GALA Color Logo GALA Newsletter

GALA was organized to promote the arts as an essential component of a healthy community. We believe that artistic expression is a community's greatest legacy for future generations. GALA will increase awareness and appreciation of the arts by way of exhibits, instruction, theater productions, musical programs and provision of scholarships to students in local schools.
GALA, PO Box 664, Gardner, MA 01440 - a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
www.galagardner.org   Visit GALA on Facebook  
January 2015
In This Issue
GALA News & Events
Art Shows & Exhibits
Art Classes & Instruction
Call for Artists
Quick Links
Welcome New Members!
Suzanne Landry

Andrew Niemi  
website: AndrewNiemiArt.com
Facebook: ArtOfAndrewNiemi

Keila Ploof 
website: http://mrskeilamarie.wix.com/keilas-calling

Ruth Suyenaga

GALA Board of Directors

 

Kevin Bird, President
Mike Williams, Chairperson
Jeff Gallant, Treasurer
Vicki Heidorn, Secretary
Guy Biechele
Ashley Bird
Chuck Heidorn 

Doreen LaScola

Newsletter Editor
Kimberly Beckham
news@galagardner.org
Art Center Events
Confirm Dates & Times
For shows/events, please contact the facility to confirm dates and times.
Newsletter Tip
Clicking on images in this newsletter will generally open a larger image.

Underlined text is generally a hyperlink - clicking on it may take you to a related website. 
Massachusetts Cultural Council
Send Us Feedback!

feedback@galagardner.org

HAPPY NEW YEAR from GALA!   

 

What a year 2014 was for GALA!  Perhaps the most eventful item of 2014 was the opening of the Art Center at the School Street Location which led to the formation of the Art Center Committee of dedicated volunteers to manage the center and the Art Shop where GALA members may sell their creations.  

 

Some of the other Firsts this past year for GALA included:

  • First Juried Art Show
  • First Photography Only Show
  • December's Members Only Show
  • Art Center Workshops on framing, digital photography for artists and more.
  • Redesign of the GALA Website and development of the Events Website.
  • Artwork Photo Shoots offered to support Member's digitization of their works
  • Launch of the "Coffee House" Acoustic Music evenings.

2015 will see the continuation of new ideas and new classes and events at the Art Center and in the community as well as the continuation of established events such as:

As we reflect on 2014 we wish to express our deep gratitude for the many volunteers that make GALA events happen.  The new Art Center looks forward to your ideas and participation.  

 

Send your comments and ideas to feedback@galagardner.org or inquiries to info@galagardner.org.   

 

We continue to be an all-volunteer organization and we are committed to promoting the arts in our communities.  

 

We welcome 2015! It's a new year and there are some great classes and exhibits going on starting NOW!  Read on and enjoy!

 

           GALA Executive Board

 

 

 

GALA NEWS & EVENTS 

Art Center Events   



Artist of the Month

Beginning in 2015 GALA Art Center will be offering space to GALA's Artist of the Month to be selected by the GALA Art Center Committee (ACC) from applications submitted by GALA members. What an exciting opportunity for both new and established artists!!  Will YOU be Artist of the Month??

 Click here for guidelines. 


2014 December Member Show

There is still time to view this great show! The show will be open Saturday Jan. 3 and Sunday Jan. 4 from  1 to 4 pm  Join us for the announcement of the Popular Choice Awards at 3:30 pm on Sunday.

Art Pick-up at Art Center:  Sun. Jan. 4, 4:15-5:15 pm or by arrangement  Email info@galagardner.org with questions or to make pick-up arrangements.  


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Art Center Events  (Continued)  

Art Center Committee Meeting 
 
Help the GALA Art Center to Survive & Thrive!

You are invited to join us at the next Art Center Committee meeting on January 8 at 7 pm at the Art Center, where you can learn how to help ensure that we can sustain the Art Center. The Center is at a critical point in its life and the more people who help, the better our chances of success. So please come to the meeting to hear about what is happening, what the needs are, and how you can lend a hand. More info  Art Center Committee.html

GALA Artists Critique Group 
New Winter Sessions!

