The Art Newsletter Experiment

Art Shows of the Pioneer Valley Delivered to Your Mailbox!

The Arts Newsletter Experiment

September 18, 2007

Volume I, Edition 3

Exhibits/Events

  Amherst
  Easthampton
  Florence
  Greenfield
  Holyoke
  Indian Orchard
  Leverett
  Northampton
  Southampton
  Westhampton

Call for Artist

Classes

Items Available

In the News
  Abbott Mills
  Anita S. Hunt
  Arrik Kim
  Art Larson
  Bill Regan
  Boston Blackthorne
  Bruce Barone
  C. M. Beaudoin
  Carolyn Webb
  Claudine Bouchard
  Courtney Mills
  Craig Lupien
  Danielle Mailer
  Daryl Zang
  David Gershon
  Dean Nimmer
  Dennis Nolan
  Elaine Mishkind
  Florin lon Firimita
  Gary Hallgren
  Genevieve Nolan
  Heather Kasunick
  Heidi Coutu
  Helen Daniels
  Jack Holowitz
  Jerry Wilson
  Joanne O'Leary
  Jody Mills
  Lauren Mills
  Lenelle Moïse
  Leverett Cultural Council
  Lisa Colt
  Lisa Harrington
  Lucille Kostek
  Luke Cavagnac
  Marjorie Tauer
  Mark Woodcox
  Maryann Phoenix
  Matthew Higgs
  Mayer Hillman
  Michael Lewy
  Michelle Bono
  Peter Wüthrich
  Rose Marie Osmers
  Ruth West
  Sara Conklin
  Suzan Fox
  Terry Faivre
  Vitek Kruta
  Walter Korzec

The Nude Issue

Kudos to Northampton and to Pennington Geis, administrator of the Hampshire Council of Governments, for displaying art on the lawn of the former Hampshire County Courthouse. We encourage other cities to do the same.

The program began in May with a 2-month exhibit of geometric abstracts by sculptor James Kitchen. The current display by Middlefield sculptor Andrew DeVries has attracted a bit of controversy because some of the 12 bronze statues are presented in the nude. Online bulletin boards and letters to the Gazette have howled that the display is "inappropriate" in a public area. Piqued by the pique, off I go to see what the fuss is about.

Walking up on the sculptures I see a mother and her daughter walking though the figures. The little girl stops, points right at it, and asks her mother, "What's that?"

"That's a penis," says the mom. "Oh" says the little girl. And then she asks, "What time is it?"

A couple picnicking behind another piece did not seem to mind the bare behind hovering over their sandwiches. A man approaches. "Excuse me," he says. Ahhhh, I think to myself, here's someone who wants to either know why I'm taking pictures (I get that a lot) or who wants to sound off on the sculptures. "I'm sorry to bother you but I was wondering if you had any spare change?"

The figures are in a Greek style with a fair amount of abstraction. They may be nude, but are in no way salacious, erotic, suggestive or pornographic. They reach, they stretch, they look like they would rather be streaking along the street. In context, the nudity is about freedom. And they look great in the environment. Their form and color complement the old courthouse's massive stone blocks and the positioning on the grassy lawn creates the feeling of a sophisticated yet playful park.

Art doesn't have a right or wrong answer. No one particular piece will please everyone. When nudity is involved, the volume of hysteria can go even higher. So hat's off to Mr. Geis for taking the risk, taking the heat and establishing a diverse outdoor art program. It's worth it.

A reception is Friday, October 12th during Northampton's Arts Night Out. The former courthouse is at the corner of Main and King in Northampton.

A few weeks ago I urged people to RESIST the fall. I'm sad to report that after several near encounters between the supporters of summer and the forces of fall, it is becoming clear that fall is triumphing. This is mostly due to fall's forces showing up at 8 am with packed lunches while summer folks were more noon-ish. Not wanting to needlessly prolong the battle, I'm willing to call an end to it on September 23rd. There's no choice but to change into earth tones and buy the pumpkin.

Exhibits/Events

Mayer Hillman and David Gershon on Writers Voice
Artist: Mayer Hillman, David Gershon Event: Writers Voice Start Date: Thursday September 20th, 2007 Reception: Thursday September 20th, 2007 @ 8:00 AM End Date: Thursday September 20th, 2007 Location Name: Valley Free Radio 103.3 FM Website: writersvoice.net
We talk with Mayer Hillman about THE SUICIDAL PLANET: How to Prevent Global Climate Catastrophe. Also, David Gershon tells us about his LOW CARBON DIET: A 30 Day Program to Lose 5000 Pounds. Mayer Hillman is a dean of the British environmental movement. He co-authored THE SUICIDAL PLANET with Tina Fawcett and Sudhir Chella Rajan. You can find out more about his program to prevent global warming at the Global Commons Institute. And David Gershon of the Empowerment Institute shows us how we can cut our our carbon emissions–as individuals, families and neighbors. He’s also got a program for kids and schools: it’s called Journey for the Planet.
Contact: Michael Pollitt giunkmail@gmail.com

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Amherst Exhibits/Events

A Vanguard Exhibition in Conjunction with BookMarks
	Artist: Matthew Higgs, Peter Wüthrich Event: Opening Reception Start Date: Wednesday September 26th, 2007 Reception: Wednesday September 26th, 2007 @ 6:00 PM End Date: Sunday December 9th, 2007 Location Name: University Gallery Address: Fine Arts Center, UMass City, ST: Amherst, MA Website: www.umass.edu/fac/universitygallery Fee: free; free parking
We open on September 26th with the highly anticipated exhibition EX LIBRIS: Matthew Higgs and Peter Wüthrich, planned to coincide with BookMarks, a region-wide celebration of the book sponsored by Museums10 in fall 2007. This exhibition brings together two internationally acclaimed artists, Matthew Higgs (UK) and Peter Wüthrich (Switzerland), who explore the book as "found" conceptual art and sculptural form. For the past fifteen years, Matthew Higgs' signature works have been made from book pages and covers carefully taken from their binding and original context to make unique works that have surprising impact and wit. They are either framed title pages extracted from an existing book or an altered version of a book cover. Peter Wüthrich makes reference to Minimalist sculpture and monochrome painting, simulating and creating landscapes and objects with playful use of form and color. The book as object and metaphor has constituted the key of his artistic practice since the early 1990s. Their art is an inexhaustible inventory of forms and styles, by its intrinsic components: typography, grammar, ink and colors, illustrations, bindings, covers, and bookmarks. The results are as much about poetry as about art, and represent a contemporary homage to the book.
Contact: Eva Fierst efierst@art.umass.edu

