October 2024

Narrated Slide Presentation by well-known Nature Photographer and Artist, Bill Fournier

Where: Old Murdock School, 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon (take elevator to the 2nd floor auditorium)

Black bears symbolize true wilderness. They survive by stealth. Their jet black coat enables them to hide in the dark shadows of the deep forest, rarely seen. Bears possess tremendous physical strength and speed. Generally shy and secretive in nature, they go out of their way to avoid confrontations with humans. However, on rare occasions they can be extremely dangerous, confronting humans. If you were ever to be confronted, do you know the difference between defensive attacks and predatory attacks, or how to de-escalate the situation?

Bill Fournier's stories and photos of his life in the woods, getting to know the bears and moose are captivating. You will never think of the black bear in New England the same way after his presentation. Bill will also have his paintings on display for sale of bear, moose and deer.

Friday, November 1st, 7:00-8:00pm

Reception 6 pm - 7 pm (light refreshments served)

You may register in advance for a reserved $5 ticket: register online OR purchase your $5 ticket at the door at the day of event.

This is a Fundraiser for GALA and the COA

Old Murdock School (COA)

52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon

This is a creative mixed media class. No experience needed.

Each student will be provided with a recycled bottle that they will then use multiple different materials to decorate, such as: metallic paint, leaves, pieces of torn paper, and more.

Take them home to put on display, or use as a great holiday gift.

Class $40, includes all materials. The public is invited. There is limited seating.

Instructor: Iphigenia (“Iphie”) Burg

We have two available Dates:

Friday, December 6th, 2 pm- 4 pm

Saturday, December 14th, 10 am-12 pm

Two ways to Register:

1. Register with GALA online
2. If you do not have access to a computer and are unable to register, please call our Event Coordinator, Meghan at 603-313-3806.

If you are a senior, in Winchendon and need help with cost or transportation, call the Senior Center at 978-297- 3155).

Autumn's Plein Air Gathering & Luncheon

Saturday, October 12th, 2024

Mel Haughton's Farmstead, Phillipston, MA

95 Baldwin Hill Road, Phillipston MA

A lovely country luncheon will be provided

RSVP by October 1st, by emailing Colleen at Colleenrichard79@yahoo.com

Come celebrate the day, explore Mel's farm and enjoy a country lunch with other artists. The farmstead is surrounded by flowers, a barn, antique car and truck, a cabin with a view of New Hampshire mountains, a pond across the road, an old cemetery on the outskirts of the land.

Those students who had taken Louise's plein-air workshop and Susan's watercolor class may want to join us on this fall day. This is your chance to do some local plein-air. Those of you that missed Louise's plein-air class due to rain-date, you may come to this event. You may meet Louise at 10:30 at the top of hill at the cabin and she will teach you a quick 15 minute get started approach. We can provide the gouache materials. You must let Deb know if you plan to attend: Debgiordano59@comcast.net.

You must RSVP for this plein air because we need the count of how many will be staying for a wonderful country lunch. Everyone is invited to participate.

No cost to attend

Come visit on Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM. A wonderful lunch will be served at 12 Noon which is included. Rain date: Oct 13th.

Come and join your fellow artists for painting, drawing, photography, or any portable medium in the fresh air. Then come to GALA's next Art Critique in October and share your finished pieces.

Next critique is scheduled for Saturday, October 26th, 10am-12:30pm.

Upcoming critiques:

Saturday, November 16th

10 AM - 12:30 PM

Where: All dates will be at the Old Murdock School

52 Murdock Avenue, Winchendon MA

Elevator to 3rd floor, Alumni room

Bring up to 2 pieces of your artwork (finished or unfinished) to share with the group. The first 20 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 class is Free.

A great way to receive heartfelt feedback from your circle of artists friends.

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!

We have many art classes planned, including the following:

• Playing with Watercolors
• Greeting Card
• Alcohol Ink
• Zentangle
• Autumn's Plein Air
• Holiday Bisque Painting
• Teen Explorations

Download a schedule of upcoming classes, or visit our Facebook or the GALA website for more details.

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.