Jan. 10 & 20, 2015 at the GALA Art Center. Join us for coffee and conversation. Please bring two pieces of your artwork, in any medium, finished or in progress, to present to the group. Whether you are a novice or a master, it's always a fascinating conversation when creative minds come together to talk about color, composition, and technique.
More Info and registration, click here:   Critique Group

SAVE THE DATE - 2015 Annual Spring Show

It's that time of year!  Our 2015 Annual Spring Show with Live Music is scheduled for March 27-29, 2015 at the PACC in Gardner, MA.   Interested in Exhibiting? Volunteering? Spending some time enjoying the beautiful works of art?  This is a don't miss opportunity for any of the above. 
 

Watch for a Special Call to Artists Notice.  If you are considering volunteering, please contact info@galagardner.org.  

 

 
Additional coming items are listed below in the Call to Artists, Music and other Sections.   
MEMBER NEWS & ACHIEVEMENTS

Peter Christoph, Best of Show, Ocean State Int'l Exhibition of Photography
GALA member Peter Christoph's photograph was awarded Best of Show, selected from over 900 photographs from around the world at their annual exhibit.

Christoph's photograph "Snowy over the Atlantic" had previously won first place awards in the Camera Club of Central New England, the New England Camera Club Council, The Friends of the Marlborough Public Library Annual Photography Exhibit, and a People's Choice Award at the GALA Artists Exhibit in March 2014 .

According to Peter, "winning the Best of Show medal in an international competition was really beyond my wildest dreams!" Christoph makes his livelihood as a wildlife photographer, speaker, author, and workshop presenter.

He is currently represented by Collins Artwork. To book him for a presentation at your club, library or outdoor group, visit www.peterchristoph.com.

The show is sponsored by the Photographic Society of Rhode Island, visit their website here: www.PSRI.us
 
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Joanne Holtje, News & Exhibits  

Joanne Holtje is pleased to announce her acceptance as a full member of the Oxbow Gallery!  Congratulations Joanne!

Located in Northampton, MA, the Oxbow Gallery is a collective gallery owned and operated by 35 artist/members, showcasing the work of serious, regional artists practicing in a wide variety of media.
"Passage of Time Detail"

http://www.oxbowgallery.org/


Joanne Holtje also has these exhibits currently showing: 
"Autumn Sugar Maple"


***

A solo exhibit called "A Place in Mind, paintings by Joanne Holtje" at The Center at Eagle Hill through January 31, 2015.

Gallery Hours:  Weekdays 3:30-5:00 p.m.

The Center at Eagle Hill
242 Old Petersham Road
Hardwick, MA 01037

***

 A series of paintings on display at the Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge Street, Worcester, MA 01608  from now through early February, 2015.   They will be hanging in the front windows, so stroll by any time to enjoy them.

Visit Joanne's website here:  http://joanneholtjeart.weebly.com


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  Brad Willard Photography at Heywood Hospital, Gardner, MA
Brad Willard Photography Exhibit
at Heywood Hospital in Gardner

GALA is pleased to present an exhibit of photographs by Brad Willard in the
reception area of the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at Heywood Hospital
242 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440 through Jan. 15, 2015.

Visit Brad Online at:
BradWillardPhotography.com
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  Donna Eaton at Hope & Feathers Gallery, Amherst, MA
"Delphiniums Alas"


Donna Eaton will be participating in the "Small Works Show"  in Amherst, Massachusetts to be held at Hope and Feathers Gallery.

The show will run through January 17, 2015.

Visit Donna's Website here:
DonnaEatonsDesigns.com

Find The Gallery on Facebook at this link:
Hopeandfeathersframing on facebook


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  Joe Smith Exhibit, The Copley Society, Boston, MA

Joe Smith will have two pieces showing at the Copley Society's New Members' Show, which will run from January 10, 2015 to February 24, 2015.  The opening reception will be Saturday, January 10th at 3:30 pm.