Local Artist in Inaugural Exhibition!
	Artist: Carolyn Webb Event: Opening Reception Start Date: Wednesday September 26th, 2007 Reception: Wednesday September 26th, 2007 @ 6:00 PM End Date: Sunday November 4th, 2007 Location Name: University Gallery Address: Fine Arts Center, UMass City, ST: Amherst, MA Website: www.umass.edu/fac/universitygallery Fee: free; free parking
This exhibition is the first in a series of exhibitions to take place at the University Gallery in which artists are invited to integrate their own works with pieces they select from the Gallery's works-on-paper collection, which includes over 2600 contemporary prints, drawings, and photographs. This premiere exhibition features work by Carolyn Webb alongside works she has selected and placed in direct dialogue with her own sculpture and works on paper. Her installation comprises finely constructed and painted wood sculptures abstracted from nature, bronze casts, and wall-mounted works on paper that are at once corporeal and spiritual. Juxtaposed within Webb's installation, and resonating with her work, are prints and drawings by Anish Kapoor, Ad Reinhardt, and Joseph Cornell, among others. Carolyn Webb is an artist based in western Massachusetts. She received her MFA from UMass, participated in numerous group shows, and has had solo exhibitions at Reeves Contemporary in NYC and the Widener Gallery at Trinity College, Hartford, CT.
Contact: Eva Fierst efierst@art.umass.edu

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Easthampton Exhibits/Events

"Religious Icons" Photography by Bruce Barone
	Artist: Bruce Barone Event: "Religious Icons" Photography by Bruce Barone Start Date: Saturday September 8th, 2007 End Date: Saturday October 13th, 2007 Location Name: AWENTREE Address: 102 Cottage Street City, ST: Easthampton, MA Website: BruceBarone.com Fee: None
An artist once asked me, “Bruce, what’s your favorite photograph.” I answered, “I have favorites, of course, but my most favorite image is always the next photograph. In this series of images at Awentree I believe a sense of prayer, or astonishment, pervades the photographs and I hope the viewer sees what I see; the wonder, awe, beauty and the extraordinary in the ordinary. Often, I ask myself "What am I called to do?" And "How can I make the world a better place." To paraphrase Rumi;I need to be permanently astonished. I need to love; draw upon love for vision and energy. And the third thing is sacrifice--give the drop that is myself. To be astonished;to be nourished by being amazed—and by giving. Photography is my passion. I celebrate life--the spiritual ties that bind us together and I do this by trying to be astonished. Simone Weil said: "Absolute attention is prayer." When I photograph an icon I both draw upon my degree in art history and years working as a documentary photographer and in a profound sense I also forget the past , turn toward the icon in a prayerful manner and I become astonished. Tielhard de Chardin wrote: "Seeing: We might say that the whole of life lies in that verb - if not ultimately, at least essentially." We design the world by the way we choose to see it. I choose to see beauty and to share that wonder, that astonishment with you.
Contact: Melissa Stratton at AWENTREE (413-527-3331) or Bruce Barone (413-527-8048) 413-527-8048 bruce@brucebarone.com

Astrid Sheckels: Recent Work in Oil and Watercolor
	Event: Astrid Sheckels Start Date: Saturday August 25th, 2007 End Date: Saturday September 29th, 2007 Location Name: Elusie gallery Address: 43 Main Street City, ST: Easthampton, MA Website: www.eastmontgallery.net
Astrid Sheckels is a 2004 graduate from Greenfield Community College. She works out of her studio in Greenfield, in an old factory building with a beautiful view out over a waterfall on the Green River. The work shown in this exhibit includes recent still life, portraits and landscapes. In Astrid's words: " The watercolor landscapes portray some of the places that I love best. They depict snow covered New England farms – so familiar to me – and the rugged beauty of Montana with its big sky and open space – where my father was born. They capture the stunning beauty of bare tree branches and an early morning in a small village in Denmark – my mother’s homeland and mine – as well as the blue water, rolling red roads and hay fields of Prince Edward Island – which surprisingly feels like home. The still life paintings are oil on canvas. In each one I focused on the play of light on the subject, on creating depth and a sense of place. As in the “Sewing Room”, I allow the background to remain indistinct in order to draw the viewers’ eyes back to the subject. The portraits are oil or watercolor. When painting a portrait it is important for me to get to know the person, so that the portrait does not just reflect their outer and physical appearance, but also captures part of their character and values. "
Contact: Jean-Pierre Pasche 413-529-9265 info@eastmontgallery.net

Easthampton Art Guild Exhibit
	Artist: Maryann Phoenix, Joanne O'Leary, Lisa Colt, Helen Daniels, Rose Marie Osmers, Marjorie Tauer, Michelle Bono, Lucille Kostek, Terry Faivre Event: Easthampton Art Guild Exhibit Start Date: Saturday September 1st, 2007 End Date: Sunday September 30th, 2007 Location Name: Lathrop Community Gallery Address: 100 Bassett Brook Drive City, ST: Easthampton, MA Fee: Free
Paintings by nine members of the Easthampton Art Guild will be on display for the month of September at the Lathrop Community Gallery, 100 Bassett Brook Drive. Gallery hours are 9 to 4 daily. The artists include Maryann Phoenix, Joanne O'Leary, Lisa Colt, Helen Daniels, Rose Marie Osmers, Marjorie Tauer, Michelle Bono, Lucille Kostek, and Terry Faivre. A reception in their honor will be held on Sunday, Sept. 9 from 4 to 5 p.m.
Contact: Marj Tauer 413-527-1838 mtauer70@yahoo.com

