Category: BVAA Shows and Events

The Blackstone Valley Art Association is sponsoring the “6th Annual Anything Goes Photography Show” – this show is open to the public! All styles of cameras and cellphone images are warmly welcome!

When:
January 17 to March 5, 2018

Where:
BVAA Alternatives Uxbridge Community Gallery
5 South Main Street
Uxbridge, MA 01569

There is a TON of free parking immediately next to this building. It is fully and easily handicapped accessible.

BVAA Alternatives Uxbridge Community Art Gallery Information

Participation is open to the public. Each participant may exhibit three photos. These will be judged for cash prizes. A portion of all sales goes to support the work of Alternatives in the community.

Entering the Show
The entry fee for the main show, open to all styles of photography, is $20/3 pieces for BVAA members and $30/3 pieces for non-members. The theme is wide open. You can submit a portrait, landscape, still life, abstract, seascape, you name it. Your imagination is the limit.

Photos can be any size. That being said, please contact us first if you plan on bringing anything over 20″ x 30″ in size. We need to arrange for space for those separately.

All photography must be family friendly and properly wired for hanging. Our hanging system does not work with saw-tooth or triangle hangers. If you are new to preparing photography for shows, read our page on How to Mat and Frame a Photo. Please also check out our Show Terms and Conditions

All photos which are entered are hung. There is no “pre-selection” process where some are accepted and others are rejected. If you submit artwork, and it is family-friendly and wired properly, it will be part of our show.

Submissions
To submit your entries use our BVAA Online Submission Form. The deadline to submit is midnight on Monday, January 15th, 2018. Work must be dropped off by Wednesday, January 17th, 2018 at 3pm. All work which is brought in will be hung (as long as it is properly wired and is family-friendly).

On Tuesday, January 16th the gallery is open from 10am to 3pm as usual, and then we have our photography discussion session Tuesday night from 6:30pm to 9pm. The gallery will open at 6pm to prepare for that. So you’re welcome to drop off your artwork Tuesday night as well as during the regular 10am to 3pm gallery hours.

We will hang the show on Wednesday night at 6pm, as the judge is coming in to review the show at noon on Thursday.

Judging
The Anything Goes show awards cash prizes based on the number of entries received. The judge for this show is Professor DiRado.

Professor DiRado received a B.F.A. from Massachusetts College of Art in 1981 and a Certificate of Art from the School of the Worcester Art Museum in 1979. He is currently a Professor of Practice in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at Clark University.   DiRado is a photographer whose work is based on long-term documentary projects. He has received numerous fellowships, grants and awards throughout his career. His work can be found in museum collections across the country, including the MFA, Boston, MFA, Houston, DeCordova Museum in Lincoln, MA and the Currier Museum in NH. He has had one person shows in many galleries and museums, including a most recent one in 2008/2009 at the Fitchburg Art Museum, Stephen DiRado’s Dinner Series: How We Lived.

Opening Reception
The opening reception for the show is Friday, January 19th, 2018 from 4-7pm. Invite family and friends – all are welcome!

Film / Alternate Photography Sub-Show
There will be a smaller exhibition of film photography, cyanotypes, and other non-digital photos at this show. A separate best of show will be awarded to this section. The entry fee for this is $5 each for up to 3 pieces. You are welcome to enter both parts of the show!

In addition to the cash prize for the winner here, the winner will also get a gift certificate for film development at Old School Photo Lab. They do amazing work with film of all kinds – they’re highly recommended!

Pick Up
Saturday, March 3rd, 2018, from 10am to 3pm. If you aren’t able to make that, please contact us for other arrangements.

Address any questions via our BVAA Contact Information

Ask with any questions! We look forward to seeing your entries!

Video Walkthrough:

We had a fantastic time on October 17, 2017 with the talented Jill Pottle! Here are just some of the photos from that event.

I’ll be loading up video too shortly.

Jill Pottle Workshop – Full Details

Reminder!

Our October 2017 monthly meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 17th from 6:30-9pm at the Uxbridge Community Gallery, 5 South Main Street, Uxbridge, MA.

This meeting and workshop is free and open to the public. No experience is necessary. The fun of our workshops is that we all try new things we’ve never done before.

