two Sisters," will present the work of two good artist friends. Their reception will be Saturday, October 5th, 12 Noon to 5:00 PM. The show will run through Oct 27th.

We are doing another Small Works Affordable Art show for the months of November and December. It's time for you to start working on this show. Keep in mind that it is affordable artwork that is smaller than 12 inches and less than $100.

We are asking you to make well crafted Christmas tree ornaments to sell during our Small Works Art show.

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
Monoprinting for Abstract and Collage  
GALA Gallery, 135 Front Street, Winchendon, MA

Instructor Kate Shaffer

Monoprinting techniques will be taught with the focus on working with paper that can be used in collage work as well as techniques that will be used in an abstract art painting. Multiple techniques will be taught using common, every day items that everyone has access to for little cost. Each technique will be given with variations and many different effects can be achieved. If you have been wanting to loosen up your painting or wanting to try some new techniques this is a great class to expand your horizons.

This Workshop is a series of Six classes on Fridays.

Starting Friday Oct 11 - Nov 15
10:00 am - 12:00pm
Cost: $125 Supply list provided with reservation

For more info and to Register: [email protected]

Register

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

Christmas Card Workshop  
GALA Arts Gallery, 135 Front Street, Winchendon, MA

The Public is Invited to Attend a Christmas Card Workshop!

Saturday, October 19
10 am - 1 pm

Making your own Holiday Cards can be much more personnel, meaningful and FUN!

Participants in the workshop will learn of the art of creating cards with various types of paper, crepe paper, foils, pencils, markers, etc. Learn the different methods and tools. If you want to paint your paper, please pre-paint it ahead of time and bring to class to use. Try and paint on both sides of paper for the 2-sided look to fold and cut.

$15 Fee. All materials will be supplied!

You may bring your own scissors, compass if you prefer, paper, glitter, etc. to use/share in the classroom. Originality will be encouraged for future creations. Open to all age levels.

Registration required-Register by calling 978-549-5180. Leave a message or text stating that you will attend. Leave your name and phone number. Bring $15 with you on the day of the workshop.

Coffee and Refreshments are provided, but if you would like to bring some kind of refreshment to share, we thank you!

Located at the GALA Arts Gallery
135 Front Street, Winchendon MA 01475
Art Instructor: Merrily Varone

Call for Handmade Christmas Tree Ornaments  

We are planning ahead for our popular GALA's "Small Works" Holiday Art Sale. We will have a Christmas tree in the gallery and looking for tree ornaments. The popular Small Works Art Sale will again be scheduled for November - December.

GALA members are invited to create well-crafted Christmas tree ornaments and sold as GALA's Gallery gift shop items. The suggested prices should be under $15 with 25% retained by the gallery upon sales. Ornaments may be delivered at the "Small Works" drop-off. The drop off date and time will be announced soon.



The gallery reserves the right to reject items that do not meet the GALA gift shop required standard of quality and craftsmanship.

Two Sisters Group Show     

Paintings by Martha Hess and Joanna Draugsvold

TWO SISTERS is a celebration of ten years of painting together, everything from portraits to landscapes, cityscapes, and still lifes. Both of us are enamored with the ocean: the shore, the ever-changing weather, the seasons that change the look of the water. Although the subject matter is diverse, our paintings are about color and texture, not image per se. We love to "push paint around," directly on canvas, as we have moved from realist paintings (where color is mixed on the palette) to more Impressionist works (where paint is mixed directly on the canvas with brush, knife, or fingers). Each painting is an experiment in what is possible!

The reception is Saturday, October 5th, noon to five, and the show will run through Oct 27th at the GALA Arts Gallery.



GALA's Autumn En Plein Air & Luncheon   

It was a gorgeous day at our En Plein Air outing at the homestead in Philipston. Great views and a delicious country lunch the owners provided. Thank you Colleen and your family for letting us onto your property to explore and take photos and paint. It was a wonderful turnout, and we met several enthusiastic artists from Boston that also made the trip out.




MemberNewsMember News & Exhibits
Alicia Drakiotes      

Alicia Drakiotes will be one of the featured open studios on the upcoming 24th Annual Monadnock Art Tour, October 12,13 & 14.