Geometria by Art Larson at Blue Guitar Gallery
	Artist: Art Larson Event: Geometria by Art Larson Start Date: Saturday September 8th, 2007 End Date: Wednesday October 31st, 2007 Location Name: The Blue Guitar Gallery Address: 186 D Northampton St City, ST: Easthampton, MA Website: www.theblueguitar.org Fee: Free
The printer Art Larson, best known for being Leonard Baskin's longtime printer at Gehenna Press, shows up in his role as printmaker and geometer. Sacred geometries, delineated with pigments unearthed from the same source that Imhotep himself would have used. Blue Guitar Gallery is in Easthampton, across from the US Post Office, on Northampton Road. Gallery hours are Saturdays and Sundays from Noon - 4 PM, by appointment and for Art Walk Easthampton.
Contact: Christie Svane csvane@comcast.net

“Getting Closer to Flora and Others...Images from Green World”
	Event: Artwalk Easthampton Start Date: Tuesday September 11th, 2007 End Date: Friday October 5th, 2007 Location Name: Apollo Grill Address: 116 Pleasant Street (Eastworks) City, ST: Easthampton, MA Website: www.ArtWalkEasthampton.org Fee: Free
Over the past year, I have been creating 'scanographs', using my flatbed scanner as my camera and 3-dimensional materials as my subjects, to produce high resolution images from nature. Post-scan, I edit in Photoshop to create detailed compositions that portray essences, often revealing the less-seen. Owing to my interests in ecology, foraging and gardening, I possess an intimate knowledge of 'green world' in the Pioneer Valley. I strive to share that with others through my art, among other ways. Subjects include wild plants/mushrooms and vegetables. Recurring themes include sensuality, balance, change, beauty in things overlooked and playfulness. The show includes 21 images, as well as one sculpture from my leather apron wearing days at Vulcan's Forge Blacksmith Shop.
Contact: Marty Klein 413-529-9594 forager7@yahoo.com

Three Generations of Mills-Noland Artists
	Artist: Genevieve Nolan, Dennis Nolan, Abbott Mills, Jody Mills, Lauren Mills, Courtney Mills Event: Mills-Nolan Family Art Celebration Start Date: Saturday September 29th, 2007 Reception: Saturday September 29th, 2007 @ 3:00 PM End Date: Thursday November 1st, 2007 Location Name: Lathrop Community Gallery Address: 100 Bassett Brook Drive City, ST: Easthampton, MA Fee: Free
The Lathrop Community welcomes this accomplished three-generation family with a reception from 3 to 4 on Saturday, September 29 to be followed by a Singing Recital from 4 to 4:30. ABBOT MILLS worked as a Ladies Home Journal photographer as well as filmed national television documentaries, including stories of Simon and Garfunkel, and the Kennedy versus Wallace Crisis. JODY MILLS, former pattern designer for Ladies Home Journal, is presently a soft-sculpture fabric artist and graphic artist. LAUREN MILLS has been a children's book author and illustrator for more than 20 years. Her books include THE RAG COAT and FAIRY WINGS. She is currently sculpting and teaching at Brush Works in Florence. DENNIS NOLAN, professor at the Hartford Art School, has illustrated over 30 books, several of which he wrote, including DINOSAUR DREAM and CASTLE BUILDER. He also illustrated SWORD IN THE STONE. GENEVIEVE NOLAN, a senior at Hampshire Regional High School, enjoys singing, dancing, photography, and acting. COURTNEY MILLS, a junior at St. Mary's Hall High School in San Antonio, is an accomplished figure skater as well as photographer.
Contact: Abbot Mills 413-527-6787 abbotmills1@charter.net

Bill Regan and Walter Korzec Exhibit at Grubbs Gallery
	Artist: Walter Korzec, Bill Regan Event: Exhibit by Bill Regan and Walter Korzec Start Date: Friday September 14th, 2007 End Date: Friday September 28th, 2007 Location Name: Grubbs Gallery, Reed Campus Center, Williston Northampton Address: 19 Payson Avenue City, ST: Easthampton, MA Website: www.williston.com Fee: None
The Williston Northampton School presents Bill Regan and Walter Korzec's Oil, Water, Metal and Wood, on exhibit at the Grubbs Gallery September 4–28. Painter and photographer Bill Regan received his formal training at Goddard College, where he earned a master's in painting, and at Tufts University by completing a bachelor's degree in fine arts. Much of his artistic motivation, however, comes from the natural world as well as his "deep ambivalence about what the human presence brings to it." Walter Korzec has been a printmaker, painter, and art educator for more than thirty years. His long career in education began as an art teacher in the Suffield (CT) school system and culminated as professor and program director of Visual Art Certification at Westfield State College. He received his master's in education from the college, and completed his B.A. at the University of Massachusetts. The exhibit is free and open to the public during the academic year. It takes place in the Grubbs Gallery of the Reed Campus Center at The Williston Northampton School. More information at www.williston.com Gallery Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Class Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to noon
Contact: (413) 529-3000

