Spring Show: Art lovers abound
Annual event highlights area artists, draws crowd of hundredsDoneen Durling
News Staff Writer
Scores of local art enthusiasts came out to support GALA during a three-day show held at the Gardner PACC.
GARDNER — The Gardner Area League of Artists held their annual GALA Spring 2014 Art Show and Auction over the weekend as a seasonal celebration of art in the local community. More than 140 artists participated in the event, showing and raffling off their work.
Throughout the three-day event, visitors were able to come and view displays while listening to local musicians who provided sounds of Folk, Celtic, Jazz, Blues, and Rock; adding a creative energy and audio depth to the visual experience.
GALA volunteer Anna Ruuska said there were many new artists displaying this year, including one who set up wood sculptures.
“It’s the first time we’ve had those. The talent this time is incredible. Every time I go to the local art shows, I’m blown away,” said Ms. Ruuska.
Across the room, acrylic artist Martha Webster explained to onlookers the dream-like colors she had selected while creating At the Edge of Town, which garnered an award.
“I work in what is called Open Acrylics,” explained Ms. Webster. Most of the acrylic artists use just the regular kind of acrylics, but the ones I work with stay wet longer so you can blend a little bit more.”
Paula Botch said that her photo Wash Your Words, winner of a prize in the Photography category, was inspired by a trip to the local laundromat. The photo was of a dryer carved with graffiti.
“When I walked in I thought right away ‘this place is so retro and cool.’ It had machines from the fifties, and the tin ceiling look. I ran out and got my camera and took pictures outside, then I came in. This (dryer) was located in an alcove, and the light was coming in on it.”
The range of represented subject varied with inspiration found in things as simple as oranges placed on a table, and as complicated as a final resting place for old trucks. Nature abounded as seen through multiple eyes in multiple mediums.
Gala Secretary Viki Heidron reported that this year was one of the best spring shows.
She said judges were some of the most qualified and included Jessica Roscio, assistant curator of the Danforth Art Museum, Honee A. Hess, assistant director of the Worcester Center for Crafts, and Joan Sinatra Hathaway, visual arts faculty for Cushing Academy.
“I think I say that every year is the best,” said Ms. Heidron, “But I think this year is really the best.”
I am sorry I missed this show, because last year's was so nice. It is wonderful that we have so many creative people in our area, but you would not know it unless you were lucky enough to go see a show like this. Keep up the good work all of you creative people. Next year I will make it, no more knees to fix. Ha, ha. Bev.
ReplyDeleteThe Greater Gardner Art Associations 26th Annual Spring Art Show will be held in the Boland Room located at 61 Lake St (behind Monument Park) on May 16, 17, & 18, 2014. Great group of very talented people who provide their group with monthly demos, support, and exhibit space in downtown Gardner.
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