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January 2016
In This Issue
President's Note
GALA Musician Survey
Welcome New 
GALA Members!

Ruth Major
Kenisha Coy

GALA Board of Directors

Deb Giordano President
Mike Williams Chairperson
Nowell Francis Treasurer
Paula Botch (Secretary)
Michael Marcinkiewicz (Accountant)
Guy Biechele
Ashley Bird
Kevin Bird
Chuck Heidorn
Doreen LaScola
Bethany Price


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
Newsletter Editor
Dana Armstrong

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
Welcome 2016!

Where did the time go? We are now busy planning our big Spring Show planned for April 1st. We already have our three prestigious judges chosen. I hope you have started to think about what you would like to enter into our wonderful show. We are also working on a few new plans to help our membership and will soon be announcing what these are.

We want to give a BIG WELCOME to our new GALA board members; Nowell Francis (Treasurer), Paula Botch (Secretary),
Michael Marcinkiewicz (Accountant). We also would like to welcome Dana Armstrong, our new Newsletter Editor and
Kenisha Coy, our new Grant Writer.

We are very excited and grateful to have the talent and expertise of these new Board Members and volunteers and what they can offer to help us! It is going to be an enjoyable year. We are looking for entries for our T-Shirt Contest! Please help us in designing an awesome shirt to wear and show that we support the ARTS! Deadline is February 19th. We hope to have them at the Spring Show, so start designing!

If you don't have a GALA membership or your membership has expired, don't forget to renew! If you would like to help volunteer at our Spring Show please send me an email. See you at the show!

Deb Giordano
President of GALA

We are working on new plans to help our musicians. We have produced a survey to help us identify what you are looking for, so we are better able to support you as an artist. If you are a musician, please take a few minutes and fill out our survey. Click on this link that will direct you to the survey: https://form.jotform.com/galaform/musician-survey.

You may also find the survey on GALA's Events Website, galagardnerevents.weebly.com.

Thank You!

GALA 2016 Spring Show Call for Entries
GALA 2016 Spring Art Show 
with Live Music April 1-3, 2016
at the Polish American Citizens Club 
(PACC) in Gardner, MA

Entry Deadline: Friday, March 4, 2016
Art Drop-off: Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Opening Reception & Art Awards: Friday, April 1, 2016.

 
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Gardner Cultural Council, which is a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
GALA T-shirt Competition
Call for Entries 
GALA's 
First-Ever 
T-Shirt Competition!

The goal of this competition is to produce a design which promotes the Arts. Show off your creativity and provide GALA with a T-shirt that people can wear to show they love and support the Arts!
   
There are no entry fees for this contest, but you must be a current GALA member.
 
   Please review the details in the Official Rules.
Remember you must email & mail the Entry Form.

The entry deadline is Friday, February 19, 2016.

Custom Label Wines to Benefit GALA
Whether you love art or love wine 
(or both!), purchasing our wine is a super way to support the local arts community.

They make very creative 
and tasteful gifts as well. 

Get all the info about the wines & order today here and enjoy a toast to art!
MemberNewsMember News & Exhibits
Len Haug
James King Bonnar Show
 
A paper mosaic titled "Front Yard Matriarch" has been accepted for entrance in the James King Bonnar Show, sponsored by the Newton Art Association, to be exhibited at the Newton City Hall, in Newton, Ma. from February 1 through March 31.  with opening reception and awards ceremony to be held on February 10. This same piece was awarded "Best in Show" at the 2015 11th Annual Fine Art Exhibit at the Chicopee Public Library in Chicopee Ma.
 
David Varone
Center for Wound Care, Heywood Hospital, Gardner, MA

The photography of David Varone will be on display during regular business hours at the Center for Wound Care, Heywood Hospital, 250 Green St., Gardner, MA, for the months of December and January.

David learned photography while in the service. He enjoys bringing home images from trips and has exhibited in GALA art shows with good results. 

His photography is for sale by contacting David at info@galagardner.org.
Corinne Rhodes
Cherry Press, Rutland, MA
 
Corinne Rhodes now has her website up and running for her printmaking studio, Cherry Press in Rutland, MA at: cherrypress.org

Printmaking classes will be available for artists who are new to printmaking or those who are experienced and want to learn a new/touch up on a technique. The studio is open for workshop time rental, for those artists already experienced in printmaking. Please explore the website to find out all about it!