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Florence Exhibits/Events

Join Us for the 3rd Annual Florence Poetry Festival
Event: Florence Poetry Festival Start Date: Sunday October 7th, 2007 Reception: Sunday October 7th, 2007 @ 12:30 PM End Date: Sunday October 7th, 2007 Location Name: Look Park at the Sanctuary at Willow Lake Address: N Main St City, ST: Florence, MA Website: www.florencepoetssociety.org Fee: free
The Florence Poets Society announces it's 3rd annual Florence Poetry Festival set for Sunday, October 7, 2007 from 12:30 to 6:00 pm at the Sanctuary at Willow Lake in Look Park. Join us for this great free and fun event which showcases poetic and musical talent from across the spectrum. Refreshments and poetry books and information will be available. Reach for the passion of the spoken word in the great outdoors. This year's event promises to be fabulous with both familar old favorites and exiting new poets. We still have a few spots left for readers. Call 584-5914 or email tommytwilite@gmail.com for more information.
Contact: Tommy Twilite 413 584-5914 tommytwilite@gmail.com

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Greenfield Exhibits/Events

Anita S. Hunt, Prints: A Selection of Recent Work
	Artist: Anita S. Hunt Event: Anita S. Hunt, Prints: A Selection of Recent Work Start Date: Friday September 21st, 2007 Reception: Friday September 28th, 2007 @ 5:30 PM End Date: Friday October 26th, 2007 Location Name: Geissler Gallery at the Stoneleigh-Burnham School Address: 574 Bernardston Rd. City, ST: Greenfield, MA Website: www.anitahunt.com Fee: Free
Colrain resident Anita Hunt exhibits 41 monotype and intaglio prints from 2005 -2007 which share a common thread. Inspired by frequent visits to her favorite local swamps and wetlands, these prints explore the abstract qualities of light and reflection on water.
Contact: Anita Hunt 4136243067 batworth@valinet.com

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Holyoke Exhibits/Events

FALL 2007 GALLERY EXHIBIT: TIMELESS INSCAPES
	Artist: Vitek Kruta Event: Timeless Inscapes at Wistariahurst Museum Start Date: Sunday September 9th, 2007 End Date: Monday October 29th, 2007 Location Name: Wistariahurst Museum Address: 238 Cabot Street City, ST: Holyoke, MA Website: www.wistariahurst.org Fee: $3
Artist Vitek Kruta is a professional artist, muralist, art restorer, designer and teacher. His work has been featured in exhibitions in former Czechoslovakia, France, Germany, United States and Canada. Mr. Kruta was trained in Old-World techniques of Fine and Decorative Arts in Czech Republic and Germany, where he attended schools and worked as restorer of historical buildings, castles and churches before coming to the United States in 1991. "Inscapes" are one of a kind, hand built of wood and wood composite. They are finished with acrylic paints and varnishes, and sometimes with gold or silver leaf. Admission is $3. Exhibition on display through October 29th
Contact: Melissa Boisselle 413 322 5660 boissellem@ci.holyoke.ma.us

Three Berets Opening - Saturday, September 22 - 6pm to 9pm
	Artist: Luke Cavagnac, Gary Hallgren, Dean Nimmer Event: The Three Berets Show Start Date: Saturday September 22nd, 2007 Reception: Saturday September 22nd, 2007 @ 6:00 PM End Date: Sunday November 18th, 2007 Location Name: Open Square, 4th floor gallery Address: 4 Open Square Way City, ST: Holyoke, MA Website: www.opensquare.com Fee: free
ANNOUNCING THE THREE BERETS SHOW!! NEWS FLASH! – The Three Berets will appear on the OPRAH and FRIENDS, XM 156 satellite radio program on Friday, October 19 airing at 7 a.m. The lavish opening reception for The Three Berets will take place on Saturday, September 22 from 6pm to 9pm in the 4th floor gallery of the historic Open Square mill complex in downtown Holyoke, Massachusetts. In addition, The Three Berets will play an unusual (weird) Performance Art piece during the opening followed by a solo concert featuring the original music of singer/song writer Charlie Braun. This exhibition will be on display from September 22 to November 18, 2007. Viewing hours for this exhibition are Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 5pm or at other times by appointment. For directions to Open Square go to www.opensquare.com or Mapquest - 4 Open Square Way, Holyoke, MA 01040 The Three Berets are: LUKE CAVAGNAC – as the king of lowbrow art, Luke has become well known throughout the Pioneer Valley and beyond for his madcap and zany artworks. From his showroom/studio at “Eastworks” in Easthampton, Luke makes paintings that cover the spectrum from abstract to representational, fantastic to mundane, but regardless of subject matter, they share a lust for color and life and humor on a grand scale! He believes anyone who wants one of his paintings should buy one - so they are almost unreasonably inexpensive. He has painted literally thousands of paintings and intends to complete at least one or more for each day of the rest of his life. www.invisiblefountain.com and www.claudiamalibu.com GARY HALLGREN –started drawing tanker trucks at the age of three, progressed to airplanes by grade school and was making up his own cartoons shortly thereafter. Today, Gary’s cartoons grace the pages of some of the preeminent publications in the country including; The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Business Week and New York magazine. He has also illustrated the best selling books, “YOU The Owner’s Manual”, “YOU The Smart Patient” and “YOU on a Diet.” Gary is also famous for his contributions to above and underground comics such as Mad Magazine, Marvel Comics, High Times, The Air Pirates Funnies, and Screw magazine. www.artists@opensquare.com DEAN NIMMER – is also a well known artist in this area as well as having exhibited his abstract paintings and 1000 drawing project across the US and abroad. Dean will be appearing in this show as his alter ego, “Unique Fredrique from the South of Holyoke.” Painting and sculpting in this new persona, Unique (Dean) creates a new world of bizarre characters, surreal landscapes and political satires that must be seen to be believed! www.uniquefredrique.etsy.com and www.deannimmer.com This will be a fun-filled evening that you don’t want to miss! For more information call 413 533 4883
Contact: Dean Nimmer 413 533 4883 deandart@aol.com

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Indian Orchard Exhibits/Events

