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GALA Events/Announcements | | |
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Gardner Area League of Artists would like to announce that Franco O’Malley is our new Music Coordinator. Franco comes with great knowledge and ideas to help GALA. We welcome Franco and are excited to have him join our organization.
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Lecture by Tamar Russell Brown | |
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GALA Presents
Tamar Russell Brown
Owner, Gallery Sitka
Want to learn how to hang your art for a show or home? Need help on how to price your work for shows or galleries? Tamar's lecture will provide insight on how to do all the following: hanging for shows, hanging in galleries, prepping to hang for shows, pricing for shows, pricing for galleries, pricing in general, working with galleries, getting feedback from galleries.
March 21, 5-8:00pm
Social hour, light refreshments, 5-6:00pm
Tamar's lecture, 6-8:00pm
52 Murdoch Ave.
At the old Murdock School
Winchendon, MA
$15 for GALA members, $20 for non-members
Register
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Saturday, February 15
Saturday, March 29
Saturday, April 26
10am-12:00pm
The Stevens Memorial Library Preservation Room
20 Memorial Drive, Ashburnham MA
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 & bring your finished Mystery Art Challenge piece if you chose to do one. You may bring your art challenge piece to share at any future critique.
The first 15 minutes we will be social time, then we will go into sharing our artwork.
You may attend even if 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 Janetat Jandu516@gmail.com to let her know that you will be joining us.
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The Templeton Senior Community Center is looking for GALA artists to hang artwork in their hallway. The hallway will fit about 15 pieces of artwork. Artwork may be priced or NFS. Artists can have a solo or small group show.
Artists must write a short bio of themselves for the wall.
For more information contact Ann-Marie LaBollita at alabollita@templetonma.gov
Templeton Senior Community Center
16 Senior Drive
Baldwinville, MA 01436
Phone 978-894-2779
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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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Samantha Durfee's print Hare Moon Spring Renewal has been accepted into the printmaking exhibition Under Pressure. The exhibit runs Saturdays and Sundays, 1-4:00pm, through February 23, at Artworks Gallery, 69 Main St., Ware, MA.
Visit workshop13.org for details.
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Michele Trifiro has won third place in Artist Magazine's 41st Annual Art Competition. Her painting was featured in the January/February 2025 issue. That same painting has been selected as a finalist in the AKC Museum Of The Dog art competition, Dog Days of Winter. Exhibition runs from January 29th through March 2nd at the AKC Museum Of The Dog, 101 Park Avenue, New York, NY. | |
C.M. Judge & Paula Rendino | |
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Drop a Grudge
C. M. Judge and Paula Rendino are exhibiting their community art installation Drop The Last Stone at the Art Gallery at Riviera University through April 28th, 2025.
Check out their website. Participate in the project online or in person at the gallery. C.M. also had two paintings from her TRIUNE series juried into the WCA/NH exhibition The Invincible Within at the Kimball Jenkins Art Center in Concord, NH.
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As a service to the patients of the Center for Wound Care at Heywood Hospital, GALA has been displaying member art in the waiting room for more than 15 years. We will be contacting artists for the following schedule: September-October and November-December. Three to 12 pieces can be accommodated in this space. Multiple artists may join together to create a theme or display at the same time. Please contact Vicki at Surroundings Gallery & Custom Framing, 978-630-2340. | |
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The Fairy Tale That Was Not Told
ArtsWorcester, Worcester, MA
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Poetry Reading:
The Fairy Tale That Was Not Told
Join us Saturday, February 1,
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
44 Portland Street, Worcester, MA 01608
ArtsWorcester and the Worcester County Poetry Association invite you to a poetry reading of work by the talented Worcester Writers' Collective (WCC), inspired by photographs in Mari Saxon’s delightfully ominous collection The Fairy Tale That Was Not Told. Mari's open-ended photographs prompted these poets to generate their own stories about each image, resulting in unique narratives fit for a fairytale all their own.
