Top 
August 2016
In This Issue
President's Note
GALA Events
Welcome New 
GALA Members!

 Jane Bosworth

GALA Board of Directors

Deb Giordano President
Nowell Francis Treasurer
Paula Botch (Secretary)
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
President's Note

 Dear Friends,

We had another painting get together and it is almost done, with just the peak to finish up. Have to get someone who is not afraid of heights ;) Our next step is to start working on the inside and the walls getting ready for electrical and insulation. We will soon have a temporary banner hung from the front of the building that will say "Arts Gallery." Through a generous donation of his time, Andy Brooks will be making us a custom barn door for the front of the carriage house. Rick Flematti, our project manager, is overseeing the work that needs to be done. We are positively moving forward!

We are planning on having a membership meeting in the fall and it will be potluck at our place. Come and see all the progress that has been made. Watch for more details coming soon.

We are having a boot drive in front of our place at 135 Front Street to help with the cost of the renovations of the Arts Gallery. It will be on Saturday, August 13th from 8 AM to 5 PM. We are looking for help to do 1 hour shifts or longer. If you could give us a little bit of your time to help your arts organization please call or email me what time is best for you and we will add you to the time schedule.

We raised a total of $400 with our art pieces that were donated for the Habitat for Humanity auction.

Coffeehouse and critique sessions will be starting up soon so watch for more details. We are looking for someone who would enjoy being our Event Coordinator for workshops and classes. We are always looking for members to help.

If you are a member and do not have a membership card please let me know. Everyone should have a card. We will soon be having you use your membership card for discount cover charges so make sure you keep your card with you.

Sincerely,

Deb Giordano

Deb Giordano
President of GALA
 eventsGALA Events/Announcements
GALA Plein Air
2016 Schedule

 
Saturday, August 13, 10 AM

Location: 21 Island Rd., Ashburnham, MA 01430 

We have been invited to the home of GALA member Susan Ellis, located on a beautiful island in Lower Naukeag Lake in Ashburnham. This location provides plenty of lakeside scenery with a view of Mt. Watatic in the background. If the weather is inclement Susan has a large studio and plenty of antiques and curios to keep us busy. Participants are encouraged to bring bathing suits and stay after painting to enjoy the lake. Register by Wednesday, August 10.

Please note the following change to the date and location for our final 2016 En Plein Air outing:

Saturday, September 24 (Rain Date Oct. 1)
 
Location: Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, 287 Oak St., Uxbridge, MA 01569

We will meet at 10 am at the visitor's center. The park includes a restored section of the Blackstone River Canal and Towpath and a 1000 acre natural area offering walking and hiking paths, canoe access, picnic areas and a broad expanse of the Blackstone River known as Rice City Pond, which is a great area for watching wildlife. Carpooling will be arranged.

For more information please contact Joe Smith
978-249-2306
woodsman54@verizon.net.

Needle Felting Workshop with Karen Sugalski
GALA Arts Gallery

Felting is an ancient way to make fabric in a non-woven process. It is done by tangling mammal fibers either through a wet process with water and agitation or by using a needle with barbs to tangle the fibers.

You will learn to use the flat felting technique to "paint" two simple pictures as shown above. You will also learn about the history of felting, types of wool, treatments, etc. The instructor, Karen Sugalski is an accomplished artist and instructor.

Saturday, August 27th, 10 am - 2 pm
$45  per person
No skills required
To be held at the GALA Arts Gallery at
135 Front Street, Winchendon MA 01475
Enroll today! Class is limited to only ten students.  

To enroll and pay online with a credit/debit card
or PayPal account, click here.
To enroll and pay by mailing a check to GALA,
PO Box 664, Gardner, MA 01440, click here.

Once you have enrolled, you will be emailed a confirmation and reminder. Bring a bag lunch. Coffee and tea will be available.

We thank Karen for donating all tuition proceeds beyond the cost of materials to GALA!

Visit Karen on Facebook
 

Fill the Boot!

Help GALA with the
ARTS GALLERY
 
Saturday, August 13th
8 AM - 5 PM

We are seeking volunteers to help with a Boot Drive.

Please email giordano@verizon.net to place you in a time slot.

Volunteer/Donation Request  

GALA Urgently Needs Your Support for Arts & Culture in Central New England!

We haGALA Color Logove been searching for the right place to call our home, and we have finally found it for YOU. A place where we can share our passion for all of the arts. The Winchendon History and Cultural Center purchased the house next door to their museum and has invited GALA to bring the talent of our membership to Winchendon at this location at 135 Front Street. Our office and Gift Shop will be in the main house, but there is also a carriage house on the property with a tall ceiling and large wooden barn beams. We will be renovating this carriage house to be used for art exhibits and other activities. Until this new space is ready, we will have use of a few rooms inside the main house. Besides art exhibits, we will offer classes, coffeehouses, music jams, poetry events, critiques and much more! We plan to continue holding our Annual Spring Show and other events in the Greater Gardner area. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership with the Winchendon History and Cultural Center.

