GALA To Host 14th Annual Spring Show

GALA To Host 14th Annual Spring Show
showcase to include works of 54 artists
Katie Landeck
News Staff Writer

News staff photo by KATIE LANDECK

 

GARDNER  With 135 pieces from 54 regional artists, the Gardner Area League of Artists Art Show is back and bigger than ever.

“This is the largest event we will have in the year, with the most artists in one space,” said GALA President Kevin Bird.

Over the course of the weekend, Mr. Bird expects more than 450 people will come to see the display, which has been hosted by the Polish American Citizens Club for the past six years.

The show will open to the public on Friday at 6 p.m. with live entertainment by local musicians Dave Gallagher of Gardner, Linq of Royalston, and Mark Frederick Fisher of Hubbardston.

“What really charmed me the first time was the music,” said painter Alicia Drakiotes.

“It was lively and wonderful ... it’s a different kind of art show.

It’s not just visual art.”

Now in its 14th year, the show is in line with GALA’s mission to raise awareness of all forms of artistic expression, including music, theater and poetry.

“We want to try to promote creativity in the community,” said Mr. Bird.

“To enliven people to their creative spirit. ... It’s a more productive, positive release than other ways.”

The show is not the only one in the area, according to local artist Elaine Membrino, including the Greater Gardner Art Association in April and Fitchburg Regional Show.

However, this one is a local favorite in part because of the atmosphere.

“It’s very, very supportive,” Ms. Membrino said.

“It’s also diverse.”

There are eight different categories in the show this year, including mixed media, pottery, photography, acrylics, oils and watercolors.

The work will be judged by Stephen Jareckie, the consulting curator of photography for the Fitchburg Art Museum, and Jill Pottle, and artist and art teacher.

There will also be popular choice awards, determined by a public vote.

At the event, there will be a raffle, silent auction and art demonstrations.

The raffle and auction will go toward supporting GALA, which is registered as a nonprofit.

The art show runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
The event is free to the public.

Concurrently, GALA is also holding the Grey Beard Show, featuring Gary Ruuska, Joseph Smith and James O'Rourke, at the GALA Art Center, 205 School St.

The art center is the permanent home of GALA, where a monthly artist reception is held in addition to classes.

For more information, visit galagardner.org.