Get free tickets
Begin the event with us on the seventh floor of the Printers Building to experience the different stories crafted by fifteen Worcester County literary artists. Then, regroup in the first floor ArtsWorcester galleries for light refreshments, conversation with the writers and the artist, to see the photographs for yourself, and enjoy the rest of the exhibitions on view.
Entry is through the ArtsWorcester first floor galleries. Elevators and stairs are available to the seventh floor of the Printers Building. This reading is free and open to the public.
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Mother Tongue
Shea Theater Arts Center, Turners Falls, MA
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Saturday, February 1st @ 7:30 pm
Shea Theater Arts Center, 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA 01376
For ages 12+
On Saturday, February 1st, the Performance Project’s First Generation Ensemble is bringing Mother Tongue to Shea Theater Arts Center. Mother Tongue is a powerful and extremely relevant performance, especially in light of recent national and global events. Mother Tongue is an original multilingual physical theater performance inspired by the experiences of ensemble members, their families and communities who are from Congo/Tanzania, Bhutan/Nepal, South Sudan/Darfur, Puerto Rico, Holyoke, and Springfield, Massachusetts. The 90 minute performance weaves together theater, movement, music, dance, and stories in Arabic, Swahili, Nepali, Spanish, and English. Mother Tongue incorporates themes of diaspora, culture, identity, language, hypermasculinity, transphobia, racism, education, the school to prison pipeline, personal liberation, and revolution. For ages 12 and up.
Mother Tongue 4 minute trailer
Mother Tongue co-authors and ensemble members are Montaser Yagoub Abdelrahman, Charlétte Sostre Garcia, Monisha Gurung, Julita Hasani, Moise Jackobo, Lali (Iliana) Quiles-Torres. Co-directed by Iyawna Burnett, Julie Lichtenberg, and Lesley Farlow. Ensemble support and training, James Arana. Original sound composition and recording by I-SHEA Shaikly and sound design by Tyler Gorman and Tony Silva.
Mother Tongue has been touring for two years. The performance was developed by members of First Generation, an intergenerational arts and leadership development community that honors the stories and lives of youth and family who identify as ‘first generation’: First in their families to grow up in the US, to speak English, graduate high school, go to college, be openly LGBTQ+, be an activist, be a feminist, break a silence, or any other first. First Generation is a part of The Performance Project, which has been creating original theater and art in collaboration with communities in Hampshire and Hampden counties since 2000.
The performance will be on Saturday, February 1st at 7:30 pm at Shea Theater Arts Center in Turners Falls.
Tickets can be reserved in advance online at Sheatheater.org, or can be purchased at the door the evening of the event pending availability.
The development of Mother Tongue was supported by the Mass Cultural Council, National Endowment for the Arts, and Mass Humanities. The performance, graciously hosted by Shea Theater Arts Center, is supported by Montague and Gill Cultural Councils, with sponsorship from RiverCulture and Greenfield Savings Bank.
For more information contact: 413-374-4938 or info@performanceproject.org
performanceproject.org
$15-25.00 Sliding Scale, Free for EBT Card holders
Reserve tickets in advance online at sheatheater.org
Recommended for ages 12+
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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 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Wednesdays—Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Closed Wednesday, 12/25
- Open Friday, 2/7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Open Monday, 2/17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Explore the natural, cultural, and industrial history of the Connecticut River Watershed with our dynamic exhibit dioramas. Adjacent to the Canalside Rail Trail, the center also includes the Great Hall exhibit gallery, restrooms, and drinking water.
Great Hall Exhibit: A First-Class Machine Shop *
Ongoing through February 22
The Great Hall building was once a machine shop for the Montague Paper Company. This exhibit examines the critical supporting role that metalworking and machining had in launching industrialization in Turners Falls. High quality newsprint and book paper would not have been made here if not for the knowledge, skills, innovation, and physical labor of metalworkers, machinists, engineers, and master mechanics. Our Great Hall is also a programming space. If there is a program in progress, you are still welcome to visit the Great Hall to view the exhibits.
Deep Roots: A History of Agriculture in the Connecticut River Valley *
Ongoing, Hallway Gallery
As part of our Food, Farms, and Factories programming, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association’s 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.