Visit Joe online at:  www.joeksmith.com
For More on The Copley Society, click here: www.copleysociety.org
 
 Doreen LaScola at The Davis Art Gallery, Worcester  MA
Doreen LaScola's mixed media piece "In the beginning..." was accepted to the juried art exhibit entitled "Drawing" at The Davis Art Gallery, 44 Portland Street, Worcester, MA .

The show runs through January 9, 2015.

For Gallery and Show Info:  The Davis Art Gallery.

To View More of Doreen's Works Click Here.

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ART SHOWS & EXHIBITS

Nick Ortolino  "Thresholds",  Raymond M. LaFontaine Fine Arts Gallery 

The East Wing Gallery, Raymond M. LaFontaine Fine Arts Center presents "Thresholds" an exhibit by Nick Ortolino available for viewing now through Feb. 1, 2015. 

Gallery Hours M-F 8 am to 5 pm. Gallery will be closed Jan. 1 & 2nd. 

Gallery Website:   East Wing Art Gallery

Mount Wachusett Community College
444 Green Street
Gardner, MA
978-632-6600
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ART CLASSES & INSTRUCTION

Life Drawing Class, Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA
Life Drawing-Take advantage of this unique opportunity to practice the complex interactions of light and shadow on the human figure. We provide chairs, tables, and the model. All other supplies are provided by the student. Limited seating. Permission required; email j_pacheco@mwcc.mass.edu.   Fee:  $109.

February 4-March 11, 2015, from 6:00pm to 8:30pm.
Gardner Main Campus, 444 Green Street, Gardner, MA

For More Information and to Register, click here.
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Painting the Landscape with Lisa Regopoulos, Gardner, MA
NEW - Painting the Landscape in Pastel - Location:  Lisa Regopoulos Fine Art Studio, 205 School Street, Gardner, MA
Monday January 12th - 1:30 - 3:30 - Tuition:  $100.00

This course is designed for ALL levels, beginner - advanced.  In a supportive environment, create a pastel painting using a photo that inspires you!  Each class will begin with a demo followed by plenty of painting time and individual instruction. Topics to be discussed: pastel application, surfaces, composition, atmospheric perspective, under painting, texture and more. This class is limited to 8 artists, five are spaces still available. Contact Lisa Regopoulos through her website: lisaregopoulos.com or at lregopoulos@comcast.net This class will culminate with a student show hung in Lisa's studio-gallery!  If you didn't make it to her opening, please contact her to arrange for a visit! 
Learn to Draw, Post Road Art Center, Marlborough, MA
Learning to Draw with Sally Meding
Friday's 10:00a.m.-12p.m.
Winter session begins January 16th- 8 weeks, $170

This is a step-by-step class in graphite pencil (on drawing paper). The class will cover line, form, blending/shading, value, perspective and proportion using photos, some simple historical drawings and still life. Emphasis will be on good design and composition. This class would be also helpful for painters wanting to improve their drawing/design skills.

Materials List:
*        H, HB, 3B and 6B graphite pencils
*        Drawing paper pad about 9x12", 70lb or heavier (Not newsprint)
*        Pencil sharpener  (Small metal one is best)
*        Blending stumps or tortillions, (small and medium size)
*        Plastic eraser (Staedler is best)
*        12" ruler (Clear plastic

Click Here to Read More and Sign Up.

Post Road Art Center
1 Boston Post Rd. East
Marlborough, MA 01752        Tel: (508) 485-2580
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Painting on Yupo with Carole Berren, Guild of Boston Artists, Boston, MA
New England Watercolor Society (NEWS) proudly presents a workshop by Carole Berren, AWS - Painting on Yupo
At the Guild of Boston Artists - 162 Newbury Street, Boston, MA
February 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 10:00 AM to 5:00PM each day

C arole Berren, a signature member of the American Watercolor Society, is an award winning painter and a popular instructor of drawing and watercolor. In the journey that is art, Carole embraces the curious wonderment of continued learning, discovery and experimentation.