In order for our new Arts Gallery to be successful, we urgently need you to donate and volunteer.

Click here to Donate and Volunteer

You may also mail your check to
GALA, PO Box 664, Gardner, MA 01440

Thank you for your gift!

GALA Musician Survey 

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!

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
GALA Plein Air
 
Linda Widstrand and Ellen Schneeflock
The GALA Plein Air group had their second outing of 2016 on Saturday, July 16 at the home of Joe and Denise Smith in Phillipston. Eight GALA artists braved the bright sunshine and warm temperatures to capture the beauty of the Smith's gardens and surrounding woods, using oils, water colors, cameras, pastels, pens and crayons. Five of the participants were first-timers, including new GALA members Susan Ellis, Angelo Garofolo, and Liz Winchester-Larsen. As always, we enjoyed the company of other artists, sharing tips, ideas and encouragement.

The next outing will be on Saturday, August 13 at the home of Susan Ellis, located on a beautiful island in Lower Naukeag Lake in Ashburnham, and on September 24 we will travel to the Blackstone Canal in Uxbridge. These outings are open to all GALA members, and all types of media and skill levels.

Doreen LaScola
Liz Winchester-Larsen and Susan Ellis

Rusted Remnants
Jaffrey Civic Center, Jaffrey, NH
 
Vintage Americana has never looked so good! On Sept. 9 at the Cunningham Gallery of Jaffrey Civic Center, a small group exhibit featuring 5 GALA members working in, acrylic, oil, photography and sculpture will host an opening reception. Artists Louise Parmenter Hammerman, Alicia Drakiotes, Susan Ellis and photographers Brad Willard and Guy Bichele will present a exciting exhibit of new works celebrating "rust" in many forms. This exhibit will continue through Oct. 1 during business hours at Jaffrey Civic Center. You are welcome to join us for our
Opening reception on Sept 9 from 5-7 PM.

Monday - Friday: 10-Noon, 1 pm to 5 pm
Saturday: 10-2
Sunday: Closed


Joanne Holtje
The Oxbow Gallery, Northampton, MA
 
Through the Straits by Joanne Holtje
Joanne Holtje
Anamnesis of Place

August 4th-28th
Artists Reception: Friday August 12th 5-8 pm

The Oxbow Gallery is a collective gallery owned and operated by 35 artist-members. The Oxbow showcases a variety of fine art techniques and mediums including painting, sculpture and photography and installation. Shows change every four weeks.  Hours: Thursday - Sunday, noon to 5 pm.

The Oxbow Gallery
275 Pleasant St., Northampton
413-586-6300
oxbowgallery.org

joanneholtjeart.weebly.com

Naida Knox
Mountain Market, Princeton, MA
 
The abstract watercolors of Naida Knox are on display at Mountain Market located on Route 62 West, Princeton, MA, right out of Princeton center. The show will run from July 13th through Sept. 13th and the opening will be on August 4th from 4 to 6 pm.

For more information contact Naida Knox at naidaandrick@comcast.net
Alicia Drakiotes
The Center for Wound Care, Heywood Hospital, Gardner, MA
 
Artist Alicia Drakiotes, will be exhibiting her oil paintings during regular business hours at the Center for Wound Care, Heywood Hospital, 242 Green St., Gardner, MA from July 11th through September 12, 2016.

Alicia paints in oil on canvas and linen surfaces to create unique works of art. Her subject matter is varied; from wildlife figures to landscapes. Her painterly qualities and colorist applications  enhance her works in new and exciting ways. A must see in person!

Go to top
ArtShowsandExhibits
Art Shows & Exhibits
Progressions    
Forbes Library, Northampton, MA

Mushroom by Karen Chapman
Diverse in style and medium, yet similar in their dedication to their particular artistic journey, the three artists in "Progressions" present work in their chosen theme and media: David Andrews' graphite drawings explore elemental organic forms; Karen Chapman's abstract paintings on canvas reference naturalistic forms; and Nina Rossi constructs geometric figures of painted wood. A reception with the artists will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. on Wednesday Aug. 3rd.

Works will be up from Aug.1st thru the 30th,and can be viewed during library hours at the Hosmer Gallery in the Forbes Library, Northampton: Monday and Wednesday 9 to 9; Tuesday and Thursday 1 to 5; Friday 9 to 5. Closed Saturday and Sunday in August.

For more information contact Nina Rossi at naban@verizon.net.

Village Art Show     
Zeda's Village Grill & Bar, Lunenburg, MA

Local artists welcome the public to an art show reception on Saturday August 13, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, at Zeda's Village Grill & Bar, 1 Main Street in Lunenburg. There will be refreshments, and live music with Tank LeBlanc performing jazz & folk music. The show is curated by Iphie Burg. The exhibit includes nine local artists, displaying over 30 pieces of artwork, including photography, painting, and glasswork. Artists include Kate Shaffer, Lawrence Libby, David L. Smith, Louise Parmenter Hammerman, Doreen DeScola, Jeff Aubuchon, Nancy Nelson, John Collins and Cindy Collins. The show runs through the month of August. Come and enjoy refreshments, local art, conversation, and music.