Indoor StoryWalks®
Ongoing, February 1— 28
Explore the lives of active and resting winter wildlife through stories. For ages 3 and up, accompanied by an adult. Meet at the welcome desk. At the end of the StoryWalk® enjoy reading more books about snow and winter from our collection.
2/1—2/12: Tracks in the Snow, by Wong Herbert Yee
2/13—2/28: Rabbit’s Snow Dance by Joseph Bruchac
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.
Where Are All the Animals Hiding?
Saturday, February 1, 10:30—11:30 a.m.
How do animals stay snug and warm for winter? Come investigate hidden winter animal homes through stories, crafts, and activities. For ages 3–6 and up with a parent or guardian. Friends and siblings welcome! Meet in the Great Hall.
Nice & Easy Walks
Fridays, February 7, 14, 21, 28, 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.
First Friday: Navigate Your Neighborhood!
Friday, February 7, 4—6 p.m.
Every First Friday of the month, Turners Falls businesses and organizations stay open late for activities. Drop in to learn how to get your bearings with just a compass and map! While you’re here, find out how you can care for the watershed through Leave No Trace. For all ages. Families welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.
The Secret Lives of Turners Falls Germans
Saturday, February 8, 2—3 p.m.
After the canal was rebuilt in 1869, German immigrants were among the first to move to Turners Falls and first to witness the planned village’s growing pains. Join DCR staff as we use photos, news clippings, and oral history to figure out how they built their community and traditions through mutual aid and hard work. For youth and adults. Meet in the Great Hall.
Who Do You Love? Valentines for Wildlife
Sunday, February 9, 10 a.m.—5 p.m.
Stop by our Welcome Desk to make Valentines to give to the ones you love, keep for yourself, or give to your favorite wildlife biologist — all in honor of your favorite animal. For all ages.
Kidleidoscope Story Hour
Fridays, 2/14: Porcupines; 2/21: Winter Birds; 2/28: Beavers, 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. Siblings and friends welcome. For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Meet in the Great Hall.
Investigation Station: Amphibians and Reptiles in Winter
Ongoing, February 15—22
What are amphibians and reptiles up to during the winter? Join us at our investigation station by the Welcome Desk to find out. Explore through touchable artifacts and habitat diorama scavenger hunts. For ages 4 and up.
Building a Blizzard: Snowflakes in the Great Hall!
Saturday, February 15, 1—3 p.m.
Get inspired by the story of Vermont’s Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley and his obsession with snowflakes. In this drop-in program make your own unique snowflake art. Keep it simple making paper snowflakes or use gel printing techniques. All art materials provided. Along the way learn just what makes each snowflake unique. Families welcome! For adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up who have mastered basic scissor skills. Meet in the Great Hall.
A Bridge Too Far
Sunday, February 16, 2—3 p.m.
What about building new bridges in Gilded Age Turners Falls drove neighbors and whole towns against each other? How do these dramas and debates that played out in newspapers and town meetings still impact us today? Join DCR staff as we piece together the stories and lessons of these burning questions affecting all five villages in Montague during the late 1800s. For youth and adults. Meet in the Great Hall.
Author Reading with Astrid Sheckels
Saturday, February 22, 3—4 p.m.
Local author, Astrid Sheckels, reads Hector Fox and the Map of Mystery. Look for animals from the story with a Map of Mystery scavenger hunt! All ages. Meet in the Great Hall. Sponsored by the Montague Public Libraries.
A French/Breton Jam Session
Sunday, February 23, 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. All ages. Meet in the Great Hall.
* Food, Farms, & Factories
In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center presented programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.
Great Falls Discovery Center
Department of Conservation & Recreation
2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA 01376
janel.nockleby@mass.gov
(413) 863-3221
she/her/hers
Open Hours: Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesdays through Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Office Hours: Wednesdays through Sundays
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Zentangle and Poetry Workshop
Princeton Arts Society, Princeton, MA
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Creative, Romantic, Fun
Looking for a beautiful Valentine's Day card for someone special? Zentangle is an easy-going, easy-to-learn technique for making beautiful patterns. Learn how to make a Zentangle Valentine's Day card with instruction from Princeton Arts Society board member Kristi DiSalle, then add a poetic twist, if you like, with PAS member Claire Golding as your mentor.