The workshop will cover: Introduction to the properties of Yupo paper, how to apply paint to this non-absorbent surface and how to remove it, glazing, variegated and flat washes, enhancing the surface of the paper with numerous textural techniques. This part will be done with a strong realization of compositional organization. The second part of the workshop will deal with creating representational images from the first day's "play and experimentation". The third day we will create a painting on Yupo with a more conventional approach of drawing first and then applying paint using experiments of previous days.

Open to anyone. Tuition for this 3-day workshop is $300. The workshop will be limited to 18 participants. Download the flyer/signup sheet here.
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2015 Workshops: Pastels, Oils, Drawing - Monadnock Area Artists Association
Monadnock Area Artists Association Presents its 2015 Workshops:

Jeannie Rosier Smith - pastels - "Loosen Up Your Landscape"  March 21
Collette Lucas- "Yes You CAN Draw!" - May 2
Monique Sakellirous-oils-Sunday, June 7
Robert Carsten - pastels -September 12

All workshops are on Saturdays unless otherwise noted.
Registration forms will not be available until mid-January. 

Please check our website: www.monadnockareaartists.org or write Carol at pastels@tpdi.biz
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Life Drawing Class, Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA
Leominster Art Center & Gallery 45 main Street, Leominster MA is offering the following Art Instruction Classes starting in January 2015.  For more info email:  info@leominsterartcenter.com

FREE Life Drawing Group
Friday January 9th and 23rd 6:30pm~9:30pm
18+ Open to artists of all skill levels.  A donation is encouraged for the model. Chairs and some tables available on a first come first serve basis.

Pet Sculpting ages 7+  
January 10, 17 & 24th
Time: Saturdays 10:00am~12:00pm
Cost: $25 (in total! for all three classes!)

ABC Abstract Art 6+   
January 16th  1 Day Workshop
Time: Friday  3:30~5:00pm   
total Cost: $22.50 (all supplies included)

Watercolor Painting ages 9+  
January 17th  1 Day Workshop
Time: Saturday  2:30~4:30pm   
Cost: $30.00

Advanced Digital Photography  18+
Mondays Jan. 19 & 26 & Feb. 2 & 9
Time: 6:30pm ~ 8:30pm
Cost:  all 4 classes total = $120.00

Intro to Digital Photography 18+
Thursdays Jan. 22 & 29 Feb. 5 & 12
Time: 6:30pm ~ 8:30pm
Cost:  all 4 classes total = $120.00

Leominster Art Center & Gallery
45 Main St. Leominster Ma. 01453
978.840.7480
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More Exhibits & Classes
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CALL FOR ARTISTS

"Passion", GALA Art Center, Gardner, MA
2015 February Themed Show at the GALA Art Center.
February 14 - March 1, 2015

The theme is "PASSION" with a special "Date Night for the Arts" opening reception on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2015, 7-9 pm!  Call for Entries  Entry Deadline is Friday, Feb. 6
Popular Choice Awards presented at 3:45 pm on Sunday, March 1.

The goal of the show is to raise money to support GALA's Art Center through a
PASSION-themed Valentine's Day event featuring our artwork, some chocolate, some wine, and a raffle of romantic gifts. Help set the mood with your most passionate work.

Entry and payment should be completed online at this link.

If you are not able to submit an entry online, then please email webawr@comcast.net
or call 978-630-2340 to make other arrangements for entry.

Entry Deadline:                  Friday, February 6
Art Drop-off at Art Center:  Wed., February 11, 4:30--6:30 pm
Art Pick-up at Art Center:   Sun., March 1, 4:15-5:15 pm
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Artist of the Month, GALA Art Center, Gardner, MA
Artist of the Month

Beginning in 2015 GALA Art Center will be offering space to GALA's Artist of the Month to be selected by the GALA Art Center Committee (ACC) from applications submitted by GALA members.

Click here for guidelines
Coming Shows, Post Road Art Center, Marlborough, MA
"Local Inspiration" Themed Exhibit 2015 - juried

The Post Road Art Center is calling all artists! We will be having a local inspiration themed art show in January.  Submissions will be accepted from Dec. 29th until Thursday, January 8th at 7:00 pm. The opening reception will be on Thursday, January 15th from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm.  This is a juried show, and there will be cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, People's Choice, and Facebook Fan Page winners (most "likes"). For more drop-off details and registration forms please click here.

