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GALA Events/Announcements | | | Call for Artists: 25th Anniversary Bash | | |
25th Anniversary Bash—Let's All Celebrate !
Register online
Small Works Art Show
Original Artist Trunk Sale
Ice Cream Buffet with Live Music
Saturday, September 13, 2025, 12-3:00PM
Winchendon Old Murdock School
52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon MA
Auditorium & Art Gallery Room, 2nd Floor
Deadline to Register: Monday, September 1st
The Small Works Show is available to GALA members only. Members and non-members are both welcome to sign up for the Trunk Sale.
Register for the Small Works Art Show & Art Trunk Sale
Open to all artists & artisans, members & non-members. No registration fee, no hanging fee.
What is a Trunk Sale?
Artists present, showcase, and sell their art pieces and art supplies directly to customers. Pieces may be new or old, but all created in an original format by the artist and presented at very reasonable prices.
For example, picture your own many art pieces recently finished, or items created by you—from your "trunk" of your collected stuff. Does not need to be framed, matted or wired. So come do a quick setup, stay to meet and greet, hang out and do some selling.
Unlike an art show or gallery sales, this trunk show offers many affordable pieces all in one place. People flip through artists’ collected unique one-of-a-kind originals and art supplies.
You may bring up to 2- 6-foot tables. We have chairs.
The public will be touching, flipping through your offerings, so pieces should be wrapped or bagged, prices clearly marked, backed by foamcore or other, etc...
Please forward this email to others who might be interested in participating in the Small Works Show, or the Trunk Show or just come and celebrate with us.
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
Entry deadline for Small Works Art Show: Monday, September 1st
Art drop-off at Old Murdock School, 2nd Floor on Tuesday, September 9th 4-6:00PM
Art Trunk Sale: Setup your table, September 13th, 10:00AM
Art Pick-Up: Sunday, November 2nd, 4-5:00PM
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Upcoming Art Critiques:
- Saturday, September 27, 10:00am-12:30pm
All dates will be at the Stevens Memorial Library in Ashburnham.
You may bring snacks to share with the group.
Bring up to 2 pieces of your artwork (finished or unfinished) to share with the group.
The first 15 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 2 classes are free.
A great way to receive heartfelt feedback from your circle of artists friends.
Janet Dupuis will help guide us during our get together. Mark your calendar! Email Janet to let her know that you will be joining us at Jandu516@gmail.com
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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.
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Mark Lore: A Retrospective
Looking Forward, Looking Back
50 Years of Landscape Paintings
September 2-26, 2025
Reception- Friday, September 5, 4-6:00pm
East Wing Gallery, Mount Wachusett Community College
444 Green Street, Gardner, MA
Gallery Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8am-8pm; Friday, 8am-5pm
Open during Theatre events
Mark Lore is a contemporary painter whose landscape-inspired works explore the emotional resonance of color, texture, and light. Blending elements of abstraction and realism, his practice reflects a deep engagement with the natural world and its ability to stir memory and perception. Working primarily in oil and acrylic, Mark builds layered compositions through expressive brushwork and palette knife techniques, creating surfaces that are both bold and contemplative. His use of rich contrasts and tactile textures evokes the shifting moods of land and sky, transforming familiar scenery into immersive fields of energy and atmosphere. Each painting becomes a reflection of inner and outer landscapes, capturing the subtle tension between observation and interpretation. With a focus on the sensory experience of place, his work invites viewers to connect emotionally with the environment and to experience color not only as a visual sensation but as a force that shapes space, movement, and memory.
For more information: j_miller@mwcc.mass.edu
Instagram: @mwccartdepartment
Follow artist on Instagram: @marklorefineart
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Joe will be providing a scratchboard demonstration at the Emerson Inn, 1 Cathedral Ave, Rockport, MA, Wednesday, October 22, 4 pm
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Russ Gaulin will be showing at the Center For Wound Care, Heywood Hospital, 252 Green Street, Gardner, MA, beginning May 5.
GALA offers art in the waiting room at the Center year-round. Three to 12 pieces can be accommodated in this space. We thank the many artists who have responded enthusiastically to this request over the years. Take a moment for tranquility if you happen to be at Heywood Hospital! Visitors may stop by during regular business hours. Proceed up the ramp to the waiting room, and give a shout out on social media to celebrate the arts!
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Lowe Park Chalk Art Festival
Fitchburg, MA
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Let your creativity flow on the streets of Fitchburg at the 3rd Annual Lowe Park Chalk Art Festival!
Saturday, September 13 at 11:00am
Come join us for a day filled with creativity and fun at 174 Elm St Fitchburg. Get ready to see amazing chalk art creations from talented artists, enjoy delicious food trucks, and groove to live music throughout the day. Whether you're an artist yourself or just love admiring beautiful artwork, this event is perfect for everyone. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to be part of a vibrant community event!