Full Details:

Oil Pastels with Jill Pottle

What takes a photo from a standard snapshot level to the “Wow!” factor? How can you improve your photography?

Talented award-winning photographer Al Weems has the answer!

Where
First Congregational Church
307 Boston Road
Sutton, MA

Please note that, as this is a church location, respectful dress and language would be appreciated during the workshop.

When
Saturday, November 11th, 2017
9am to 12 noon

What
Al will run an intimate workshop for all levels of photographers. Whether you’re just getting started or have been using your camera for years, Al will provide the feedback and advice to help you reach that next level. The environment of the church will provide the perfect avenue to explore lighting, shadows, lines, angles, and much more.

This hands-on workshop with involve a series of exercises to help you look at the way you handle photography in an entirely new light. Make sure you bring a camera with you!

“The question is not what you look at, but what you see.”
— Henry Thoreau

Cost
This workshop is free for BVAA members. For non-BVAA members, the cost is $25. We will be making a donation to the church’s charitable causes as a thanks for access to their beautiful, historic space.

Joining the BVAA is only $25 and that would let you in to this workshop for free!

BVAA Membership Form

To Register for the Workshop
Please use our online registration form in order to register for this event. Contact us with any questions!

BVAA Event Registration Form

As part of our thank-you to the church, several participants will be donating some of their best photos to the church for the church to use for its projects. If you end up with a few lovely shots that you’d like to share, please let us know that and we’ll pass them along.

Contact us with any questions!

Al Weems Photography – learn more about the instructor

The Blackstone Valley Art Association is proud to announce a special pop-up Holiday Art Gallery on the Grafton Common! This delightful collection of artwork will be live from November 1, 2017 through December 15th. All of the artists are local, and many of their works are of local scenery and landmarks.

The gallery includes:

Janet Aleid, painter
Joe Altruda, photographer
Carol Arnold, painter
Deb Bottomley, painter
Gary Cunningham, painter
Bonnie Frederico, painter
Carol Frieswick, painter
Muriel Funka, fabric artist
Betty Havens, painter
James Hunt, photographer
Katie Messina, painter and photographer
Lisa Shea, painter and photographer
Bev Tinklenberg, painter
Al Weems, photographer

Where Are We?
We’re right on Grafton Common! We are officially One Grafton Common, immediately next to the Unitarian Univeralist Church. We’re in the building with Apple Tree Arts and the Grafton Historical Society.

Regular Hours
The Grafton Common Art Gallery will be open:
Wed to Fri – 12 noon to 6 pm
Sat – 10 am to 6 pm
Sun – 11 am to 5 pm

Free Demonstrations and Workshops
We’ll be hosting free art demonstrations and hands-on workshops throughout the holiday season. Be sure to check back to find out when you can come to watch portrait painting, origami ornament folding, and much more.

Saturday, November 4th 6-8pm:
This is a hands-on workshop! Learn how to make origami hanging ornaments. The store will be open until 8pm with special hours.
Origami Workshop Details

Sunday, November 5th 1-3pm:
oil painting demo with Carol Arnold
Oil Painting Demo Details

Saturday, November 11th 3-6pm:
Meet the Author Lisa Shea, creator of the Sutton Massachusetts Mystery series
Meet Lisa Shea Details

Thursday November 16th Special Holiday Reception from 5-8pm
All are welcome! Come join us on Thursday, November 16th for food, drink, meet the artists, a free raffle, and much, much more! Feel free to invite family and friends!
Holiday Reception Details

Saturday, November 18th 3:00-6:00pm:
Meet the authors! Paula Sullivan, Tom Johnson, and Jane Nozzolillo are all local authors with great books to share.
Meet the Authors Details

Saturday, November 25th 11am-noon:
colored pencil demo with Bonnie Frederico
Colored Pencil Demo Details

Saturday, November 25th noon-6pm:
Meet the authors! Lisa Shea, Ophelia Sikes, Lily Pinter, Tom Johnson, Christine Beauchaine, and Jane Nozzolillo. Get signed copies!
Meet the Authors Details

Sunday, November 26th 2pm-5pm:
Camera Photography Basics – free workshop
Camera Photography Basics Details

Tuesday, November 28th 5:30-8pm:
oil painting demo with Carol Arnold – open special hours!
Oil Painting Demo Details

Friday, December 1st 6-8pm:
oil painting demo with Carol Arnold – open late with special hours!
Oil Painting Demo Details

More events will be added soon!