It's in the Bag Exhibit 2015- call for submissions

The bags are here!  It's in the Bag has quickly become an artist favorite, and the 2014 bags are sure to be a hit. For those unfamiliar with this show, each participant receives an identical bag containing a variety of supplies.  Using only the supplies in the bag, each artist creates a unique piece showcasing his or her creativity and ingenuity. The price of the bag is $30 which includes the supplies and entry fee for one finished piece. You may choose to create and enter more than one piece of artwork using what's in the bag. The entry fee for each additional piece is $10, with a limit of three pieces entered per artist.

This makes a fantastically fun holiday gift!  But hurry - only 100 bags are available!

This is a great show for both seasoned and emerging artists.  

Submissions will be accepted Jan. 29th to Feb. 5th until 7:00 pm.

The opening reception for the exhibit will be Feb 12th 5:30-8:00 pm.

for more information, visit www.postroadartcenter.com
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2015 GALA Annual Spring Show, PACC, Gardner, MA
SAVE THE DATE - 2015 Annual Spring Show

It's that time of year!  Our 2015 Annual Spring Show with Live Music is scheduled for March 27-29, 2015 at the PACC in Gardner, MA.   Interested in Exhibiting? Volunteering? Spending some time enjoying the beautiful works of art?  This is a don't miss opportunity for any of the above. 

You may submit up to 3 artworks (all media) created in the last 3 years and never exhibited in a GALA show.

Framed dimensions of 2-D pieces should not exceed 48" in any direction.

Entry Deadline:              Friday, February 27, 2015
Art Drop-off at PACC:    Wed., March 25, 2015, 4-6 pm
Art Pick-up at PACC:     Sun., March 29, 2015, 4:15-5:15 pm

Watch for a Special Call to Artists Notice!! 

 
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Artist Fellowships, Massachusetts Cultural Council
MCC has announced that the 2015 Artist Fellowships guidelines, dates, and deadlines are now available at this link:  Guidelines.  MCC's Artist Fellowships are competitive, anonymously-judged grants for Massachusetts individual artists, with awards based solely on the artistic quality and creative ability of the original work submitted.

This cycle, applications are accepted in the following categories:

Film & Video, Music Composition, and Photography
Online applications available: December 15, 2014 
Application deadline: January 26, 2015

Read tips on applying.

Visual arts disciplines (this year, that includes Crafts, Photography, and Sculpture/Installation/New Genres) will now be accepted through CallforEntry.org.

Program Guidelines 

Visit the MCC online at:  www.massculturalcouncil.org

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Treasured Places, Protected Spaces - Keene, NH
The Historical Society of Cheshire County has just released the prospectus & registration form for their exciting new art exhibit "Treasured Places, Protected Spaces" scheduled for May- Sept 2015.

The exhibit will consist of artwork depicting historic, conservation, or other protected properties in a widespread area under the rather loose canopy of "Monadnock Region" (it covers areas as far north as Hillsborough and as far east as Milford and all the way out to the VT and MA borders on west and south).

Click here to read additional information in their brochure. 

For further information contact event chair:  Alicia Drakiotes at adrakiotes@webryders.net  or Alan Rumrill at HSCC, 246 Main St, Keene,NH

For more info on the Historical Society of Cheshire County's Exhibits, click here.
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Mass Cultural Council - ArtSake Calls for Artists - Various Locations
ArtSake, the Massachusetts Cultural Council blog, contains a page, updated periodically of many Call to Artist opportunities for all media and performing artists around the Commonwealth.  Find it at this link:  http://artsake.massculturalcouncil.org/blog/artsake/index.php/category/call-to-artists/

Great link to bookmark and visit often.
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ExhibitOppsExhibit & Other Opportunities for Artists - Ongoing
Exhibit Opportunities
 Heywood Hospital Wound Care Center Gardner, MA  (GALA Sponsored Venue)
Contact Vicki Heidorn at surroundingsgallery@gmail.com or 978-630-2340

The Townsend Meeting Hall Art Gallery  Townsend, MA
Contact Alice Struthers at astruthers1@comcast.net or 978-597-2057

River's Edge Arts Alliance  Hudson, MA

The Arts Alliance has quarterly exhibits at the Hudson Town Hall, so if you are interested in a solo exhibit of your work, contact Lyn Johnson at (978) 562-1646 or ljohnson@upwitharts.org.

