Category: Non-BVAA Events

I was just at the Blackstone Public Library taking down our art-poetry show, which we had installed back in April 2025. A reason our show has been up since April is that no new artists stepped forward to use the library’s gallery after us. In order for us to be able to take back our art from the art-poetry show, I offered to set up a solo cyanotype show there. Otherwise they’d have had empty walls.

Any of you who would like to try a solo show, here’s an opportunity! My cyanotype show is only scheduled for the month of August 2025. Who will be in there in September? October? Etc.?

Here’s what the space looks like, from our art poetry show. There is one long wall which can hold 12-20 pieces (you can double stack items) –

On the opposite wall you can fit 2-8 pieces (again if you double stack) –

Here’s my cyanotype show now in the same space. I had more items than the art-poetry show did, so this gives you a sense of a fuller-utilized space. On the other hand, if you had larger pieces, you’d probably put in fewer pieces.

All art needs to be wired to work with their hanging system. Also, they don’t want to have any labels stuck to their walls. So what we did for the art-poetry show and for my cyanotype show is that we taped the labels to the back bottom of the art work. That is, I stuck a piece of blue painter’s tape, sticky side facing the viewer, to the lower back of the art and then ‘hung’ the label from that.

Labels should NOT have any prices shown on them. I recommend that you have a contact printout hung (from a hanger, not stuck to the wall) so that people can contact you with any questions.

In addition to this meeting room, the Blackstone Public Library also has two locking glass cases with shelves, located by their entry door. This is an ideal place to display smaller works.

Please contact the Blackstone Public Library if you’re interested in displaying an art show in this space. If you’ve never done a show before and find this idea a bit intimidating, email me. I’m happy to help you figure things out. The library is friendly, supportive, and a wonderful place to get the hang of this process.

https://www.blackstonepubliclibrary.org/
Blackstone Public Library
86 Main St, Blackstone, MA 01504

Ask with any questions!

Here’s an amazing artistic project opportunity for all of our artists who adore the macabre and spooky side of life!

This is in from the Hopkinton Center for the Arts. It’s NOT a BVAA event. It’s just something that I knew a number of our BVAA members (including me!) would adore working on.

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HCA is looking for all things weird to be showcased throughout various October 2024 events, including: “The Haunt: Wedding in Deadwoodville”. This is an interactive theater experience that is being hosted by HCA and MetroWest YMCA this October. But we need volunteers to help us bring the event to life (or death, haha)

Join us on June 23rd 2024 at 2 pm to learn how to make oddities and curiosities at your leisure throughout the summer. We are seeking items such as faux taxidermy, horror pieces, antiques, creepy clothing, dark art and more. No experience necessary! We’ll provide snacks!

RSVP Here:

https://www.hopartscenter.org/event-details/oddities-for-all

The meeting on June 23rd will showcase demonstrations of different items that we’re seeking volunteers to make on their own time during the summer. Come join the “Oddities Team”! We’re “dying” to meet you!

For those interested in Plein Air Painting, Marion Buricatu will be holding a session earlier that day. Here is the link:

https://115176.blackbaudhosting.com/115176/Plein-Air-Painting-Workshop-June-23

And finally, if you’re around on Saturday June 15th, the current exhibitor, Joseph Fontinha, will be doing a painting demonstration at 2 pm, following a reception at 1 pm. FREE!

Thank you!

Sandee Buckley
Director of Operations
Hopkinton Center for the Arts

This art show is hosted by the Imago foundation for the Arts in Warren, Rhode Island. The BVAA is NOT involved in this show – we are merely helping to spread the word!

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IFA is announcing a call to artists for an upcoming exhibit, “Borders, Boundaries, and Beyond.” The call is open to artists whose art explores the complex visual intersections of borders and boundaries as well as art where limits dissolve, and new narratives emerge.

Artists are invited to interpret “Borders, Boundaries, and Beyond” through the lens of their own experiences and artistic vision – whether confronting geopolitical borders, personal boundaries, or exploring the limitless realms of the imagination, this call encourages a broad spectrum of interpretations. Artists are urged to investigate the dichotomies of confinement and liberation, order and chaos, and to envision new possibilities that transcend conventional constraints.

Cash Awards- total $850

Online Submission Deadline – Sunday April 28^th at 11:59pm PST

All media except for video or screen artworks are welcome

Details:

https://www.onlinejuriedshows.com/Default.aspx?OJSID=58677

Please note this is NOT a BVAA show. The Palette Show is a fantastically fun annual show run by ValleyCAST and Open Sky at the Whitin Mill. Our members love to participate, and we do our best to promote it!

Here is the official news from the ValleyCAST team:

The 11th Annual Art Palette Contest  invites participants to transform a plain wooden art palette into a unique work of art! This popular event is a chance for people of all ages and abilities to share their artwork and celebrate our local creative community. The contest is hosted by ValleyCAST, the art and culture arm of Open Sky Community Services. ValleyCAST offers a wide variety of events for individuals of all abilities, and reflects Open Sky’s commitment to inclusivity. 

Palettes can be purchased for $15 at the Heritage Gallery in Whitinsville, MA from November 3, 2023 through February 9, 2024, or while supplies last, during regular gallery hours 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM or by appointment (508) 234-6232. There are a limited number of slots to participate in the exhibit, with 100 palettes available for purchase. These will be distributed on a first come, first served basis, so get yours now and get a head start on your creation! 

Decorated palettes can be dropped off at the Gallery between February 19-23, 2024 between the hours of 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM for inclusion in the show. 

The show will open with a reception on Friday, March 8, 2024 from 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM in the Spaulding R. Aldrich Heritage Gallery at Alternatives’ Whitin Mill, 50 Douglas Road, Whitinsville, MA. From the opening through April 5, 2023, gallery guests will be invited to cast a vote for their favorite palettes. Winners will receive cash awards in three different categories and age groups: Children ages 6-12, Teenagers ages 13-19 and Adults ages 20+

The exhibit ends on Friday, April 19, 2024.

Artwork work pick up will be at the Gallery between April 22-26,2024 between the hours of 9:00 AM – 4:00PM and by appointment. 

Here’s the ValleyCAST page with all the forms:

https://www.openskycs.org/news-events/events/valleycast-presents-their-10th-annual-art-palette-contest-call-for-artists/

Good luck, and have fun!

Here’s the links to a few videos of past shows, to get you inspired!

2018 ValleyCAST Palette Show:

2019 ValleyCAST Palette Show:

2020 ValleyCAST Palette Show:

2023 ValleyCAST Palette Show:

Did you end up missing the 2023 Palette Show in Whitinsville Massachusetts? This was the 10th annual year. It is sponsored by ValleyCAST and Open Sky.

Three members of the Blackstone Valley Art Association participated – Linda Harrington, Leslie Breault, and Lisa Shea!

Enjoy the full walkthrough:

You can even enjoy a virtual walk through the ValleyCAST sculpture garden –

Start planning now for what you would create for the 2024 Palette Show!