Location #39 at 16 Church St., Marlborough, NH. Open hours are 10-4 each day.
Framed oil paintings, gallery wrapped oil paintings and special unframed works will be offered along with some gift items for holiday shopping.

Download the tour map

Doreen LaScola: Connected in Nature 

In October, GALA member Doreen LaScola is having a show along with Piya Samant at the Jacob Edwards Library in Southbridge, MA. Please join them for their opening reception of "Connected in Nature" on Thursday October 3rd, 6:30-7:30 pm.

The show will be up for the entire month during regular hours of operation.

jacobedwardslibrary.org

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ArtShowsandExhibits
Shows & Exhibits
Upcoming Events at Jaffrey Civic Center                   
Jaffrey Civic Center, Jaffrey, NH

Darkness Descending by Gail Allen
NH Art Association Exhibition at Jaffrey Civic Center

The New Hampshire Art Association has partnered with the Jaffrey Civic Center to exhibit and sell its members' works in the Center's Cunningham Gallery.

The show will run through Oct. 14.

The New Hampshire Art Association, based in Portsmouth, is the oldest statewide art association in New Hampshire. Founded in 1940, it is one of the oldest associations in the country.

NHAA consists of approximately 300 visual artists who are painters, printmakers, photographers, mixed media artists, and sculptors.

There is no admission fee for the public to visit the Civic Center, located at 40 Main Street, Jaffrey, NH.

Mary Poplin Silent Auction at the JCC

The Jaffrey Civic Center will host a silent estate auction of the work of the late NH artist, Mary Poplin, through October 14th in the Auditorium Gallery. Minimum bids begin at $150 and increase in increments of $50. For more information, come check out the auction. Bids will close promptly at 5 pm on the last day of the auction. Refreshments provided. Free and open to the public!

Chasing the Golden Light: Photography by Howard S. Muscott

The Jaffrey Civic Center is excited to present Howard Muscott's stunning photography exhibit in the Display Case Gallery. The exhibit is now open and runs through November 15th. Howard Muscott's photography has captured the exquisite beauty of the natural world and the amazing wildlife within it for more than 40 years.

Howard has photographed nature, landscapes and wildlife for more than 40 years. Grounded in his early years of hiking, backpacking, and mountain climbing, Howard's love for nature photography is fueled by the exquisite beauty of the natural world and the wildlife residing within their various ecosystems. "The ideal photograph tells a story that speaks directly to the heart and moves people to self-reflection. It combines one's vision for the image with the best natural, ideally golden light, and requires both persistence and opportunity."

(603) 440-8141
[email protected]
www.chasingthegoldenlight.com

Hours are: Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2p.m., Sunday: Closed

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 [email protected]. Find our website, www.jaffreyciviccenter.com, or "Like" us on Facebook.

Fitchburg Open Studios Weekend                  
Fitchburg, MA



This tour allows you to visit with as many artists and locations as you desire, with each stop offering its own unique and varied experience.

Using the City of Fitchburg as the "core" of the tour, Open Studios branches off to include artists in several neighboring communities, all of which are within an easy drive of each other.

Simply grab a map, plan your day, and enjoy a little "leaf peeping" along the way!

Saturday, October 19, 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday, October 20, 1 pm - 5 pm

fitchburgopenstudios.com

Mapping the Body                 
Nina's Nook, Turners Falls, MA

Nancy Lautenbach is exhibiting "mapping the body: a mixed media exploration of the female form" at Nina's Nook during September/October. The installation includes sculptural surprises as well as wall art. Her Pod Series of drawings and collage features a feminine, organic form that "eludes to secrets, body, sexuality, shame, woundedness, containment, fear, and the intimacy of being,"says Lautenbach Her 365 Series also features this pod form, with collage, text, and drawings, that emerged during Lautenbach's third year of daily art practice. "In whatever medium I choose, the pod appears, staking claim to the landscape of the female experience," says Lautenbach. "Through line I explore the contours and curves of the body and the movement of her inherent energy."