Saturday, February 8, 10 a.m. to noon
Princeton Community Center
206 Worcester Rd, Princeton
Questions: contact@princetonarts.org
Register by 2/2 at contact@princetonarts.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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Artist Needed
Gardner, MA
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Surroundings Gallery is seeking bids to render a 9x15 copy of this antique portrait for a customer. Contact Vicki Heidorn at 978-630-2340.
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NSMA International Painting Competion
New Salem, MA
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New Salem Museum & Academy of Fine Art International Painting Competition
The NSMA Painting Competition is a celebration of artistic excellence, inviting global artists to showcase the finest in contemporary realist painting. This competition stands as a testament to the enduring allure and expressive power of representational painting. It provides artists with a prestigious platform to showcase their talent, engage with their peers, and contribute to the rich tapestry of representational art.
Focusing on contemporary realism in painting, this yearly competition is intended to serve as a beacon for the highest standards in representational art, motivating the next generation of artists to reach for ever higher quality and impact in their work. All subject matter is welcome - figurative, landscape, still life, etc.
Entry deadline is February 15th
For more information visit newsalemmuseum.com
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Call for Digital Artists, Designers, Illustrators
Montague, MA
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Call for Experienced Digital Artists, Designers, Illustrators
Montague Wheat Paste Murals
The Town of Montague, MA will install six large scale, site-specific temporary paper murals on historic brick buildings in May of 2025. Three artists will each receive $4,000 for two mural designs which integrate themes identified by the community. Applicants may only apply for one pair of murals in either Millers Falls, Turners Falls or along the Canalside Railtrail. Artists that expand the diversity of public art in Montague or with a strong connection to Montague are encouraged to apply. Selected applicants are not responsible for printing or installing their projects. Applications will be accepted from January 6 to February 16, 2025.
The Montague Wheat Paste Mural Project is administrated by RiverCulture, the municipal arts program of the Town of Montague and juried by a steering group comprised of Town staff, business owners and residents with art and/or design experience. Guidance and funding for the project is provided through the New England Foundation for the Art’s Making It Public (MIP) for Massachusetts Municipalities program. https://www.nefa.org/MakingItPublic
Visit the RiverCulture website for more information about the selection criteria, locations, community input material, file requirements, timeline and a link to the application.
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Montague Shakespeare Festival
Shea Theater Arts Center, Turners Falls, MA
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Montague Shakespeare Festival
Macbeth – Virtual Casting Call via Zoom
An extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in Shakespeare’s dark masterpiece, engage in a unique virtual casting process, and collaborate with fellow artists to bring this thrilling tragedy to life.
OPEN TO ALL
Zoom Casting Calls: February 1, 2, 8, 2025
Register
Macbeth Mainstage Performances: March 28, 29, 30 & April 4, 5, 6
Shea Theater Arts Center, Turners Falls, MA
Contact: Kenny Butler, Executive Director
info@montagueshakespearefestival.com
Phone: (413) 203-9728
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Our Story
Historical Society of Chesire County, NH
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“Our Story” is the Historical Society of Cheshire County’s featured exhibit in the summer of 2025. Artists are invited to submit works of art that are personal, touching upon their own connection to the Monadnock Region.
Join us in celebrating the vibrant connections that make our community unique!
The Historical Society of Cheshire County, New Hampshire, is excited to announce a juried art show exploring the theme of community connections.
We invite artists to submit works that reflect on and celebrate the ways in which they connect with their community. This can encompass a wide range of interpretations, from literal depictions of local events or landmarks to abstract representations of community bonds.
Collectively, the exhibit will showcase the diverse ways in which individuals interact with and contribute to our shared community experience.
Please complete our online form or print form and mail to the Historical Society of Cheshire County.
Visit our website at for more information
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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.
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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.
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Have news about exhibits, awards, events, classes, call for artists or other art info? | |
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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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