SPRINGFIELD Hampden Bank recently donated $1,000 to Gallery 137 located at 137 Main St. in Indian Orchard. Gallery 137, formerly Stella's Restaurant, was a popular neighborhood eatery for many years and has been thoroughly renovated for its new mission as a focal point for the arts. Gallery 137 is a project of the Indian Orchard Main Street Partnership, a non-profit 501 (c) 3, that provides the Indian Orchard neighborhood with a community venue focused on fine contemporary art. Executive Director Heidi Coutu and Gallery Curator Julia Courtney exhibit a wide range of contemporary work from local, regional, national and international artists. Educational programs are also available for community members of all ages and backgrounds that wish develop and present artwork. Sharing Coutu's vision for Indian Orchard is Brian Hale. Hale is the president of the Indian Orchard Main Street Partnership, a non-profit organization with a mission to revitalize the downtown commercial district of Indian Orchard. "We're delighted to be part of Indian Orchard's neighborhood revitalization and we hope our contribution will help Heidi and Brian in their quest to make Indian Orchard a true destination in Western Massachusetts," Rick DeBonis, Hampden Bank's marketing director, said. Coutu added, "When we met Rick DeBonis for the first time we knew he really understood what we were trying to do for Indian Orchard. He, along with everyone at Hampden Bank, have been great neighbors as well as friends of the arts movement. This generous donation will go a long way towards our dream of a better Indian Orchard." | ||||||
