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Artists gear up for open studio event at Mills

Fine artist Alexandra Walters works on a pastel titled "My Backyard" as Judith Webber, office manager at Indian Orchard Mills, looks on. Reminder Publications photo by Lori O'Brien
By Lori O'Brien

Correspondent



SPRINGFIELD Artists are sprucing up their studios and putting the finishes touches on works of art in preparation for the Indian Orchard Mills Fall Art Exhibition Sale & Open Studios event.

The celebration, now in its 15th year, includes a reception in the Dane Gallery featuring works from all the artists at the mill, as well as artists opening up their studios. All events are planned Nov. 11 and 12 from noon to 4 p.m.

"The City of Springfield is unquestionably on a rebound, and art is at the forefront of that effort," said Charles Brush, owner of Indian Orchard Mills (IOM).

Brush noted that long before it was popular to convert old textile mills into creative studios, he and a couple of artists decided to try something new.

"We started with wide open spaces, boasting high ceilings, maple flooring, brick walls and huge windows," said Brush, adding that it soon became evident that these spaces appealed to both accomplished and aspiring painters, sculptors, photographers and the like.

Brush also added a common gallery space where the artists could showcase their work and offer showings both private and public.

Over the past 15 years, the number of artists on-site has grown to 45 which encompasses approximately 80,000 square feet of space, and Brush emphasized that the artists at IOM have created a strong regional presence.

"The energy, creativity and enthusiasm surround you as soon as you enter the complex," he added. "Around every corner you will find pleasant surprises ranging from Sue Cagan working at her loom to a photographer snapping shots to a lithographer pulling prints."

The artwork outside the complex, "The Village Art Walk," runs the full length of IOM on Front Street and is a collaboration of all the artists at IOM, according to Judith Webber, IOM's office manager.

"They are all original paintings on metal measuring 4 feet by 4 feet," said Webber, adding the intention of the project is to facilitate the development of an art zone concept at the end of Main Street in Indian Orchard.

Visitors to the fall show will enter through Building number 14 which leads into the Dane Gallery. Webber stressed there is ample parking and individuals will be in the parking lots to direct visitors to the main entrance. Once inside the Dane Gallery, participants will receive a map that lists all IOM artists and their locations.

Both Brush and Webber encourage area residents to take time out of their busy schedules to stop in and see what great things are happening in their community. Visitors may also find a unique holiday gift idea or two.

"It gives people a chance to see a truly interesting environment right in their own backyard," said Webber. "Visitors will have a chance to meet a bunch of really talented people and meet new friends and neighbors -- not to mention support the arts."

Brush also emphasized that area residents are encouraged to bring their children to the exhibition and open studios.

"It is so important for kids to get an education in art and we take it quite seriously," he said. "There are so many good things happening in Springfield, and this is one of them."

Once inside Building number 14, all studios flow together through a series of colorful corridors that also include short steps of stairs. Webber encourages visitors to wear comfortable shoes.

Artists expected to open up their studios include J. D. Ayers, Peter Barnett, Blondell's Fashions, Claudine Bouchard, David Bowerman, Orchard Editions, Sue Cagan, Steve Calcasola, Adele Chester, Country Carvings & Creations, Julia Courtney, Heidi Coutu, Carla Daroza, Design Workshop, Richard Dupuis Woodworking, Clare Doyle, Eloy Studio, Brent Evans Pianos, FNS Studio, Charlie Garo, Karen Gilbert, Beverly Hanson, Hollywood & Vine Company, Kim Houghton, Minoo Khanbabai, Corey Lacrosse, Melissa Medina, Valerie Morton, Christopher Murphy Photography, Sister Maria Joseph Nace, Fran Nowak, Marge Paar, Michelle Pescetta, Kurt Piper Woodworking, Mona Reccord, Carol Russell, Renee Rutana, Anne Savage, Albert Saxon, Alida Saxon, Ed Snyder, Richard Tata, Sue Tosh, Jessica Torrant, Alexandra Walters, Jerry Wilson, Roberta Wilson, Karen Whitney and Joy Wright.

A suggested admission donation is $2 per person with children welcome free of charge. Light appetizers will be available in the Dane Gallery.

For more information on the events, call (413) 543-3321 or visit www.indianorchardmills.com.