Mapping the Body runs through October 26.

Info: ninasnook.com, 413.834.8800

Fall Exhibits at the East Wing Gallery                  
Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA

The East Wing Gallery is pleased to announce an exciting new series of exhibits scheduled for the fall, including an exhibition of Graphic Novel & Children's Book Illustrations on loan from R. Michelson Gallery, thanks to the support of the National Endowment for Humanities grant. This exhibit also coincides with the national celebration of the Coalition for Campus Children's Center and was the catalyst for the Art Dept., the Garrison Center and CCAMPIS (Child Care Access Means Parents in School) to collaborate on a special art event for our campus preschoolers this October.

Concepts in Clay
An exhibition of ceramic work by Maryanne Benns
Through October 26

Graphic Novel & Children's Book Illustrations from R. Michelson Gallery
October 2 - 31
Gallery Talk by Rich Michelson
Wednesday, October 23 at 3:00pm

Walking Wonders: the multimedia work of Nancy Sepe
November 12 - December 8
Reception: Friday, November 22
4:30-6:30pm

Exhibition of Student Work from Drawing III and Painting II & III
Decenber 18, 2019 - January 25, 2020
Reception: Wednesday, December 18
3:00-5:30pm

Upcoming Events at Gallery Sitka           
Gallery Sitka

Jonathan Route at The Bull Run

Opening TBT
The Bull Run
215 Great Road, Shirley, Ma 01464

Join us for a mixed group of work by Leominster photographer Jonathan Route.

Phone: 978.425.6290
[email protected]
gallerysitka.com/jonathan-route

Zen Saito at Gallery Sitka East

Opening Saturday, October 5
3-5 PM
Gallery Sitka East
2 Shaker Rd. Suite D101, Shirley, MA

This is the first time Zen has put together a show in 14 years! We are thrilled to bring his exotic furniture, lighting and art to you!

Phone: 978.425.6290
[email protected]
gallerysitka.com/zen-saito

Melissa Richard at Gallery Sitka West

Artist's Reception
Saturday, October 26
from 3-5 PM
Gallery Sitka West
2 Bridge Street, Shelburne Falls, Ma 01370

If you missed Melissa's work at The Bull Run in September - Join us in Shelburne Falls to see this fun colorful group of work in a different setting.

Phone: 413.625.0135
[email protected]
gallerysitka.com/melissa-a-richard

Mia Scheffey at Zavo

Networking & Art
Tuesday, October 22
from 5-7 PM
ZAVO
1011 Third Ave.
New York, NY

We are back at ZAVO in Manhattan! Join us for some lovely appetizers, some amazing work by Brattleboro painter, Mia Scheffey, in a very special setting.

[email protected]
gallerysitka.com/mia-scheffey

Phone: 978.425.6290
Fax: 978.425.6280
[email protected]
gallerysitka.com

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ArtClasses
Classes & Instruction
Watercolor in the Wild                  
Paul Gaj Design, Gardner, MA

You are Invited to Join a Truly Inspirational Watercolor Class

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Instructor: Paul Gaj
Paul-Gaj.Pixels.com

Description:
  • 1 Hr. Introduction to Color, Materials, and Methods including a demonstration of techniques and visual observation.
  • 2 Hr. hands-on painting exercise at one of the classic Autumn views in southern New Hampshire. Tips and tricks along with individual coaching.
  • 1/2 Hr. Lunch in the Wild.Skill levels: Beginner or basic working knowledge of watercolor painting to intermediate skill. Limited drawing skill to intermediate skills, but not necessary.
Skill Levels:

Beginner or basic working knowledge of watercolor painting to intermediate skill. Limited drawing skill to intermediate skills, but not necessary.