The Feminine Mystique Opens at Gallery 137
	Artist: C. M. Beaudoin, Claudine Bouchard, Sara Conklin, Heidi Coutu, Florin lon Firimita, Suzan Fox, Lisa Harrington, Jack Holowitz, Arrik Kim, Danielle Mailer, Jerry Wilson, Mark Woodcox, Daryl Zang Event: The Feminine Mystique Start Date: Friday September 7th, 2007 End Date: Saturday October 20th, 2007 Location Name: Gallery 137 Address: 137 Main Street City, ST: Indian Orchard, MA Website: www.Gallery137.org Fee: Free
A celebration and reflection on womanhood on canvas and in sculpture. Both men and women were invited to express all aspects of womanhood. Featuring the work of: C. M. Beaudoin • Claudine Bouchard * Sara Conklin * Heidi Coutu * Florin Ion Firimita * Suzan Fox * Lisa Harrington * Jack Holowitz * Arrik Kim * Danielle Mailer * Jerry Wilson * Mark Woodcox * Daryl Zang EDITOR'S NOTE: Read a review of the show from The Republican here.
Contact: Heidi Coutu, Executive Director (413) 543-6994 info@gallery137.org

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Leverett Exhibits/Events

Leverett Cultural Council Grants - Infomation Meeting 9/25
	Artist: Leverett Cultural Council Start Date: Saturday September 15th, 2007 Reception: Tuesday September 25th, 2007 @ 7:00 PM End Date: Monday October 15th, 2007 Location Name: Leverett Library City, ST: Leverett, MA Website: www.mass-culture.org Fee: Free
There is a informational meeting for Cultural Council Grants at the Leverett Library 7:00 9/25 The Leverett Cultural Council is seeking grant proposals for community oriented arts, humanities, and interpretive science projects due October 15. The priorities for applicants include: Community-wide events such as concerts, festivals, artshows and plays. 7 copies of each grant application, typed and signed, plus one copy of relevant support materials, though multiple copies are appreciated, must be postmarked by Monday, October 15, 2007. Send completed application packets Leverett Cultural Council, Leverett Town Hall, Leverett, MA 01054. Forms and detailed guidelines are available at www.mass-culture.org.
Contact: Carole King 413-367-2694 westking1956@hotmail.com

Digital Diva: 20 years of making art on the Computer
	Artist: Ruth West Event: Digital Diva: 20 years of making art on the Computer Start Date: Saturday September 1st, 2007 Reception: Wednesday September 19th, 2007 @ 7:00 PM End Date: Monday October 29th, 2007 Location Name: Leverett Library Address: 75 Montague Rd City, ST: Leverett, MA Website: www.ruthwest.com Fee: free
Leverett computer graphic artist Ruth West will present "Digital Diva: 20 Years of Making Art on the Computer" on September 19th at 7 PM at the Leverett Library. The presentation will include the challenges of making computer art and include examples of the artist's work over a 20-year career. West was the first artist in residence with a computer at Monet's Garden at Giverny, France. The talk is one of the Leverett Artists and Authors series, supported in part by a grant from the Leverett Cultural Council and sponsored by the Friends of the Leverett Library.
Contact: genereal Info 413/548-9220 rwest@spfldcol.edu

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Northampton Exhibits/Events

Lenelle Moïse in her one-woman show, Womb-Words, Thirsting
	Artist: Lenelle Moïse Event: Womb-Words, Thirsting Start Date: Wednesday September 19th, 2007 End Date: Thursday September 20th, 2007 Location Name: Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre - Smith College Address: Green St. City, ST: Northampton, MA Website: www.newworldtheater.org Fee: $5-$15
New WORLD Theater’s 29th season opens with our third annual Community Spirit Showcase with local slam-style poet, playwright, actor and Smith College alumna Lenelle Moïse in her one-woman show, Womb-Words, Thirsting. Womb-Words, Thirsting is an interactive evening of womanist Voudou, poetic storytelling, jazz, queer theory, hip-hop and movement. Haitian-American artist Lenelle Moïse re-conceives memory and boldly speaks out about childhood, masculinity, sexualities, AIDS, cultural hybridity, and reclaiming “f-words”. Womb-Words, Thirsting will be performed on Wednesday, September 19 and Thursday, September 20, 2007, at 8:00 pm in the Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre on the Smith College campus. Tickets for the general audience are $15; $8 for seniors and low income patrons; $5 for students with valid I.D and can be purchased through the Fine Arts Center Box Office. 1.800.999.UMASS or 413.545.2511. For more information, please call New WORLD Theater at 413.545.1972 or visit us at www.newworldtheater.org
Contact: Nicole M. Young nmyoung@acad.umass.edu

Way, Shape and Form
	Artist: Heather Kasunick, Michael Lewy, Craig Lupien Event: Way, Shape and Form Start Date: Monday October 8th, 2007 Reception: Friday October 12th, 2007 @ 5:00 PM End Date: Sunday November 4th, 2007 Location Name: A.P. E. Gallery Address: 150 Main Street, 3rd floor of Thornes Market City, ST: Northampton, MA Website: www.apearts.org Fee: 0
The A.P.E. Gallery presents the work of three artists who explore ideas of how work habits both as artists and as 9 to 5 employees are manifested in what they produce in the studio. Craig Lupien refurbishes flaws from antique items for 40 hours a week and then makes art in his studio that attempts to be the very opposite of antique. Michael Lewy charts and animates the drudgery of 9 to 5 life. Heather Kasunick constructs routine oriented projects that no doubt are influenced by the regimented life of a public school teacher. Like artists are known to do, these three emerge from behind their desks determined to comment on, intercept and subvert the ordinary in any way, shape, form.
Contact: Heather Kasunick heatherkasunick@yahoo.com

