Artists create new partnership

The Blacktone Valley Tribune
August 2017

The BVAA has a new collaboration with Alternatives at the Community Gallery, 5 S. Main St., Uxbridge. We aim to provide an inclusive environment for the arts, open to all local residents in the Blackstone Valley area. As we get organized, the gallery will feature ongoing art shows, classes, open studios, and special events. Events will be posted on both the Alternatives and BVAA websites, so check frequently for updates. Currently at the Community Gallery is “A Show of Hands,” an open juried show. It was very well represented with participants from Sturbridge to Worcester and Milford and many other Blackstone Valley towns. First place went to Kelsey Campbell from Upton, second place to Rosanne Francesconi, Milford, third to Jose Criolo, Worcester. Honorable mentions went to Carol Frieswick, Rosanne Francesconi, and Laura Cenedella.

Our first meeting will be held Sept. 19 from 6:30-9 p.m. Our guest artist is Kris Occhino, who will do a hands on demo of pen and ink with a watercolorwash. It is open to the public, but we request that non members notify us at info@bvaa.org so that we have sufficient supplies. A “Bits and Pieces” quilting picture making class will be held Sept. 27 from 6-9 p.m. Participants will create a picture{landscape, floral} using bits and pieces of material cut into bits and pieces of varied colored material and placed on a backing in such a fashion as to paint a picture. Two examples of this art form can be seen at the present show at the Alternatives Community Gallery. They are titled “Fall” and “Summer.” There is a $25 fee and pre-registration is required at BVAA.org. by Sunday Sept. 24th.

You can find the BVAA out and about at the following venues this month: Alternatives Art and Music Makers, Sept. 9 on the Plaza, 50 Douglas Rd. Whitinsville. Hopedale Day in the Park, Hopedale Center Common, Sept. 16th. Milford Local Access TV studio gallery, South Main St., Milford.

Our membership is open and a form may be found at www.bvaa.org. We are an eclectic group of mixed media artists and photographers at all skill levels. Membership affords an opportunity to practice new skills, to make new friends of like minded artists, show in various kinds of shows in the area, partake in field trips, photo shoots, teach in the gallery space and network to expand your visibility. To reach us with questions email tovinfo@bvaa.org.