Here’s a virtual tour –

If you see something you like in the video, or on an artist’s website, please let us know. We’re happy to ship art.

Questions? Comments?
Feel free to Email Us or leave a comment below. We’ll get back to you as quickly as we can!

We look forward to seeing you!

Come join us on Tuesday, November 14th, 2017 for a fun workshop on turning your artwork into pendants, key chains, and rings!

Where:
Uxbridge Alternatives Community Gallery
5 South Main Street
Uxbridge, MA

Time:
6-9pm (it’s fine to show up late if you need to)

Whether you paint with watercolors, acrylics or oils, create cyanotypes, draw with pen and ink, or use any other form to create your artwork, it’s fun to then turn those images into gifts you can sell or give to people. This workshop shows how you can turn your art into various types of jewelry.

First, we’ll discuss how to get a clear image of your artwork in question. You have to get an image which is PERFECTLY SQUARE to the artwork in question. It needs to be lit well so that the photo version is clear.

Second, we’ll discuss how to then use that image to create the jewelry. This will be a hands-on session where we make the jewelry in question.

If you bring one piece of art we’ll do our best to get a clear photo for you, to show you how this works. We’ll have a printer on hand to then be able to print out the images at the size to work with the jewelry. It would be best if most people could send their chosen image ahead of time, so that we have the images ready ahead of time.

The workshop is $10 for BVAA members. It is open to the public; cost is $20 for non-BVAA members. This covers the supplies of the trays, cabochons, key chains, and so on. You will go home with a selection of items made from your artwork (or from other artwork if you wish).

Please be sure to use our online registration form to reserve your space!

BVAA Online Registration Form

Here are some examples:

All attendees get a free copy of Lisa’s how-to ebook.

Come join us on Tuesday, November 7th, 2017 for a fun workshop on turning your artwork into cards and gifts!

Where:
Uxbridge Alternatives Community Gallery
5 South Main Street
Uxbridge, MA

Time:
6-9pm (it’s fine to show up late if you need to)

Whether you paint with watercolors, acrylics or oils, create cyanotypes, draw with pen and ink, or use any other form to create your artwork, it’s fun to then turn those images into gifts you can sell or give to people. This workshop shows how this can be done with no setup costs.

First, we’ll discuss how to get a clear image of your artwork in question. You have to get an image which is PERFECTLY SQUARE to the artwork in question. It needs to be lit well so that the photo version is clear.

Second, we’ll discuss how to then use that image in a variety of online systems to create cards, t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, tote bags, and all sorts of other products. You can do it simply to buy them, yourself, to give away as presents. You can do it to set up an online store to sell your work in a variety of new forms.

If you bring one piece of art we’ll do our best to get a clear photo for you, to show you how this works.

The workshop is free to BVAA members. It is open to the public; cost is $10 for non-BVAA members.

Please be sure to use our online registration form to reserve your space!

BVAA Online Registration Form

Our 2018 Choco l’Art show is the perfect melding of chocolate and art! Enjoy the taste sensation! This our lucky 7th Annual celebration of the theme!

Where
Whitinsville Social Library
17 Church Street
Whitinsville, MA

Submissions
The submission deadline is Monday, January 29th, 2018. This show is displayed on panels so works submitted need to be less than 36″ wide in order to fit on a panel. There’s a $5 fee for up to 3 works. It’s open to all BVAA members. As this is a judged show, only pieces which have not been previously entered into a BVAA judged show are eligible for participation. Any sales will include a 20% BVAA commission. Full BVAA terms: BVAA Show Terms and Conditions

Drop-Off
The drop-off for Choco l’Art is Thursday, February 1st from 10am to 2pm.

Public Reception
The reception is on Saturday, February 3rd from 10am to 2pm. All are welcome! There’ll be lots of chocolate in all shapes, sizes, and varieties.