More info
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The Julian Gerstin Sextet
Turners Falls, MA
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The Julian Gerstin Sextet performs original music steeped in jazz and sparkling with rhythms and instruments from the Caribbean, Eastern Europe and the Arabic world on Friday, September 5 at Peskeompskut Park, Avenue A and Seventh Street in Turners Falls from 7-9pm. This free performance is part of First Friday Turners Falls, sponsored by RiverCulture and downtown businesses.
Composer and percussionist Julian Gerstin has spent his music life performing traditional and popular music of Ghana, Nigeria, Cuba, Martinique, Brazil, the Balkan and Arabic worlds, and of course the United States. Gerstin founded the sextet to bring instruments, rhythms and musical concepts from these realms into a jazz setting, where each musician adds their individual voice to his compositions.
Joining Julian are accomplished improvisors Anna Patton (clarinet), Don Anderson (trumpet), Eugene Uman (piano), Wes Brown (upright bass) and Ben James (drums). Members of this stellar group have played with jazz notables Shelia Jordan, Earl “Fatha” Hines, Anthony Braxton, Marilyn Crispell, Wadada Leo Smith, Charles Neville, John Tchicai and many others. The Julian Gerstin Sextet recently released its third album, Songbirds of the Deep Sea, on the Truth Revolution Records label.
This is sponsored by RiverCulture with support from the MCC Turners Falls Cultural District. In case of rain, this event will be rescheduled. Bring a lawn chair.
More info: https://www.facebook.com/RiverCulture
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Arts and Crafts Fair
Jaffrey Civic Center, Jaffrey, NH
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The Jaffrey Civic Center is excited to announce its Arts and Crafts Fair, taking place on Saturday, September 6 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on the front lawn at 40 Main Street, Jaffrey, NH.
Join us for a festive day of creativity, craftsmanship, and community! This family-friendly event will showcase a vibrant mix of local artists, crafters, and food vendors offering a wide array of handmade goods and unique creations.
Visitors can browse fresh sourdough bread and other baked goods, festive balloon arches, and an assortment of handmade crochet plushies and gifts. The fair will also feature handcrafted jewelry, wall art, adult coloring books, stickers, notecards, and decorative knickknacks. You'll find beautifully sewn and crocheted items, segmented woodturnings, hand-painted shirts, canvas artworks, and glass panels. Other highlights include 3D printed items, original artwork across various mediums, international snacks and beverages, and mystical-themed goods such as crystal and celestial jewelry, essential oils, soy candles, and skincare products. There will also be beaded suncatchers, custom tumblers, hometown pride pillows, coaster sets, gnomes, baby onesies and dresses, Libbey glasses, laser-engraved gifts, and even handmade cat toys.
Thanks to generous support from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, visitors can also enjoy free family activities throughout the day. Enjoy live music by The Cloutiers on the patio, and don’t miss the Positivity Jars free activity with the always-joyful Hannah Banana. Kids and adults alike will love getting creative with "Fun with Collage Animals", a free art activity led by talented local artists Ann-Marie Labollita and Joanne Boudreau. Families are warmly welcomed and encouraged to bring their little ones for an afternoon of hands-on fun, art, and community connection.
Free and open to the public
The Jaffrey Civic Center is located at 40 Main Street in Jaffrey, NH, and is open 12:00 to 5:00 pm, on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturdays. For more information, head to their website: www.jaffreyciviccenter.com
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.
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Paul Gaj
Fresh Paint: The View From a New England Artist
Paul Gaj will have a Show of Recent Works at the Gardner Ale House (Moon Hill Brewing) in Gardner, MA from September 4 - October 5, 2025.
Artist’s Reception Sunday, September 15, 3-5:00PM
pgaj@pgajdesign.com
paul-gaj.pixels.com
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89th Regional Exhibition of Art and Craft
Fitchburg Art Museum, Fitchburg, MA
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89th Regional Exhibition of Art and Craft
Through September 7, 2025
We are excited to announce the 89th Annual Regional Exhibition, which is one of the longest-running juried exhibitions in New England.
This tradition at the Fitchburg Art Museum spotlights the artists and crafters of our region by providing a museum environment for their work and connecting them with fellow creators, patrons, and art enthusiasts.
Please join us in celebrating our creative community!
Learn More
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Events at Great Falls Discovery Center
Turners Falls, MA
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All programs are free and open to the public. An adult must accompany children. Inclement weather cancels outdoor programs. 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. Wheelchair accessible. ADA/Reasonable Accommodation: Cell: 617-645-0358, Email: Moneesha.dasgupta2@mass.gov.
Visitor Center Hours: Open 6 Days a Week
- Tuesdays, 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesdays-Sundays, 10 am-6 pm
- Open Monday, September 1, 10 am-4 pm
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.