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Southampton Exhibits/Events


	Artist: Elaine Mishkind Start Date: Saturday September 8th, 2007 End Date: Tuesday October 9th, 2007 Location Name: Robert Floyd Photo Gallery Address: 2 East Street @ College Highway (Rt. 10) City, ST: Southampton, MA Website: www.robertfloydphoto.com Fee: Free
Robert Floyd Photo Gallery is pleased to host the color photography exhibit featuring the natural environment that has received great response from many newspapers articles and visitors to August's Northampton exhibit. Ms. Mishkind presents 21 refreshing images in her second public exhibit. Her images include people in natural settings, striking landscapes, critters and flowers with a different point of view. Elaine draws her explosive passion for photography from her life as an accomplished violinist, having performed in hundreds of live concerts throughout all New England and beyond. Elaine Mishkind, of Amherst, drives through the countryside searching for subjects, stops the car and studies her subject's each and every nuance in different lighting, wind and against varying backgrounds. She continually explores different angles and approaches. What separates her from other photographers is her unique talent in playing the image over and over again until she is at one with her subject. Her background for perfection and her joy in expressing her subject's uniqueness create a emotional life style immersed in photography. "Elaine continues to create non-cookie cutter images each time she ventures out into our world with her camera. To her they are not simply two-dimensional images, but life itself. Her joy is contagious and one is hard pressed to locate as free a creative spirit in photography today," states Robert Floyd. The proof is in this exhibit and the best part of this adventure is there are other images as strong that weren't "invited to the dance." Elaine has achieved her mission, connecting with her subject's delicate strength.
Contact: Robert Floyd 413-529-2635 floydphoto@charter.net

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Westhampton Exhibits/Events

Boston Blackthorne Celtic Concert
	Artist: Boston Blackthorne Event: Westhampton Music Series Start Date: Friday September 21st, 2007 Reception: Friday September 21st, 2007 @ 7:00 PM End Date: Friday September 21st, 2007 Location Name: Westhampton Town Hall Address: One South Road City, ST: Westhampton, MA Fee: Adults $10, Kids under 12 $5, Max. family rate $25
A fusion of traditional Celtic songs and ballads along with original tunes, a musical bridging of the past to the present with four-part harmonies and beautifully arranged instrumentation played on guitars, bouzouki, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, drums, and bodhran.
Contact: Teri Anderson

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Call for Artists

Montague Cultural Council Grants
Show Name: Montague Cultural Council Submission Due Date: Monday October 15th, 2007 Website: www.mass-culture.org City, ST: Montague, MA
The Montage Cultural Council is seeking grant proposals for community oriented arts, humanities, and interpretive science projects due October 15. The priorities for applicants include: Community-wide events such as concerts, festivals, and plays. Twelve copies of each grant application, typed and signed, plus one copy of relevant support materials, though multiple copies are appreciated, must be postmarked by Monday, October 15, 2007. Send completed application packets to Montague Cultural Council, Montague Town Hall, One Avenue A, Montague, MA 01351-9558. Forms and detailed guidelines are available at www.mass-culture.org. Contact Lisa Enzer, Chair, 413-367-2658.
Contact: Lisa Enzer 413-367-2658 enzer@earthlink.net

Grant Opportunities in Greenfield
Sponsoring Group Name: Greenfield Local Cultural Council Show Name: Grant Opportunities Submission Due Date: Monday October 15th, 2007 Website: www.mass-culture.org City, ST: Greenfield, MA
Greenfield Local Cultural Council(GLCC) Seeks Funding Proposals Proposals for community-oriented arts, humanities and interpretive science projects are due October 15th. Grants can support a variety of artistic projects and activities in Greenfield, including exhibits, festivals, performances in schools, workshops and lectures. GLCC will also entertain funding proposals from schools and youth groups through the PASS Program, a ticket subsidy program for school-aged children. Questions? Please attend our informational meeting on September 18th, 5:30pm at the Greenfield Business Association, 395 Main Street. For applications and guidelines, go to www.mass-culture.org/lcc_public_about.asp
Contact: Sam Pettengill spettengill@comcast.net

Call for Artists for 2008-2009 Season
	Sponsoring Group Name: Hosmer Art Gallery, Forbes Library Show Name: Annual Call for Artists Submission Due Date: Wednesday October 31st, 2007 Submission Fees: None Website: www.forbeslibrary.org/events/gallery.shtml City, ST: Northampton, MA
The Hosmer Art Gallery in Forbes Library is designed to provide opportunities for local artists to show their work to the public. Exhibits include a wide range of media and content reflecting the diversity of the Pioneer Valley community. The gallery is curated and scheduled by the Arts & Music Librarian. Art exhibits featuring the work of local artists have been part of Forbes Library's cultural mission for over 100 years. The Hosmer Gallery has versatile display panels and museum-quality lighting to accommodate a variety of art formats. Artists' portfolios (slides, photographs, or original work) are reviewed on an annual basis. Applications will then be available at the library and online. Criteria for review include technical and artistic quality, a coherent theme, and contribution to an interesting and varied program for the year. Artists living and working in the greater Northampton area are eligible to apply. First-time exhibitors are welcome.
Contact: 587-1013 gallery@forbeslibrary.org

Easthampton Cultural Council Seeks Proposals
Sponsoring Group Name: Easthampton Cultural Council Submission Due Date: Monday October 15th, 2007 Submission Fees: None Website: www.mass-culture.org City, ST: Easthampton, MA
The Easthampton Cultural Council is seeking proposals for next year's funding cycle. In addition to the array of art and cultural activities supported by the Council, we also are seeking proposals that emphasize the following theme: Easthampton Intersections: Farmlands & Factories A remarkable number of opportunities exist in Easthampton due to its distinctive past as both an agricultural center and an industrial town. Through the evolution of these spaces, including local farms, conservation land, converted rail trails, downtown civic and commercial spaces, working and converted industrial buildings, citizens of Easthampton have an insight into many facets of New England’s history and future that can be explored through the arts and other cultural events. The Easthampton Cultural Council encourages collaborations across the many individuals and organizations working within the community. The postmark deadline for grant applications is October 15, 2007. For further information, visit http://www.massculturalcouncil.org
Contact: Stephanie Gibbs eculturalcouncil@aol.com

