Top 
February 2016
In This Issue
Welcome New 
GALA Members!

Diane Stone

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!

[email protected]

President's Note

Dear Friends,

We are preparing for the big Spring Show on April 1st. I hope you are entering this wonderful show. This year we have invited art students from local High Schools to enter the show, and will award a $200 Senior Scholarship. We hope you will also participate in the Habitat for Humanity Art Auction by turning something salvaged into a piece of art. Hope to see you at the auction!

Active members will soon be receiving NEW Membership Cards in the mail. We have decided to provide Membership Cards to help identify our membership during future shows and events. Please keep this card handy in your wallet/purse. GALA is growing so we may ask to see Membership Cards for identification to apply towards discounts and free passes in the near future. In appreciation, each year we will display the winner of "Best of Show" from the Spring Show on the back of the card. Keep working and maybe next year we will see yours!

Sincerely,

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-Last Chance! 
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
Joe Smith
Cheap Joe's Art Stuff
 
Branches by Joe Smith
Branches, by Joe Smith
A scratchboard by Joe Smith, Branches, has been selected to appear in Cheap Joe's Art Stuff 2016 Reference Catalog. Each year Cheap Joe's attempts to represent a broad range of customer art work, reflecting a variety of media and subjects. Joe's was chosen out of hundreds of submissions. It will be showcased in the Customer Art Gallery at the front of the catalog, which will published in January.
 
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.

Go to top
ArtShowsandExhibits
Art Shows & Exhibits
CMWCA Jump Start Exhibition through February 11th
Central Mass Women's Caucus for Art
 
Jump Start Invite Members of the Central Mass Women's Caucus for Art are exhibiting artworks that sparked the artist's creativity toward a new direction, new idea, new medium, new technique, new series, new territory, new insight. Featuring work by Gail Bloom, C. M. Judge, Sue Norton Poplin, Helen Simmons, Susan Wadsworth and Jennifer Weigel at The Munroe Center for the Arts, 1403 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420, 781-862-6040.
 
 
For the Love of...
The Townsend Meeting Hall Gallery, Townsend, MA
 
The Townsend Meeting Hall Gallery will host a group exhibition titled "For the Love of..." from February 4 through February 29. The exhibition will include a variety of two-dimensional media. An artists' reception will be held on Saturday, February 13 from noon to 2 pm. The Meeting Hall Gallery is part of the Library and Senior Center complex, located on Route 13 one half mile north of Townsend center.

Hours and directions
 
 
Go to top
ArtClasses
Art Classes & Instruction
Painting Workshop with Catherine Judge

 
Five_ acrylic on wood_  by C. M. Judge
Five, acrylic on wood, by C. M. Judge
Learn at your own pace as instructor, Catherine Judge, works with you to design an individual plan of instruction that inspires you.

 
Learn at your own pace as instructor, Catherine Judge, works with you to design an individual plan of instruction that inspires you. This four session workshop allows students new to painting the opportunity to get training in the fundamentals while more advanced students enjoy tackling challenging projects under expert guidance.

Ms. Judge studied with master painter, Wallace Rugg who excelled at painting in a realistic style. Believing the development of each student's personal style should be at the heart of art instruction, Ms. Judge encourages students to choose subject matter that appeals to them while experiencing various painting techniques and styles from observational work to abstraction. Media include oil, acrylic and pastel.

Four classes meet every other Thursday morning starting February 11th, 2016.
10 am to noon on Feb. 11th & 25th; Mar. 10th & 24th. Four class workshop: $100
The Venerini Learning Center, 84 Prospect Street, Fitchburg, MA  01420
Bring your own art supplies or a list will be sent to those new to painting.
To register, please e-mail Catherine at [email protected] or call 978-343-7557.

Upcoming Printmaking Workshops at Cherry Press
85 Campbell Street, Rutland, MA
Introduction to Woodcut
Saturday, February 13, 2016
12:30-4:30 p.m.

LLearn 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. Make your own, unique Valentine's Day cards! Some wood cutting tools will be available for class use, we encourage you to bring your own sets.

Cost: $80 includes materials (one 4 x 6 " Shina wood block, inks for class use, newsprint and five sheets of printmaking paper or five cards with envelopes). If you anticipate using more paper or cards, some will be available for a small fee (approx. $1-2.00 per 5 x 7 or 9 x 12 sheet or $1/card & envelope) 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 20-21, 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: $275 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 $10 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 [email protected]

For more information, please visit cherrypress.org

Painting Workshops
Charlotte Wharton Studio, Worcester, MA

Charlotte Wharton is available for one-day to full week painting workshops and demonstrations throughout the United States, Europe, and Anguilla. Please contact Ms. Wharton to set up a workshop or demonstration at your organization or in your area.
 
Charlotte Wharton Studio
Worcester, MA
508-425-6719
[email protected]
www.charlottewhartonstudio.com

Getting Seen and Getting Sold
Gallery Sitka, Shirley, MA

Suzanne Schultz Learn how to build a resume and make sales from Boston's premier artist representative Suzanne Schultz, CEO of Canvas Fine Arts. This one session course will help you develop a strategy to transform your talent into a successful career.
 