 

Falmouth Artists Guild  Falmouth, MA

Post Road Art Center  Marlborough, MA
 

Levi Heywood Memorial Library Gardner, MA 

The Library is always looking for exhibitors to show their work in the Art Gallery.
If you are interested in exhibiting as an individual or a group,
please see the guidelines and other pertinent information here.

You can contact the Library Director, Kathleen D. Leslie at 978-632-5298 or kleslie@cwmars.org

 

Workers' Credit Union  Gardner, MA
The bank offers the opportunity for a small display of artwork at the 171 Main St. branch in Gardner. For more info, contact Monica Whitehouse at 978-632-9207.
 
Art & Music Instruction Opportunity
The West Boylston Arts Foundation (WBAF) is always looking for artists, crafters, or musicians that would like to offer workshops or classes. Donating a portion of the course fee to the WBAF to support school arts & music would be most welcome. If interested, please contact Mark Baldi (508) 767-2803 - work  (508) 835-6489 - home
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MusicMusic & Performing Arts Opportunities
A Night Out - GALA Coffee House 
Acoustic Music and Song: Nate Smith
Friday,  January 2, 2015,  7:30 pm
 
Cutting new stuff from the old folk scene cloth for many years, Nate has come up with some funny - and some not-so-funny - viewing angles on life today. There's a pinch of old-timey banjo, some straightforward harmonica and, of course, plenty of good-old familiar acoustic guitar. You might find him playing his tunes at various open mics throughout the Greater Worcester area. Visit his website a  t http://xongsmith.webs.com/nate.html and on Facebook. He has 4 CDs out, including his newest CD, Backdrop Mirage, from the famous Root Cellar.
$5 donation at the door 
These are alcohol free events. 
Free coffee & popcorn.
Soft drinks and baked goods available for purchase.
For more information, please contact Vicki Heidorn at info@galagardner.org.  
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ResourcesResources for Artists
Custom Canvas Stretching - Service Offered

Doreen LaScola offers services for stretching custom sized blank canvases. You supply the materials, and she will do the work. Please call 978-297-3427 for a labor-only quote and to arrange an appointment.  Contact Doreen by email at: dart_50@comcast.net


The Central Mass chapter of the Women's Caucus for Art 
 
The Central Mass chapter of the Women's Caucus for Art (CMWCA) is accepting new memberships.   We are a national organization that supports, develops and celebrates art making by women.  We create exhibition opportunities; network with artists regionally, nationally and internationally;  and offer educational programs locally. We are organized as an artists' collective where each member contributes to our vision and works as needed to carry our mission forward.

For more information, see our websites: www.centralmasswca.org and www.nationalwca.org.

 

Art Support

Art Support is a website dedicated to providing support and resources for artists of all types. The following is just a small list of support provided to artists: 
Organizations Helping Visual Artists, US Government Art Organizations, State Agencies and Art Commissions, Non Governmental Art Organizations, Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, Laws Regarding Visual Arts, Artist Consultants, Grants for Artists & Grant Assistance, Artist Health Insurance, and many other legal support and resources for Massachusetts artists.      


Other    
 
Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) and check out the MCC blog ArtSake

Leominster Art Cener has launched a new website:  leominsterartcenter.com 
 
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.
 
 
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SubmitNewsNewsletter Submissions
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 generally the 23rd of each month for publication on the 1st.
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.
All Star Award
2013 Winner

GALA won Constant Contact's All Star Award 5 years in a row (2008-2013) 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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