FY2009 Funding Guidelines Now Available for YouthReach
	Sponsoring Group Name: Massachusetts Cultural Council Show Name: YouthReach Initiative Submission Due Date: Wednesday February 6th, 2008 Submission Fees: None Website: www.massculturalcouncil.org/applications/yrapp.html
The YouthReach Initiative provides funding to programs that integrate substantive out-of-school arts, humanities and science opportunities into a collaborative community response to the needs of youth at risk. Guidelines, application forms, and the schedule of information and training sessions are available online. YouthReach supports innovative programs that: -- Provide young people with in-depth arts, humanities, or interpretive science experiences that create opportunities to interact directly with practicing artists, humanists and scientists, and to develop techniques or skills for creative inquiry. -- Demonstrate a clear understanding of young people in need. -- Demonstrate a clear ability to infuse arts, humanities, or science learning programs with the principles of youth development. See Key Characteristics of Youth Development Programs. -- Marshal the resources of the community and foster substantive collaboration between cultural organizations and other community institutions addressing young people in need. The primary applicant for a YouthReach project must be a nonprofit cultural organization or an organization having a strong programming history in the proposal's primary discipline. The next two-year application deadline is February 6, 2008. However, it is never too early to begin laying the groundwork for community-based cultural partnerships. (Artwork by David Chan)
Contact: H. Mark Smith, YouthReach Program Manager mark.smith@state.ma.us

Hadley Cultural Council Seeks Funding Proposals
Sponsoring Group Name: Hadley Cultural Council Show Name: Cultural Council 2008 Funding Proposals Submission Due Date: Monday October 15th, 2007 Submission Fees: None Website: www.mass-culture.org/lcc_public.asp. City, ST: Hadley, MA
The Hadley Cultural Council has set an October 15 deadline for organizations, schools and individuals to apply for grants that support cultural activities in the community in 2008. According to Council chair Robie Grant, these grants can support a variety of artistic projects and activities in Hadley -- including exhibits, festivals, short-term artist residencies or performances in schools, workshops and lectures. The Hadley Cultural Council will also entertain funding proposals from schools and youth groups through the PASS Program, a ticket subsidy program for school-aged children. This year, the Hadley Cultural Council will distribute about $4000.00 in grants. Contact Robie Grant, Hadley Cultural Council Chair, at 413-586-4267, or hadleyculturalcouncil@yahoo.com for specific guidelines and information. Application forms and more information about the Local Cultural Council Program are available on the web.
Contact: Robie Grant 586-4267 hadleyculturalcouncil@yahoo.com

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Classes

Mixed Media Illustration for Young Artists with Lea Donnan
Class Name: Mixed Media Illustration for Young Artists with Lea Donnan Class Time: 3:30 PM Start Date: Tuesday September 18th, 2007 End Date: Tuesday October 23rd, 2007 Fee: $145.00 Organization: Northampton Center for the Arts Location Name: Northampton Center for the Arts Address: 17 New South Street Third Floor City, ST: Northampton, Website: www.nohoarts.org
Tues afternoons for 6 weeks, Sept 18 - Oct 23, 3:30-5:30 pm, Learn to create illustrations from your favorite photographs or cartoons. Working with your choice of musician, fictional character, or even your own image, use traditional and experimental mediums to create your own album or graphic novel cover. Using elements of drawing and painting with fabric, collage, funky papers and transfer applications, learn new perspectives in design, representation and mixed media application. $145 plus material
Contact: Penny Burke 413 584 7327 psburke@gmail.com

Introduction to Patternmaking for Clothing Design with Cassandra Holden
Class Name: Introduction to Patternmaking for Clothing Design with Cassandra Holden Class Time: 6:30 PM Start Date: Thursday September 20th, 2007 End Date: Thursday October 18th, 2007 Fee: $195.00 Organization: Northampton Center for the Arts Location Name: Northampton Center for the Arts Address: 17 New South Street Third Floor City, ST: Northampton, MA Website: www.nohoarts.org
Thurs evenings for 5 weeks, Sept 20 - Oct 18, 6:30-9:00 pm No sewing required. Beginners welcome. Learn how to take an idea from sketch to reality. We will begin by talking about slopers: how they are generated and their role in pattern development. From there we will explore dart fitting, princess seams, fullness, and ease. We will also cover the proper technique for taking body measurements. $195 plus materials
Contact: Penny Burke 413 584 7327 psburke@gmail.com

Drawing More FUNdamentals with Robert Masla
Class Name: Drawing More FUNdamentals with Robert Masla Class Time: 6:30 PM Start Date: Sunday September 23rd, 2007 End Date: Sunday October 21st, 2007 Fee: $125.00 Organization: Northampton Center for the Arts Location Name: Northampton Center for the Arts Address: 17 New South Street Third Floor City, ST: Northampton, MA Website: www.nohoarts.org
Sun evenings for 5 weeks, Sept 23 - Oct 21, 6:30-9:00 pm In this class we dive further into the waters of creative mark making. For those who may have studied drawing before and those who have "no experience," we will challenge our concepts. Join us in a playful, nurturing, and supportive environment where exploration is encouraged and where there are no mistakes. This fun and exhilarating workshop uses innovation, experimentation and "art games" as new approaches to traditional drawing and rendering techniques. We will experiment with a variety of drawing materials and learn about the techniques for handling them. We will cover techniques and concepts of value, line, composition, chiaroscuro (the juxtaposition of light and dark), and perspective to name a few. The workshop will keep you so engaged in the creative process that fears and apprehensions fall to the background. Students will gain tools and knowledge to take home with them to continue drawing with confidence. $125 plus materials
Contact: Penny Burke 413 584 7327 psburke@gmail.com