Corinne has a print featured in InVision 2D & 3D Landscape at Davis Art Gallery in Worcester, along with several GALA artists. The exhibition is up until January 8, 2016.
 
 
Lisa Regopoulos
Pastel Classes at School Street Studio in Gardner

After a summer break, Lisa's pastel classes are beginning 
at her School Street Studio in Gardner, MA on Monday mornings 
and afternoons.  

Please contact Lisa at lisaregopoulos.com or 978-400-1151 for information on signing up.  

The classes are 2 1/2 hours long and are $100.00 for five weeks.

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ArtShowsandExhibits
Art Shows & Exhibits
Abstract Exhibit: Opening Reception
The Post Road Art Center, Marlborough, MA
 
Please join us at the Post Road Art Center for the free opening reception of the Abstract Exhibit on Thursday January 14th from 5:30-8:00 pm. There will be plenty of great artwork, refreshments, and good company. All artwork is for sale and on view in our gallery until Feb 3rd.
 
Location: 
1 Boston Post Road East
Marlborough, MA 01752

Tel: (508) 485-2580
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Thursday until 7:00 p.m. 
 
 
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ArtClasses
Art Classes & Instruction
Upcoming Printmaking Workshops at Cherry Press
85 Campbell Street, Rutland, MA

woodcut Introduction to Woodcut 
Saturday, January 23, 2016 
12:30-4:30 p.m.

Learn how to transfer images and draw on your wood block, line work and cutting techniques, roll up with non-toxic, water-based inks and print by hand and by press on paper.  Some wood cutting tools will be available for class use, we encourage you to bring your own sets.

Cost: $90 includes materials (one 4" x 6" Shina wood block, inks for class use, newsprint and five sheets of printmaking paper).  If you anticipate using more paper, some will be available for a small fee (approx. $1-2.00 per 5 x 7 or 9 x 12 sheet) or feel free to bring your own!

There is a $10 discount on the class fee for members of ArtsWorcester, GALA and Good Press Printmakers.

Life Jackets on Century Plate Introduction to Non-toxic Plate Lithography
Saturday & Sunday, February 6-7, 2016
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m./2:00-5:00 p.m. (lunch break 12:30 -1:00).

Learn how to plan and draw your image on a plate using litho crayons, etch and 2nd etch your image using safe and sustainable bio-based products and proof on paper using the litho press.

Cost: $350 including etching and cleaning matrials, black ink, modifiers and newsprint for class use.  Please bring litho crayons, some will be available for sale.

Plate Costs: $50 for a multiple-use, pre-grained Century Plate, $15 for a single-use plate   

There is a $20 discount on the class fee for members of ArtsWorcester, GALA and Good Press Printmakers.

*Winter can be harsh and unpredictable here in New England, we will re-schedule workshops if deemed necessary.

To sign up and for questions, please contact corinne@cherrypress.org

For more information, please visit cherrypress.org

Spring Art Courses at MWCC
MWCC Gardner

SPRING ART COURSES AT MOUNT WACHUSETT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

All levels of Drawing, Figure Drawing, Painting, Ceramics, Sculpture, 2D and 3D Design. Classes are open to majors, non-majors, and seniors (tuition free). Students 60 years and older are eligbile for a waiver of tuition and fees. Call 978-630-9270.

Contact Thomas Matsuda t_matsuda@mwcc.mass.edu 
for more information.

Art Classes
The Post Road Art Center, Marlborough, MA
We offer a great selection of art classes for adults and kids.

To explore and sign up for classes, please visit the following link:

The Post Road Art Center
1 Boston Post Road East
Marlborough, MA 01752

Tel: (508) 485-2580
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Thursday until 7:00pm

Click here for more information

**NEW WORKSHOP** Realistic Still Life in Pastel with Lisa Ober
Stone Arch Village Community Room, Keene, NH
 
pastel Artist Lisa Ober, PSA, will teach a color-filled workshop on how to create beautifully detailed still life paintings in pastel. Lisa will take a step-by-step approach through her unique still life technique, from the first sketch to the finished piece using a photo reference (provided). 