Suzanne explains her "10 Tips for Success" and also speaks candidly about her experiences as an artist representative. There will be a Q & A follow up at the end of the talk.

Join us on Saturday, February 6th, from 1-3PM at Gallery Sitka. $40 per person. A light lunch will be served. Call us for questions or to sign up: 978-425-6290

Facebook
Gallery Sitka Website

Gallery Sitka
2 Shaker Road, Suite D101
Shirley, MA  01464

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 [email protected]

Go to top
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
 
 
Hidden Exhibit: Call To Artists
The Post Road Art Center, Marlborough, MA
 
Memories III by Carolyn Kiefer
Memories III by Carolyn Kiefer
The Post Road Art Center will be hosting a juried exhibit in March. The theme of this upcoming show is HIDDEN. As always, the theme can be interpreted in many different ways. Don't be afraid to think outside the box! Please visit our website for suggestions, submission details, and the registration form. Submissions will be accepted February 18 - February 25th until 7:00pm. The opening reception will be on Thursday March 3rd 5:30-8:00 pm.

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 To Lego Lovers
The Gardner Museum
 
Legos The Gardner Museum will reopen on March 2nd with a "Lego Lovers Exhibit". It will run from March 2 to the end of May. Submissions to this exhibit are open to all local children and adults with a passion for Lego, members and non-members. In order to plan the exhibit the Exhibit Committee needs the following information as soon as possible:
  • Name of Exhibitor(s)
  • Contact Information (phone number and/or e-mail address)
  • Item(s) to be submitted (name, quantity)
Please advise by e-mail at [email protected] or leave a message on the museum answering machine at 978-632-3277 and a member of the Exhibit Committee will get back to you.

The name "Lego" is an abbreviation of the two Danish words "leg godt", meaning "play well". Fun is both in the process, and in the completion. The Gardner Museum will give you the venue to display your creations. So, get the plastic bricks out and go wild!
 
 
40th Annual Spring Art Exhibition: Call for Artists
The Jaffrey Civic Center
 
Attention Artists! It's time for the 40th Annual Spring Art Exhibition at the Jaffrey Civic Center, March 18th-April 16th, 2016. Opening: Friday, March 18, 5-7 pm. The entry fee is $25 per person, maximum 2 entries. We look forward to both 2 and 3 dimensional entries.

The Opening on Friday evening will have refreshments and provide a chance for fellow artists, friends & collectors to meet and talk about the artwork. The public is cordially invited, admission is always FREE. Please try to attend.

Spring Art Exhibit Entry Form

If you have any questions about the exhibit, please call 603-532-6527, or email: [email protected].
 
 
Call for Artists
Habitat for Humanity of North Central Massachusetts
GALA has become a Sponsor for Habitat for Humanity of North Central Massachusetts for their upcoming Spring Show. We need our member's HELP in participating in this Habitat for Humanity's Spring Show in Leominster. If you are a DIY fanatic and have a knack for turning something old into a recycled piece of art, then this show is for you! You will also be helping a good cause for our community. ANYONE may enter. You don't have to be a member of GALA to participate. Send us a before and after photo of your piece and we will display your art on our website! Send photos to [email protected] with your name and address. This will be a FUN project for us and we are enthusiastic to see what you have created!

Participants will be given $25 Restore Gift Card to purchase your materials in the store. You may spend more but you will have to pay the difference. You can also find a salvage piece on your own. You must donate the piece; all proceeds go directly to their cause. All items will be auctioned off.

Print and fill out their registration form. Write in "GALA" for the Organization name. You must print out the form and bring it to their Restore. The Restore will also have the forms to fill out there. Make sure you give them your registration form before the March 1st deadline.

Important Dates:
Artist registration deadline March 1, 2016
Art pieces must be delivered to the Restore by May 4
Reception and Artist Meet & Greet to kickoff the bidding May 12 from 4-6 at the Restore.
Bidding Ends June 1, 2016
Restore Location: 637 Lancaster Street, Leominster MA
978-227-5556

Call for Artists
Show 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 [email protected]
 
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 or call Heidi at 879-248-9995 or email: [email protected]
 
 
Go to top
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: [email protected]
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
 
Go to top
Opportunities 
Exhibit & Other Opportunities for Artists
(Ongoing)
Exhibit Opportunities
Heywood Hospital Wound Care Center Gardner, MA  (GALA Sponsored Venue)
Contact Vicki Heidorn a[email protected] or 978-630-2340

Contact Alice Struthers a[email protected] 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 [email protected].

 

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 [email protected] 

 

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

Go to top
More Exhibits & Classes
Go to top
We Need Your Help! 
(Ongoing)
There are many ways to volunteer! Please email [email protected] to express your interest in helping out with our organization.

Go to top
NewsletterSubmissions Newsletter Submissions
Have news about exhibits, awards, events, classes, call for artists or other art info?
Please send your news "publication ready" to [email protected].  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.

Go to top
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.
Go to top