Going with the Flow, A Weekend Workshop with Dean Nimmer
Class Name: Going with the Flow, A Weekend Workshop with Dean Nimmer Class Time: 9:00 AM Start Date: Saturday October 6th, 2007 End Date: Sunday October 7th, 2007 Fee: $125.00 Organization: Northampton Center for the Arts Location Name: Northampton Center for the Arts Address: 17 New South Street Third Floor City, ST: Northampton, MA Website: www.nohoarts.org
Sat, Oct 6, 9am-3pm and Sun, Oct 7, 10am-4pm This is an intensive workshop devoted to rejuvenating your creative abilities and rekindling your passions to make art. We will use different exercises and techniques that have been developed through 35 years of teaching to help artists work more spontaneously and free from inhibition. This hands-on workshop is for those at all levels of artistic experience and technical ability with special attention to each participant's goals and progress. If you haven't made art for awhile or have developed the dreaded malaise of "artists block," this may be just what you need to get back into what you love to do! $125 (single workshop day:$75)
Contact: Penny Burke 413 584 7327 psburke@gmail.com

Mosaic Workshop in Smalti with Robert Markey
Class Name: Mosaic Workshop in Smalti with Robert Markey Class Time: 9:00 AM Start Date: Sunday October 21st, 2007 End Date: Sunday October 21st, 2007 Fee: $140.00 Organization: Northampton Center for the Arts Location Name: Northampton Center for the Arts Address: 17 New South Street Third Floor City, ST: Northampton, MA Website: www.nohoarts.org
Sun, Oct 21, 9am-3pm Smalti is one of the oldest and most original materials of mosaic art. This thick, exquisite glass tile holds light the way no other material can. It is manufactured at the Orsoni family factory in Venice, Italy using the same ancient techniques and traditions passed down through the generations. The colors of smalti are rich and offer the artists many possibilities to achieve dynamic mosaic works of art. In this one day intensive workshop we will explore this beautiful traditional material by teaching students how to cut and set smalti. Each student will create a 6"x6" framed mosaic framed panel. Design, color and composition will also be covered. The class includes tools, handouts, and a beautiful selection of Orsoni Italian smalti. This workshop is suitable for beginners and more experienced mosaicists who have never worked with smalti. $140 includes materials
Contact: Penny Burke 413 584 7327 psburke@gmail.com

Apron Making Workshop with Cassandra Holden
Class Name: Apron Making Workshop with Cassandra Holden Class Time: 10:00 AM Start Date: Sunday November 4th, 2007 End Date: Sunday November 4th, 2007 Fee: $90 plus material Organization: Northampton Center for the Arts Location Name: Northampton Center for the Arts Address: 17 New South Street Third Floor City, ST: Northampton, MA Website: www.nohoarts.org
Sun, Nov 4 10am-4pm Create a unique gift for a friend or special treat for yourself. Using a variety of sewing techniques we will construct a vintage inspired apron. Playful fabrics, trims, unique buttons and more can be used to embellish in imaginative ways. All skill levels are welcome. Basic sewing techniques will be reviewed including simple and flat felled seam construction, hem finishes, gathering, and bias binding. Sample patterns will be provided or create a style all your own. Let your imagination go wild.
Contact: Penny Burke 413 584 7327 psburke@gmail.com

Watercolor with Nava Grunfeld
Class Name: Watercolor with Nava Grunfeld Class Time: 6:30 PM Start Date: Monday November 5th, 2007 End Date: Monday December 10th, 2007 Fee: $295.00 Organization: Northampton Center for the Arts Location Name: Northampton Center for the Arts Address: 17 New South Street Third Floor City, ST: Northampton, MA Website: www.nohoarts.org
Mon evenings for 6 weeks, Nov 5-Dec 10, 6:30-9:30pm This watercolor class is designed for all levels: serious beginners, intermediate students and experienced artists working in other mediums but with little or no knowledge of watercolor. Students will work on mastering new aspects of watercolor including color, technique, and composition. Emphasis will be on enhancing your skills, unleashing creativity and moving you to the next level. $295 plus materials listed at www.navagrunfeld.com
Contact: Penny Burke 413 584 7327 psburke@gmail.com

Pastel Still-Life Weekend with Jane Lund
Class Name: Pastel Still-Life Weekend with Jane Lund Class Time: 9:00 AM Start Date: Friday November 16th, 2007 End Date: Sunday November 18th, 2007 Fee: $195.00 Organization: Northampton Center for the Arts Location Name: Northampton Center for the Arts Address: 17 New South Street Third Floor City, ST: Northampton, MA Website: www.nohoarts.org
Friday, Nov 16, 3-7pm, Saturday and Sunday, Nov 17 and 18, 9am-4pm Over the weekend, we will explore various pastel techniques, methods of preparation, and approaches to composition and drawing. We will learn more about the versatile and beautiful medium of soft pastels as we work from unexpected (surprise!) still-life matter. Join us as we gain inspiration and knowledge from each other in a low-key and productive environment. $195 plus materials
Contact: Penny Burke 413 584 7327 psburke@gmail.com

Drawing as Rhythm, Language and Composition with Karen Dolmanisth
Class Name: Drawing as Rhythm, Language and Composition with Karen Dolmanisth Class Time: 6:30 PM Start Date: Thursday November 1st, 2007 End Date: Thursday December 13th, 2007 Fee: $280.00 Organization: Northampton Center for the Arts Location Name: Northampton Center for the Arts Address: 17 New South Street Third Floor City, ST: Northampton, MA Website: www.nohoarts.org
Thurs evenings for 6 weeks, Nov 1-Dec 13, 6:30-9:30pm (No class Nov 22) "From the breath, to the heart, to the line" (Charles Olson): a workshop devoted to developing personal language through visual forms with works on paper. A series of guided drawing exercises and experiments exploring the varied and limitless potential uses of basic drawing principles: line, value, shape, volume, composition, repetition, texture, weight, space, figure/ground relationship. point of view. $280 plus materials
Contact: Penny Burke 413 584 7327 psburke@gmail.com

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