Great Hall Exhibit: The Towns of Franklin County— by the Springfield Photographic Society
Ongoing, August 1 – September 30
Find out what makes our Franklin County communities so special through the eyes of avid photographers! This exhibit features a photograph of each of the communities in Franklin County by members of the Springfield Photographic Society. Founded in 1937, the club is made up of enthusiasts from photographic novices to professionals who have in common a love of their craft. Among their recent field trips were stops in Franklin County, where members took photos together and learned from one another. To learn more visit: www.springfield-ps.com.
Deep Roots: A History of Agriculture in the Connecticut River Valley *
Ongoing, Hallway Gallery Exhibit
The PVMA exhibit in our hallway gallery explores the history of agriculture in our fertile floodplain valley--from Indigenous land use before English settlement to today’s Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) movement. For youth and adults. Funded by PVMA and Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Outdoor StoryWalk® — Mole Music
Ongoing, September 2—October 28
Enjoy a story, fresh air and exercise! Join us on the Discovery Center’s grounds for a free self-guided StoryWalk® featuring Mole Music by David McPhail. For ages 4 to 7 and anyone who appreciates moles and the power of music to help us connect! Follow the path to book pages posted along the route.
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.
Kidleidoscope Story Hour
Fridays, 9/5: Butterflies; 9/12: Skunks; 9/19: Snakes; 9/26: River Otters,
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.
First Friday: Investigation Station — From Fiber into Yarn
Friday, September 5, 3—5:30 p.m.
Spinning fiber into yarn was once a skill that everyone needed to get by. Whether you spun for yourself or were among the one-in-five Bay Staters who spun fiber for work, everyone recognized a spindle. Stop by our table outside the center for five minutes or longer and learn about fiber arts along the Connecticut River. All ages. Meet at the main entrance.
Presentation and Walk: Wildlife out Your Window
Saturday, September 6, 10:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m.
Join us on a leisurely, family-friendly combined wildlife presentation and walk by Brad Timm, wildlife ecologist and founder of the Northeast Wildlife Team. This program is inspired by Brad’s book Wildlife Out Your Window: Fascinating Facts About 100 Animals Commonly Seen in the Northeastern U.S., which is full of interesting facts about common wildlife all around us. We’ll start inside with a short presentation that will open your eyes to wildlife in ways you never imagined! Then we’ll take a leisurely stroll up the bike path along the Connecticut River and keep our eyes and ears peeled for all sorts of wildlife as we walk. All ages are welcome and encouraged to join. Meet in the Great Hall.
Nice and Easy Walks
Thursdays, September 11, 18, & 25, 10—11 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 along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance.
Great Falls Coffeehouse Presents: Harry Remer
Friday, September 12, 7—9 p.m.
Join us for the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center’s concert series featuring local talent. Harry Remer performs original songs with American roots. Refreshments available. Sliding scale suggested donations, all in support of educational programming at the Great Falls Discovery Center. For all ages. Meet in the Great Hall.
Find Us at the Farmers Market!
Saturday, September 20, 10:30 a.m.—1 p.m.
Join DCR staff for family activities at the Great Falls Farmers Market, located between 6th and 7th streets along Avenue A at Peskeompskut Park. In case of rain, you can find our activities inside the center instead. For all ages.
Canal Draw Down History Stroll
Thursday, September 25, 3:30—5 p.m.
Check out the annual draining of the Turners Falls canal, take a stroll along the Canalside Rail Trail, and absorb local history with Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center staff and DCR staff. Meet at the main entrance of the Center for this free two mile walk on flat terrain. For youth and adults.
Source to Sea Cleanup
Saturday, September 27, 10 a.m.—12 p.m.
Hard work, real fun, true impact: the annual fall trash cleanup of the Connecticut River and its tributaries. Join DCR staff to clean up the Canalside Rail Trail. To register, visit SourcetoSeaCleanup.org/event/Canalside-rail-trail, or contact DCR staff at 413-863-3221 for more information. Meet at the main entrance. For ages 8 and up.
Montague Community Fair
Saturday, September 27, 2—5 p.m.
Celebrate “Good Neighbor Day” with an afternoon of free family activities and learn about local community organizations. Join DCR staff at the fair to learn all about our mammal neighbors at our activity table with mammal pelts and crafting. The fair has light refreshments, music, and fun activities for all ages, in collaboration with Montague Public Libraries. Unity Park is located at 56 First Street in Turners Falls.
A French/Breton Jam Session
Sunday, September 28, 2:30—4:30 p.m.
An informal group of musicians gathers to play the enchanting traditional dance music from France and Brittany, commonly known as bal folk. 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. For all ages. Meet in the Great Hall.