Guy Biechele will be having a photography exhibition at the Athol Public Library, 568 Main Street, Athol, MA. The exhibition will run from November 4th until December 30, 2024. The title of the exhibition will be “Islands Illuminated: A Journey in Infrared”

There will be an artist’s reception at the library on Tuesday, November 12, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Guy Biechele

978-602-6950

www.guybiechele.com

Drop a Grudge

A new installation by Paula Rendino and C. M. Judge, Drop The Last Stone, is a small gesture toward creating a more peaceful world. Community members are invited to consider participating in the artwork by choosing to drop a grudge. For details to participate: dropthelaststone.com.

The installation will be exhibited at The Art Gallery at Rivier University, Nashua, NH from January 27th - April 28th, 2025.

Honored and excited to announce that the Copley Society of Art has selected Violet Dusk to be included in the 3rd Off Site Exhibition at the Harbor Towers Boston, on the Waterfront, beginning September 25th through January 2025.

More info

Small Abstract Works at Heywood Center for Wound Care

Part of Joanne Stowell's series of small abstract works, The Leftovers, will be on view at the Heywood Hospital Center for Wound Care through October.

On view during hospital hours

242 Green Street, Gardner, MA

Acrylic Painting Workshop at New Dawn Arts Center

Joanne will be teaching another "Brunch and Bouquet" acrylic painting workshop at New Dawn Arts Center in Ashburnham on Saturday, October 5. We will be painting our final floral arrangement of the session. This class is for adults and teens. No painting experience necessary - perfect for all levels! $40 per person, brunch and all materials included.

Saturday, October 5, 11:00am-2:00pm

New Dawn Arts Center

84 Main Street, Ashburnham

Register online

Walk Through Nature with Elise Freda

Inner Space Fine Arts, North Reading, MA

An Evening of Art & Hors d’oeuvres to Walk Through Nature with Elise Freda

Become immersed in the mystery of nature captured in Elise's distinctive abstract painting @ the Garden (Un)Variety opening. All are welcome

Opening Reception

Saturday, October 12

4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

We request the pleasure of your company to celebrate acclaimed abstract artist Elise Freda at her opening, Garden (Un) Variety. The show features new works that explore the natural calligraphy and energy found in trees, plants, and flowers surrounding Freda’s studio in New York’s Catskill Mountains. The mystery of abstraction reveals itself through nature’s unending source of line, light, color, and form.

It’s also our distinct honor to host and celebrate Art New England’s 45th anniversary in tandem with the exhibition. Join us for an incredible milestone evening of art and hors d’oeuvres!

Learn more

Now through January 12, 2025

Our fall exhibition features the vibrantly colored, richly layered, monumental portraits of Bob Dilworth. Dilworth incorporates layers of paint, paper, and fabric to create images that merge portraiture, landscape, and abstraction into tender representations of the people and places he loves. Recently, Dilworth has been inspired by the challenges and possibilities of fabric as a primary medium and the Fitchburg Art Museum is proud to present this new work together for the first time.

Join us for the Opening Reception of When I Remembered Home on September 28, 2024; 2:00 pm-4:00pm. And join artist Bob Dilworth in conversation about his special exhibition When I Remembered Home on Saturday, October 19, 2024; 2:00-3:00pm.

Learn more

Fitchburg Art Museum

185 Elm Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420

978.345.4207

fitchburgartmuseum.org

Great Falls Word Festival

Saturday, October 5, 2024

Shea Theater Arts Center

71 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA

Noon-10pm

Human Error Publishing presents their fifteenth annual Word Festival, Saturday October 5 from noon to 10pm at The Shea Theater Arts Center, 71 Avenue A in Turners Falls, MA. This all day, community centered festival will host a book fair of independent authors and publishers in the lobby of the theater. Readings are scheduled from 12:30pm to 5pm followed by a performance of “Do it Now” at 7:30pm.

Featuring Beat Poet Laureate Paul Richmond, master guitarist John Sheldon, and World Music Percussionist Tony Vacca, “Do It Now” combines poetry, story-telling, political commentary and musical improvisation. Equal parts magic carpet ride, mesmerizing sound-web and outspoken words, what these guys do just might be the perfect elixir for our time.

Admission to the reading is by donation.

Admission to Do it Now is sliding scale $6-$20.