Iphigenia Gossios Burg
Visual Artist/Mixed Media
978-793-2643
paintingsilove.com/slideshow/iphigeniaburg

Sky of Mind   
Nina's Nook, Turner's Falls, MA

Images from the "sky of mind" of three artists fill the Nook from July 7 through August 27. Clouds light up as wall sculptures; clouds arise from the pen and ink details of brick; clouds scud across small canvases. A reception with artists Marjorie Morgan, Nina Rossi and Barbara Milot will be held on July 22 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Nina's Nook, 125A Avenue A, Turners Falls, next to the Black Cow Burger Bar. For more information: www.ninasnook.com and 413.834.8800.

Go to top
ArtClasses
Art Classes & Instruction
Plein Air Painting Workshop with Barbara Danser     
New Mexico

Taos, Chimayo, Ghost Ranch, and Santa Fe, New Mexico

September 17-30, 2016

14 days / 13 nights
Painting- Photography - Writing

For more Information contact Susan Ellis at Susane21@comcast.net

Realistic Still Life in Pastel with Lisa Ober  
Stone Arch Village Community Room, Keene, NH
 
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 17th & 18th, 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

 
The registration form should have all the information you need, but please feel free to contact Carol at pastels@tpdi.biz

Please visit our website for forms & more info: www.monadnockareaartists.org

Upcoming Classes

Jeanne Carbonetti: Watercolor

November 5, 2016
To see Jeanne's work go to: www.crowhillgallery.com

Liz Haywood Sullivan coming in 2017

For more information contact: pastels@tpdi.biz

Fall Art Courses at MWCC
MWCC Gardner

FALL 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 eligible for a waiver of tuition and fees. Call 978-630-9270.

The Art Department at Mount Wachusett Community College invites you to remind your art students to consider our program this fall. We have an Art degree for students considering transfer to an art school or a four year institution majoring in Art. We also recently added a Liberal Arts Degree with a Concentration in Art for students who want to minor in Art and pursue other studies, or pursue related fields such as museum studies, art education, art therapy, art administration, and art history.

The Associate Degree in Fine Art is a cost effective way to begin a college degree and minimize debt after graduation. We assist students in creating a strong portfolio and application for transfer and potential scholarships. Our students have successfully transferred to Massachusetts College of Art and Design, University of Massachusetts, School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Montserrat College of Art, Maine College of Art, Boston University, Hartford Art School, Pratt Institute, and others.

Visit our website to learn more about our program, facilities, and student work.

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

Go to top
Call for Entries: Friends 8th Open Juried Art Show
Friends of the Agawam Public Library
The Friends of the Agawam Public Library are looking for entries for their 8th Open Juried Art Object Show to take place November 1 - 25, 2016.

Submission Due Date: October 29, 2016
Submission Fees: $25 per entry before October 15; $30 after

Download the brochure with more information.

For more information or to have the prospectus-brochure and entry form emailed to you, please contact Bob Kadis at r.kadis@comcast.net or 413-789-4814.
 
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: art@athollibrary.org
 
 
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: 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. 
 
Go to top
Opportunities 
Exhibit & Other Opportunities for Artists & Musicians
(Ongoing)
The Creative Underground

It's time to reveal your hidden talent and show your work!

The Creative Underground is now accepting new members to their artisan gallery. Located at the Hudson Mill, 43 Broad Street in Hudson, TCU offers artists the opportunity to display their work for a low monthly membership fee with an extremely high commission rate back to you!

We are looking for a mix of works - fine art, hand-crafted, glass, wood, metal, and reclaimed, jewelry and out-of-box works.

Applications are now being accepted for new memberships.

Email us at info@thecreativeunderground.org

Provide us with a little info to start: 
  • Contact info
  • 4-6 sample (low-resolution jpeg preferred/zip larger files)
  • Short description and motivation
  • Materials used
  • Price range
  • Quantity of inventory available (small-moderate amount is need to start, but replenishing is needed through the year).

TCU mission is to reveal the hidden talent of artists in your communities to both encourage and support the arts.

www.thecreativeunderground.org 


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

The Arts Alliance has quarterly exhibits at the Hudson Town Hall, so if you are interested in a solo exhibit of your work, contact Danielle Moskowitz at (978) 562-1646 or dmoskowitz@upwitharts.org.
 
Falmouth Artists Guild  Falmouth, MA

Post Road Art Center  Marlborough, 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

Go to top
More Exhibits & Classes
Go to top
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.

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 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.

Go to top
All Star Award
2015 Winner
GALA won Constant Contact's All Star Award 7 years in a row (2009-2015) 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