Pick-Up
Pick-up for the show is Friday, February 9th from 10am to 2pm.

Prizes
This show has the visitors vote on a “People’s Choice” award. There’s a ribbon plus a cash prize. The amount is based on the number of entries.

Theme
You can do a romantic theme if you’d like, but it’s not required!

Use the BVAA online submission form to submit for this show.

Volunteers Needed
The BVAA is run by volunteers – please lend a hand! We need volunteers for the following activities:
* Bringing of Panels and Hanging the show from noon-2pm on Thu, Feb 1st
* Watching over the reception for time blocks of your choice between 9am and 2pm on Sat, Feb 3rd.
* Bringing of chocolate for the chocolate reception (please avoid nuts)
* Take-down of the show from 10-12 on Friday, February 9th and return of panels

Let us know on your submission form how you’re able to help out.

Thank you so much to Eaton Farms for donating some of the chocolate. Be sure to “like” them on Facebook!

Past Shows:
Choco l’Art 2017 Details – 6th Annual
Choco l’Art 2016 Details – 5th Annual
Choco l’Art 2015 Details – 4th Annual
Choco l’Art 2014 Details – 3rd Annual
Choco l’Art 2013 Details – 2nd Annual

If you have photos from the first show please let us know!

The 2016 winner for this show was Carole Plante with her chocolate lab! Quite appropriate :).

For one night only, the BVAA will hold a pop-up show and Halloween costume party at our Alternatives Uxbridge location!

5 South Main Street
Uxbridge, MA

About the Show
Spooky. Unsettling. Wisps of mists and dark shadows. Macabre brings out the fascination with the off-beat side of life.

Submissions
The submission deadline for the Macabre show is Monday, October 23rd, 2017. You can submit up to three works which can hang on our panels or sit in or on a case. It’s open to all BVAA members. This is not a judged show – it is primarily a visibility and sales opportunity. Any sales will include a 20% commission which goes toward the gallery. Full BVAA terms: BVAA Show Terms and Conditions

Drop-Off
Drop-off will be Wednesday any time they’re open, or you can bring your works with you Friday at 4pm to help us with the hanging and setup of the panels. Note that we can’t set up the panels before 4pm because this room is in use by Alternatives before this point.

Reception
We’ll have our pop-up celebration on Friday, October 27th from 5-8pm.

Pick-Up
We will take down the show Sunday afternoon. If you can’t make it Sunday, we’ll leave the art in the conference room and you can pick it up during Alternatives’ normal open hours.

Theme
This show is Halloween. Spooky. Shadowy. Here are photos from last year – Macabre Show 2016

Use the BVAA online submission form to submit for this show.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The BVAA is running TWO Macabre shows this year. One is this one-day-only pop-up show at the Alternatives Uxbridge location. Because Alternatives uses the space for other things during the week, and because we are doing this on panels in the middle of the room, we can only have it go up Friday afternoon once the space is done being used. We need everything done and out by Monday morning.

IN ADDITION we are also running a full-month Macabre show at the Canal Restaurant in Worcester where the artwork will get a lot of visitors and views. The Canal’s walls have space for 14 artworks so this will be a smaller show. For information on the Canal show visit: BVAA Canal Macabre Show

You are warmly encouraged to participate in both!

Our May 2018 monthly meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 15th from 6:30-9pm at the Uxbridge Community Gallery, 5 South Main Street, Uxbridge, MA.

This is our annual Spring Pot Luck Dinner. All members are welcome to attend!

Our meetings cover BVAA organization business from 6:30-7:00pm and then go into the eating and celebrating.

We will have the main courses catered by the Uxbridge First Night group. This includes:

Porketta
roasted chicken
Pasta & sauce
Green salad
Coffee
Oven roasted potatoes
Rolls & butter

The cost per member will be $16/person for this. Please let us know if you’re planning on attending! It’s fine to bring a check or cash with you to the dinner. We Need to Know by Noon Friday May 11 2018 If You Are Attending!

Please also bring an appetizer or dessert to share, or something to drink. Let us know what you’re planning on bringing so we can make sure we have a selection of items. This can be a fun way to let your creativity shine!

We hope to see you there!