More information

From Here to Everywhere by Ethan Abitz

"From Here to Everywhere" showcases a stunning collection of some of Ethan Abitz’s most cherished photographs, capturing life from his hometown in the Monadnock Region to faraway destinations like New Zealand. This exhibition features an authentic exploration of both vast landscapes and intimate moments, using a combination of 35mm, medium format film, and digital photography. It will be on display at the Jaffrey Civic Center in the Auditorium Gallery & the Display Cases from October 5, 2024 – November 9, 2024.

After spending the first twenty years of his life in New England, Ethan spent the past six years traveling across the U.S. while living in his car, and recently began venturing abroad. His passion for photography reignited once again in 2022 when he embraced film photography, allowing him to capture the world in a raw, emotional way. Come join us on Opening Night to enjoy the exhibition, complimentary food and drinks, and hear the stories behind these captivating images Saturday, October 5 from 5 to 7 pm.

Ethan is a New England based fine art photographer known for his ability to evoke deep emotions through his works. Whether he is capturing the peaceful beauty of the Monadnock Region or the wild, untamed landscapes of his global travels, Ethan’s work immerses viewers in the raw authenticity of life’s fleeting moments. With a newfound passion for film photography in recent years, his mastery of light and composition, paired with a genuine pursuit of emotional depth, creates images that inspire a sense of nostalgia, peacefulness, and connection. Ethan’s captivating storytelling continues to resonate with audiences near and far.

Fall Open Show

It's fall at the Jaffrey Civic Center; that means that our Fall Open Show is just around the corner! This popular event draws dozens of artists from throughout the region. This year’s show features paintings, photographs, pastels, sculptures, mixed media and textiles. The show boasts over 80 works of art in various styles with varying subjects.

The following artists have submitted works: Maureen Ahern, Christine Andrews, Phil Bean Susan Beetle, Mary Bradley, Paul Cooper, Gary Custer, Clara Dennison, Joanna Draugsvold, Susan Ellis, Jill C Fischman, Richard Fishman, Rebecca Fredrickson, Inara Furnari-O'Mara, Rachel Germond, Betty Glass, John Grosvenor, Holly Harmon-Morse, Kyle Higgins, Bonnie Hill, Sue Ann Hum, Mary Iselin, Barbara Jo Kingsley, Edward Merrell, Barbara Morse, Olha Necheporenko, Scott Niemi, Jonathan Niemi, Andrew Niemi, Diane Orzel, Lorna Perkins, Lee Stanton Sawyer, Joan Szkil, Gill Truslow, William Turner, Judy Unger-Clark, and Jennifer Ward.

The show will open on Saturday, October 5, with an opening reception that same night from 5:00 to 7:00 pm with light refreshments served. The exhibit will run in the Cunningham gallery upstairs through November 16. Come visit us during our open hours Wednesdays – Fridays 12:00 – 5:00, Saturdays 10:00 – 2:00.

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.

All programs are free and open to the public. An adult must accompany children. Inclement weather cancels outdoor programs. Reasonable accommodations available upon request. Wheelchair accessible. 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.

Visitor Center Hours: Open 6 Days a Week

• Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.
• Wednesdays—Sundays, 10 a.m.—6 p.m.
• Open Monday, October 14, 10 a.m.—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, Sept. 29— December 1

Our Great Hall building here at the center 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 were it not for the knowledge, skills, innovation, and physical labor of metalworkers, machinists, engineers, and master mechanics.

Hallway Gallery Exhibit: Made in Montague *

Ongoing, May 5—Oct. 27

This exhibition explores products made in Montague today. Some have a long local history. Others are on the cutting edge of technology. Businesses include food, farms, beverages, factories, music, movies, electricity, fine arts, photography, fabric, and fashion arts. All ages. Curated by Anne Harding and Michaela Henry for our Food, Farms, and Factories project.

Great Hall Exhibit: Day of the Dead Altar

Ongoing, Oct. 17—Nov. 2

In the Great Hall, view a Day of the Dead altar built by local families, with support from Montague Catholic Social Ministries. Learn about the tradition of leaving messages of love to honor and commemorate loved ones.

