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GALA Events/Announcements | | | |
Upcoming Art Critiques:
- Saturday, December 13, 10:00am-12:30pm
- Saturday, January 10, 10:00am-12:30pm
- Saturday, February 7, 10:00am-12:30pm
All dates will be at the Stevens Memorial Library in Ashburnham.
Are you looking for encouragement and support from other artists?
Bring up to 2 pieces of your artwork (finished or unfinished) to share with the group.
The first 15 minutes we will be social time, then we will go into sharing our artwork. If we have a very large group, you may only show one piece. You are welcome to attend even if you don'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.
You may bring snacks to share with the group.
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!
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Dear Members and Friends,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high holiday spirits. I am writing to you on behalf of the Gardner Area League of Artists (GALA), that has been dedicated to promoting and supporting artists and art enthusiasts in North Central Massachusetts for over twenty-five years. In the spirit of the Holiday season, please consider including GALA in your giving.
GALA relies heavily on the generosity and kindness of individuals and businesses like yourself who appreciate the importance of art in enriching our lives. Art has the power to transcend boundaries, connect people from diverse backgrounds, and inspire creativity. It fosters a sense of community and plays a vital role in the cultural and economic development of a region.
Your donation will help us to fulfill our mission to promote the arts and culture as an essential component of the greater Gardner community. We would like to increase our offerings of art classes, photography, computer art, workshops, and artists shows and demonstrations at an affordable cost to all. We hope to continue to organize and offer art and music in local venues. It is important to us to offer art opportunities to aspiring artists of all ages. In addition, your contributions will enable us to bring art to under-served communities in the greater Gardner area, where access to cultural enrichment may be limited. Your continued support is invaluable to us.
We have a permanent home base at the Old Murdock building in Winchendon. We have a rental agreement for having access to this building, so we need your financial support more than ever for us to continue to support you. Whether you can donate $10, $100, or even $1,000, every dollar makes a difference. Your contribution will not only supplement our rent and grant funding, but will also have a lasting impact on the lives of countless artists, art enthusiasts, and the entire North Central region. GALA is a registered non-profit organization, donations are tax-deductible.
You can donate securely online, or by mailing your donation for our 2025 Holiday Appeal to the address above. Mail your check to: GALA, PO Box 664, Gardner MA 01440. If you would like to be a monthly or yearly sponsor, please contact us.
Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones. On behalf of all the artists, students, seniors, and individuals whose lives you will touch, I extend my deepest gratitude for your consideration and support. Together, we can ensure that art continues to inspire, educate, and uplift our communities. Thank you once again for your generosity, and for believing in the power of art.
Deb Giordano, GALA President
Support GALA
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Would you like to teach an art class or are you looking to find a specific art class to take?
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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Russ Gaulin, GALA member and traditional visual artist, will be exhibiting a selection of his nature-based watercolors, plus a few acrylics and some portrait drawings for his third month-long showing at the Levi-Heywood Memorial Library Gallery Room for the month of December.
"I don't travel all that often, but when I do, I try to do some painting and share the more interesting or beautiful sights I have seen. My newer work reflects scenes from Utah, New Hampshire, Thailand, and kayaking on the Millers River in Winchendon. I am also continually learning from other visual artists in the hope that I can better share my journey and keep making human connections. This year I finally got some nice oil paints and instruction (Thank you Joanne Stowell) so I can begin to do paintings like 'the big kids'. My art often reflects moments of solitude whilst being outside in the natural world by myself. I hope you can stop in, enjoy the view(s) and maybe make your thoughts known in my guest book."
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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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Megan Marden & Amanda Case Millis
Gardner, MA
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Recent Work by
Megan Marden & Amanda Case Millis
Through December 6
Gallery Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:00am-8:00pm
Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm
Open during Theatre events
Closed November 27, 28
For more information: j_miller@mwcc.mass.edu
Instagram: @mwccartdepartment
Follow artists on Instagram: @meganlmarden, @amandacmillis
The East Wing Gallery
Mount Wachusett Community College
444 Green Street, Gardner, MA
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Signature Members in Pastel
Jaffrey Civic Center, Jaffrey, NH
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Jaffrey Civic Center presents: Palette of Prestige: Signature Members in Pastel
November 7 - December 20, 2025
Jaffrey Civic Center is hosting the Palette of Prestige: Pastel Society of NH Signature Members exhibition through December 20th. This exhibition of pastel features award winning artists that belong to the Pastel Society of New Hampshire. Featured artists include: Sharon Boisvert, Terri Brooks, Carol Corliss, Keith Demanche, Mary Ann Eldred, Wolfgang Ertl, Joelle Feldman, Paula Fraser, Susanne Larkham, Shuk Susan Lee, Mena Levit, Maryann Mullett, Lisa Regopoulos.
This exhibition is a unique blend of work in soft pastel including a variety of subject matter including landscape, animals and nocturnes. There are twentyfive pieces in the show, all of which are for sale.
This show features award winning artists, some of which are Master Circle Members of IAPS (International Association of Pastels), Pastel Society of America members, and have been featured in art magazines and have received awards in the highly competitive Pastel 100 Art Magazine Competition.
Don’t miss this spectacular show!
The Jaffrey Civic Center’s hours are Wednesdays – Fridays 12:00 – 5:00 pm, and Saturdays 10:00 – 2:00 pm.
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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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 p.m.
- Wednesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
- Open Friday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Closed Thursday, Dec. 25
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: Home
Ongoing, December 7 – January 30
From forest floor to canopy, Will Close’s exhibition of original watercolor and mixed media paintings invites viewers to rediscover the beauty and complexity of the natural world that surrounds us. Accompanied by thoughtful text and quotes from experts and longtime New Englanders alike, each piece reveals the hidden stories, characters, and connections that shape the living landscape we all call home. For all ages.
Great Hall Exhibit: Migrations
Ongoing, October 18 – December 4
Migrations paintings, curated by GuateMaya Art and Culture Connection, celebrate the human and natural diversity of the upper Connecticut River Valley and the Americas. Colorful works depict scenes integral to village life, Mayan culture, and the history of Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. For all ages.
Outdoor StoryWalk® — Thanks to the Animals
Ongoing, November 7—January 1
Enjoy a story, fresh air and exercise! Join us on the Discovery Center’s grounds for a free self-guided StoryWalk® featuring Thanks to the Animals, by Allen Sockabasin. For young readers ages 6—8 and anyone grateful for wildlife and storytelling. 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.
Nice and Easy Walks
Thursdays, 1—2 p.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.
Kidleidoscope Story Hour
Fridays, 12/5: Raccoons; 12/19: Ducks; 12/26: Deer, 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: Reading the Streetscape Walk
Friday, December 5, 3—4:30 p.m.
Every mill town is like an open book, if you know how to read it. Learn about the unique architecture of Turners Falls on this accessible 1.25-mile downtown walk. Stay after the walk to join other activities as part of First Friday— a monthly downtown event. Meet outside the Discovery Center's main entrance. For ages 8 and up.
It’s a Wonderful Night in Turner Falls ... For the Birds!
Friday, December 12, 4 -8 p.m.
Bring the wonder of nature to your home by crafting your own bird feeder. Keep warm with hot cocoa and conversations about how different feeders attract different birds during It’s a Wonderful Night in Turners Falls - a town-wide event. Bird feeder making continues on Saturday, December 13, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. For all ages. Meet in the Great Hall.
It’s a Wonderful Day in Turner Falls ... For the Birds!
Saturday, December 13, 10 a.m.— 12:30 p.m.
Bring the wonder of nature to your home by crafting your own bird feeder. Keep warm with hot cocoa and conversations about how different feeders attract different birds. Meet in the Great Hall.
A Holiday Music Session
Sunday, December 14, 2:30—4:30 p.m.
Join us for a soothing respite during the busy holiday time. Come listen to Danse Café — a trio of musicians, featuring guitar, clarinet, and fiddle — who play traditional European and American holiday music. This is an informal gathering of three musically minded friends to celebrate the lovely music of the holidays. The event is free and open to the public to come and go at will. For all ages. Meet in the Great Hall.
Gingerbread Houses
Saturday, December 20, 1—3 p.m.
Children and teens are invited to build an easy gingerbread house, using graham crackers and an assortment of candy. For ages 3-16, accompanied by an adult. Sponsored by the Montague Public Libraries. Meet in the Great Hall.
Winter Solstice Walk
Sunday, December 21, 2—4 p.m.
Enjoy our annual tradition of sharing poetry, storytelling and light on this accessible 2.5-mile walk along the Canalside Rail Trail. Stay after the walk for hot cocoa and music. Dress for the weather and bring water. Meet outside the Discovery Center's main entrance. For adults and children ages 6 and up. Inclement weather or icy trail conditions cancels.
A French/Breton Jam Session
Sunday, December 21, 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.
School Vacation Week: Mammal Adaptation Investigation Station
Ongoing, December 26—January 4
Come learn about local mammals and their unique winter adaptations. Every animal has special adaptations that enable them to survive in their winter habitats. Explore through touchable artifacts (pelts, replica skulls, and replica tracks), and habitat diorama scavenger hunts at the Welcome Desk. For ages 4 and up.
Art Naturally: Felting Life Under the Snow
Sunday, December 28, 10:30 a.m.—12 p.m.
Discover nature through story, poetry and art in our series of free art programs. Create a wintry landscape “painting” with wool, fleece, pre-felt and water. Learn how different animals adapt to snow, whether foraging or waiting out the cold. For teens, adults and children ages 6 and up accompanied by an adult. All materials provided. Meet in the Great Hall at 10:30 a.m. for complete instructions.
Save the Date! First Day Hike
Thursday, January 1, 1—3 p.m.
Enjoy a leisurely three-mile stroll down the Canalside Rail Trail and get the New Year started off on a Great Falls note! This family friendly hike follows a gentle route and provides an opportunity to discover the abundant natural, historical, and cultural features that make the Great Falls Discovery Center and Canalside Rail Trail such an amazing State Park! Be prepared for cold weather: dress in layers and wear winter boots. Dogs are welcome on-leash. Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center. Meet in the Great Hall. Hike begins at 1:15 p.m.
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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Brunch & Brushes
New Dawn Arts Center, Ashburnham, MA
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Brunch & Brushes with Instructor Joanne Stowell
Join us on the second Saturday of each month for an acrylic painting class for teens/adults/seniors. Beginners welcome and encouraged to join. We will learn to paint through a different theme each month and enjoy brunch together! Join one class or register for all! $48 per person, per class, all materials included and light refreshments provided.
Registration required here. Upcoming dates:
December 13, 11:00am-2:00pm
January 10, 11:00am-2:00pm
February 7, 11:00am-2:00pm
New Dawn Arts Center
84 Main Street, Ashburnham, MA
newdawnarts.org
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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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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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