Students will get plenty of personal attention, and Lisa's enthusiasm for still life painting is as contagious for the beginner as it is for the experienced painter. 

Date:
September 16th & 17th, 2016
10:00am-4:30pm

Location:
Stone Arch Village Community Room
835 Court Street, Keene, NH

For more information on Lisa Ober click the following link  www.lisaober.com

Registration for this workshop is happening now to ensure we have the minimum and to make Lisa's reservations etc. If you are interested, please send in your form & check by March 1, 2016.
 
The registration form should have all the information you need, but please feel free to contact Carol at pastels@tpdi.biz

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It's in the Bag Exhibit: Call To Artists
The Post Road Art Center, Marlborough, MA
 
The bags are here! It's in the Bag has quickly become an artist favorite, and the 2016 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 $35 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 a limited number of bags are available! This is a great show for both seasoned and emerging artists. Stop by the Post Road Art Center and pick up a bag now. Submissions will be accepted from January 25th until February 4th at 7:00pm. Please pick your bags in advance so you have plenty of time to create! The opening reception will be Feb. 11th from 5:30-8:00.

Location:
The Post Road Art Center
1 Boston Post Road East
Marlborough, MA 01752

Tel: (508) 485-2580
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Thursday until 7:00 p.m.

Click here for more information
 
 
Call for Artists
Amherst Public Art Commission
Amherst Town Hall
Amherst Town Hall
The Amherst Public Art Commission invites area artists or groups of artists to submit work for consideration for exhibition in the Amherst Town Hall Gallery, beginning in July 2016. Both established and emerging artists are encouraged to apply. Exhibits are on display for two months. Artists are encouraged to participate in the monthly Amherst Art Walk during their exhibition.

Various hanging media including painting, photography, drawing, printmaking, pastels, mixed media, fiber and illustration will be considered.

Submission requirements: Completed application, resume, 4 digital images and a $20 entry fee. Applications must be received no later than April, 1, 2016 and are reviewed as they are received.

To request an application or ask additional questions, contact Amy at amy@amyacrawley.com
 
The Art Exhibit Committee
Athol Public Library
Athol Public Library
The Art Exhibit Committee of the Athol Public Library invites area artists to submit work for consideration for exhibition in the library's conference room.

The committee will review work for one person shows on an ongoing basis.

Various hanging media including painting, drawing, printmaking, illustration, photography, textiles and mixed media are eligible.

Application forms with submission requirements are available at the library circulation desk and online at: www.athollibrary.org and
http://tinyurl.com/ptswy4v

For more information please email: art@athollibrary.org

Printmakers' Exhibit
Alternatives' Spaulding R. Aldrich Heritage Gallery, Whitinsville
Stacked Cards by Lynita Shimizu
Stacked Cards by Lynita Shimizu
Opening Reception: January 8, 4:00-7:30 pm
Demonstrations during the opening!

A variety of printmaking techniques will be exhibited including woodcut engraving, etching, collagraphy, lithography, monoprint, and some experimental techniques by several Blackstone Valley, Connecticut and Rhode Island artists.  Some of the prints will be displayed with their actual plates and woodblocks.

Printmaking workshops will be offered during this exhibit.

Location:
The Spaulding R. Aldrich Heritage Gallery
Alternatives' Whitin Mill
50 Douglas Road, Whitinsville, MA 01588

For more information about this exhibit, workshops offered, or purchase prints visit: or contact: Cristi.Collari@Alternativesnet.org

Exhibit runs through February 26
 
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Resources 
Resources for Artists
Custom Canvas Stretching
Doreen LaScola is offering 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 & Other
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.
 
________________  
 
Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) and check out the MCC blog ArtSake

Leominster Art Center 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. 
   
Mini Grants for Professional Development are available through NewVue Communities. More information. 
 
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Opportunities 
Exhibit & 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

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 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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More Exhibits & Classes
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We Need Your Help! 
(Ongoing)
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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NewsletterSubmissions Newsletter 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 the 23rd of each month 
for publication on the 1st of the proceeding 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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All Star Award
2014 Winner
GALA won Constant Contact's All Star Award 6 years in a row (2008-2014) 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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