StoryWalk®: Call Me Tree, Llámame Árbol

Ongoing, Sept. 4—October 22

Enjoy a story, fresh air and exercise! Join us on the center’s grounds for a free self-guided StoryWalk® featuring the children’s picture book Call Me Tree, Llámame Árbol by Maya Christina Gonzalez for readers ages 5-9 years old and everyone who celebrates trees. 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 & Easy Walks *

Fridays, Oct. 4, 11, 18, & 25, 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 outside the main entrance.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour

Fridays, 10/4: Squirrels; 10/18: Bear; 10/25: Bats, 10:30—11:30 a.m., Great Hall

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.

Find us at the Farmers Market: Learning about Leaves *

Saturday, Oct. 5, 10:30 a.m.—1 p.m., Peskeompskut Park

As part of our Food, Farms, and Factories project, join DCR staff, and Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center to embrace the changing season. An exploration of fall leaves at the Great Falls Farmers Market, located between 6th and 7th streets along Avenue A at Peskeompskut Park. Includes family-friendly activities—all about leaves!

Great Falls Coffeehouse Presents: Box Shop Duo

Friday, Oct. 11, 7—9 p.m., Great Hall

Join us for the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center’s concert series featuring local talent. Enjoy contemporary and original folk music from the Box Shop Duo. Refreshments available. Sliding scale suggested donations, all in support of educational programming at the Center. For all ages.

Art Naturally: Leaf Printing *

Saturday, Oct. 19, 10:30 a.m.—12 p.m., Great Hall

Discover nature and history through story, poetry, and art in our series of free art programs. Using words and images, instruction and techniques you create an art piece inspired by this place to take home. Capture the fall foliage season by making art prints with gel plates and colorful acrylic paints--suitable for framing or creating beautiful greeting cards! For adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up (accompanied by an adult). All art materials provided.

The Commonality Project: A Performance Event on the Theme of Community

Sunday, Oct. 20, 2—4 p.m., Great Hall

Different performance artists share their interpretations of community through performance and interludes. How has community supported us, or not? What are the challenges in creating community? Where do we find it, or don’t, and the different ways it can be and look? Through an entertainment lens let’s explore and be connected. This project was made possible from the performers hard work, the Great Falls Discovery Center, and a grant from the Mass Cultural Council of Montague, MA. All ages welcome.

Find Us at the Farmers Market! *

Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m.—12 p.m., Peskeompskut Park

Montague Public Libraries joins us for Food, Farms, and Factories fun at the Farmers Market, featuring books and activities about growing food. The Great Falls Farmers Market is located between 6th and 7th streets along Avenue A at Peskeompskut Park. All ages welcome.

A French/Breton Jam Session

Sunday, Oct. 27, 2:30— 4:30 p.m., Great Hall

An informal group of musicians gathers to play the enchanting traditional dance music from France and Brittany, commonly known as bal folk. Please note, this is not a performance but rather a coming together of musically-minded friends. All ages. The event is free and open to the public to come and go at will.

*Food, Farms, & Factories: In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present 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

Paint Your First Oil Painting with Kris Stewart

Curious about oil painting? Join us to create your first oil painting that will amaze you! On October 3, 10, 17, 24 from 1:00 – 4:00pm Kris Stewart will teach how to Paint Your First Oil Painting.

The ability to paint what you see rather than paint what you think you see will be the focus of this fun-filled class which will introduce a unique method enabling you to produce a first oil painting to get you started honing your skills. In addition to providing lots of time for you to work on your masterpiece, each class will include a demo, many tips and tricks and a question and answer session. The instructor will supply some items. A materials list will be provided indicating the items that you will need to bring. Tuition is $125 per student for the 4-week class.

Reserve your spot.

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.

With Lynn Zimmerman

The Saxtons River Art Guild is offering a workshop on Creative Composition, led by Lynn Zimmerman on Saturday, October 5, from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm, at the United Church of Bellows Falls, 8 School Street, Bellows Falls, VT All materials will be supplied, but artists are invited to bring watercolors, watercolor pencils and watercolor crayons, inks, brushes, paper, etc. All that is needed is an open mind and a willingness to experiment and have fun.

The workshop fee is $75 for SRAG members and $95 for non-members, including morning supplies. Coffee and tea will be available, and participants should bring a lunch. To register for the workshop, please email Carolyn at poohbear@ne.rr.com.