Great Falls Discovery Center
Department of Conservation & Recreation
2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA 01376
Janel.nockleby@mass.gov (413) 863-3221 she/her
My Office Hours: Wednesdays through Sundays
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Sequencing Painting Series
Alstead, NH
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Join our Sequencing Painting Series! Explore the art of sequencing in three unique workshops—take one, or enjoy more for a discount.
October 4 - Sequencing Seascape Painting
Sequencing is a way for both beginners and more experienced art makers to enter the process of painting at a deep and direct level. Through this process, Sequencing allows you to engage in creating art without self-doubt or other barriers that can inhibit creativity. You engage directly with the paint, surface and tools in a very immediate and tactile way.
Sequencing quickly identifies important elements in our creative work, momentarily suspends part of our thought process, and allows us to begin work without the burdens of self-doubt, memory, and desire. It helps to free us from the idea that quality artwork is wholly dependent on technique. Sequencing is an approach to painting developed at River Gallery School by Ric Campman.
In this workshop, we will bring our work outside and paint directly from observing the landscape
More information
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Montague Swing Dance
Montague, MA
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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
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Make Art at Main Street Studios
Fitchburg, MA
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Do you get inspired by fellow artists? Would the company of other creatives motivate you to work on an idea or abandoned project?
Come to Main Street Studios on Tuesday evenings. We have plenty of work space for you to set up with your writing, painting, knitting, etc.
We will socialize for a half hour-ish and then have a quiet hour or two to do the work. If you are inclined to share at the end of the evening - or the end of the summer, you are welcome to do so. But that is not required.
Main Street Studios has coffee/tea/water and maybe a few snacks. There are also options for delivery if you want to order dinner.
The point of this evening is to have fun and employ a little gentle peer pressure to kick aside those creative blocks. If you have any questions, send us a message or leave a comment in the event. You can also email studios@fitchburgculturalalliance.org.
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Learn at Fitchburg Art Museum
Fitchburg Art Museum, Fitchburg, MA
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Learning Lounges
Visit our Learning Lounges! These family-friendly interactive spaces offer multiple ways to explore the themes and techniques within our exhibitions. These activities are open-ended and can be done alone or with family and friends.
Learning Lounges are generously supported by The Cathedral Fund and the Geneviève McMillan–Reba Stewart Foundation.
Find out more
Hands-On Fun!
Create with us from home with activities and tips for creating art with children.
Explore the artistic techniques, concepts, and themes behind Fitchburg Art Museum’s permanent collection artworks through these fun creative projects. Explore the full list of tutorials here.
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Art Education at WAM
Worcester Art Museum, Worcester, MA
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The Worcester Art Museum’s studio art classes offer accessible learning experiences for all ages and levels.
Express your creativity and discover new skills and media in these art-making workshops. The Museum offers online, in-person, and off-site learning opportunities that cover a variety of subjects and media.
In-person classes are held either in the galleries or in the Museum’s studios. Online classes are taught through Zoom and are encrypted and secure. Teens are welcome to join online adult classes.
Call or email with questions, to register over the phone, or to request a print brochure!
Phone: 508.793.4333
Email: classes@worcesterart.org
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Fitchburg Open Studios
Fitchburg, MA
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Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19
12-5pm
Be part of Fitchburg Open Studios 2025. Connect with audiences, network with other artists, and share your creative work.
Open the doors to your studio/work space or pop up at a location in downtown Fitchburg or Ashburnham. Whether you’re a returning participant or joining for the first time, we encourage you to get involved and make your voice and vision seen.
Learn more
Early registration deadline is Tuesday, July 15
The deadline to register is Wednesday, September 10. Registrations submitted after the deadline may not be included in the map.
Register now
A reduced registration fee is available for artists with economic hardship. Please email studios@fitchburgculturalalliance.org for more information.
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Call for Vendors: Hey Day 2025
Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, Princeton, MA
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Wachusett Meadow's largest fundraiser and festival - Hey Day - is happening on Saturday, October 4 and we're still looking for vendors. We are a Mass Audubon sanctuary located in the heart of Princeton, Mass. We showcase the sheep and the farm buildings, have crafts for children, musicians, as well as food and craft vendors. Hey Day runs from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. We would postpone until the next day only if the weather is guaranteed to be terrible on Saturday. We provide the table for $25 but not tents. If you have handmade items, crafts, or local goods for sale, please register here
Event website: Hey Day Festival at Wachusett Meadow
Wachusett Meadow Facebook page
Please contact us at wachusett@massaudubon.org with any questions.
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The Little Gallery at Town Hall
Westminster, MA
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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.
| | 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.
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Ongoing Opportunities for Artists & Musicians | | |
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.
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
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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There are many ways to volunteer! Please email info@galagardner.org to express your interest in helping out with our organization.
| | 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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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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Gardner Area League of Artists
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