Class Fee: $35.00 [15 Student Limit]
Includes 10% Discount Off an Afternoon Kayak on Scott Brook

Class Registration and Additional Class Information:
Contact Paul Gaj
[email protected]
978-807-9422

Entry Deadline: Saturday October 5, 2019

Special thanks to Kev at Kev's Kayaks LLC, Fitzwilliam, NH
kevskayaks.com
 
Paul Gaj
Paul Gaj Design
40 Montvale Road
Gardner, MA 01440

978. 807. 9422
[email protected]
pgajdesign.com
  
Upcoming 2019 Workshops                  
Monadnock Area Artists Association, Keene, NH

November 2 & 3 - Lisa Ober - Realistic Still Life
The Early Bird special is extended until October 1st

Artist Lisa Ober, PSA, will teach a color-filled workshop on how to create beautifully detailed still life paintings in pastel. Lisa will take a step-by-step approach through her unique still life technique, from the first sketch to the finished piece using a photo reference (provided). Short demonstrations followed by plenty of class work time will ignite a passion for still life painting as students see their colorful paintings take shape. Participants will learn the skills needed to create believable and realistic still life paintings that are loaded with impressive details. Lisa will discuss developing keen observation skills, color selection, pastel application, and she will disclose her secrets for handling difficult surfaces such as glass or metal-giving special attention to this area.

Students will get plenty of personal attention, and Lisa's enthusiasm for still life painting is as contagious for the beginner as it is for the experienced painter. Regardless of favorite subject matter, students will leave with some hot tips for making their future paintings stand out in a crowd. If those in the class aren't already in love with still life painting, they will be by the end of this one!

Registration form

For more more information contact [email protected]
Monadnock Area Artists Association
Keene, NH
  
Fall Art Courses                 
Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA

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.

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.
  
2019 Classes at Petersham Art Center                  
Petersham Art Center, Petersham, MA

Saturday, Oct 19th, 9AM-1PM - HOOKED WOOL AUTUMN CORN with Karen Healey
Use traditional rug hooking techniques and wool fabric strips to create a 3 dimensional ear of Indian corn. Ages 16 and up. $20 member/$40 non-member

Saturday, Oct 26th, 9AM-12Noon - WEAVE A FALL BASKET with Sue Morello
Choose your own basket style and colors to create a gift or for your own holiday table. Beginners and experienced weavers welcome. Cost: $15 members/$35 nonmembers. $16 materials fee.

Sunday, Oct 27th, 9AM-3PM - HOLIDAY QUILTED RUNNER with Diana Cooley
Choose which holiday you'd like to celebrate and create a quilted table runner. Bring your own sewing machine and materials. A list of what you will need is available by calling PAC. $25 member/$45 non-member.

Call 978-724-3415 for more information & to register
  
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Call of Entry: Annual Fall Art Exhibit at the Jaffrey Civic Center 
Jaffrey Civic Center, Jaffrey, NH

Save the date. The Jaffrey Civic Center is seeking artwork from the public to be included in our Annual Autumn 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 for the holiday. The show will run from Friday, November 22th through December 23th. There will be an Opening Reception, which is free and open to the public on Saturday, November 23th from 5-7 pm with great food and drink. The deadline to drop off artwork: Saturday, November 9th through Saturday, November 16th.

Entry forms are being accepted now and are available on our website or at the center. Please call or email us at if you have any questions. The Center is located at 40 Main Street, Jaffrey, New Hampshire (next to Library, parking in rear.) Like us on Facebook.

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 [email protected]. Find our website, www.jaffreyciviccenter.com, or "Like" us on Facebook.

Keene Pumpkin Festival                                
Keene, NH

Artists invited to carve and exhibit at Keene Pumpkin Festival in the HeART of Downtown Keene

Keene Pumpkin Festival is in its third year rekindled as a display of the region's creativity for all to enjoy on Central Square in Downtown Keene. Of the 5,000 jack-o'-lanterns displayed on Sunday, October 27, 2019, thousands will be carved by children in area schools. But there is space for several hundred additional works of pumpkin art and organizers would like to invite MAAA and all area artists to consider carving. The admiration and "ooohs and ahhhs" of onlookers is gratifying and adds to the excitement of the day.

Anyone interested in displaying an artistic pumpkin, or even carving at the festival as a demonstration, please contact Tim Zinn ([email protected]) or [email protected]. The photo here was taken in 2018 by Shaundi Brown. Artist unknown. More photos at PumpkinFestival.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 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 [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
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 [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 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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