The workshop is for novices and experts alike , exploring some of the elements that help build a strong composition. So much of creating a work of art is intuitive, but increasing one’s understanding of composition, of seeing how the various parts of our work interrelate, expands abilities and opens new possibilities. Why does that diagonal bring excitement to my painting? Why does my drawing feel so dull? Why does that pear look better over there? Where should I put the cow?

Each participant will be provided with a package of materials to use in our experiments before lunch. After lunch, artists will use their medium of choice to try out some of their discoveries. The day will end the day with time to share. Participants should bring their own art supplies to use after lunch (paint, pencils, charcoal, pastel, etc. For questions about the workshop, contact lynn@luckydogdesign.com.

Lynn Zimmerman is excited by color and the beauty of natural things. She combines those in her work in watercolor, oil, acrylic, gouache, colored pencil, and ink painting. Her works show her love of detail as well as a grasp of the bigger sweep of life and light. Lynn studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art and the Rhode Island School of Design. She has worked as a graphic designer and illustrator for more than 30 years. Lynn offers instruction in watercolor, oil, and gouache painting as well as drawing, book arts, and collage. Her emphasis is always on gently supporting each student along his or her creative journey.

The Art of Makam Music Workshop Series

Wednesday Evenings 10/9, 10/16, 11/6, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11

7:30-9pm

Montague Common Hall, Montague Center, MA

Sliding scale $130-180 ($30/class drop-in)

Scholarship available

Weathervane Community Arts presents a series of six classes exploring the modal, improvisational system of Turkish music known as makam. This system not only forms the basis of Turkish classical and folk music, but is also foundational in Balkan, Middle Eastern, Greek, and other Mediterranean music.

Boston based teacher Tev Stevig (www.tevstevig.com) is an internationally acclaimed musician and expert on traditional modal music. The New York Music Daily has called him "one of the world's most brilliantly individualistic guitarists."

We will begin by understanding basic principles for listening, performing, composing, and improvising in makam, and then apply what we have learned in the study of several basic makams (melody types) with varied repertoire. The class will culminate in a (optional) student performance.

Vocalists, instrumentalists, and listeners of all skill levels are welcome – no previous experience is required, although a basic understanding of Western music concepts will be helpful. Sight reading is not required.

The classes will be held on Wednesday evenings (10/9, 10/16, 11/6, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11) from 7:30-9pm, at the Montague Common Hall in Montague Center, MA. Sliding scale tuition is $130-180 ($30/class drop-in), with scholarship available. Pre-registration is required. Contact Jesse Bay at (510) 387-0765 or weathervane.community.arts@gmail.com

--

Weathervane Community Arts

(510) 387-0765

weathervane.community.arts@gmail.com

www.weathervane-arts.org/makam

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

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.

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

Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20, 12-5pm

Be part of Fitchburg Open Studios 2024. 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. We welcome the participation of creative work spaces located throughout North Central Mass, but find that the largest attendance is in downtown Fitchburg. We have multiple locations within walking distance and encourage you to consider these options.

When you register for Open Studios, you will receive a listing in the 2025 publication of the North Central Mass Arts Guide.

Learn more

The deadline to register is Friday, October 4. Registrations submitted after the deadline may not be included in the map.

Discounted registration for FCA Members.

Register now

A reduced registration fee is available for artists with economic hardship. Please email studios@fitchburgculturalalliance.org for more information.

The Destination: Nature 2024 Juried Art Show invites artists inspired by nature to reflect their interactions with and response to the wild and scenic Nashua River Watershed. Juried by Jane Winchell, Director of the Art & Nature Center at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA. Cash and future exhibit awards. Submissions open September 6, 2024. Artwork specifications and all additional information at destination-nature.org.



This year’s theme is “Wild and Scenic” offering artists the chance to reflect their interactions with and response to the wild and scenic Nashua River Watershed. Artists are free to interpret this theme in any way that captivates viewers' attention and imagination.

Make your mark on Fitchburg's Historic City Center

Is your creativity inspired by history? Are you intrigued by the unique stories of Fitchburg? The Fitchburg Historical Society seeks submissions of designs for a sign or mural to be applied to 24-foot-wide exterior stucco wall at its rear entrance of 781 Main Street.

The deadline for submissions is Thursday, October 31.

Learn more



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.

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

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.