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Indian Orchard is a 'fine neighborhood' for the fine arts

By Lori Szepelak

Correspondent



INDIAN ORCHARD It's a "fine neighborhood."

That's how Brian F. Hale sees Indian Orchard and what drives him and others in the Indian Orchard Main Street Partnership (IOMSP) to turn around the impression of those across the region.

The IOMSP is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization working to revitalize Springfield's Indian Orchard neighborhood. The partnership includes a collaboration of artists, businesses, residents and property owners who are determined to strengthen the economic, cultural and educational aspects of the community.

Gallery 137 is one of those ambitious projects that the partnership has undertaken to make visible the importance of the arts in the community. Hale is president of IOMSP as well as a designer/consultant for his own business, Design Workshop Inc., at the Indian Orchard Mills on Front Street.

"These projects and programs in Indian Orchard are important to me personally because I am committed to working for the improvement of this fine neighborhood," said Hale during an interview with Reminder Publications. "My business is here and it makes sense logically, ethically and economically to work toward a vibrant, enjoyable community."

Heidi M. Coutu, executive director of Gallery 137, echoed those sentiments during the interview.

"We are an exhibition gallery," she said, adding, "we exist to bring art to the community and to give artists an opportunity to be showcased in a professional, supportive space."

Both Hale and Coutu agreed that arts "uplift communities."

"People are coming to the Orchard who would have no other reason to do so," said Coutu. "When they do, they patronize the local businesses and Main Street comes alive."

Gallery 137 is located at the former home of Stella's Restaurant, which had been closed for almost 10 years. One look at the "before" and "after" photos show what determination and commitment to a project can accomplish which is nothing short of miraculous. As partnership members see it, Gallery 137 provides the anchor to develop and promote an attractive and vital arts district in the neighborhood which already boasts the Dane Gallery, artists' studios in the Indian Orchard Mills complex and Art Walk to Main Street.

"Gallery 137 is welcoming, beautiful and will remind individuals there is hope for a true great roots cultural experience in Springfield," added Coutu.

Through the end of August, Gallery 137's first annual Members Juried Show features two walls of artwork, ranging from pastels and hand tinted digital prints to fiber work, quilts and marble sculpture on pedestals. Gloria Russell, Larry Slezak and Bill Myers served as jurors for the show which showcases the best submitted artwork of Gallery 137's artist members. The Dane Gallery at Indian Orchard Mills also has artwork showcasing Gallery 137's artist members now through the end of the month. Tables and chairs are strategically placed to allow visitors to sit and take in the ambiance of the gallery which also includes tin ceilings and beautiful hardwood floors which transport one to another era.

"The juried show is an opportunity for all of our artist members to have their work curated, seen, to participate in an opening and to bring friends to experience art in the Orchard," said Coutu. "We were delighted at the caliber of entries and at the enthusiasm for the event in general."

Coutu, a working artist since 1984, added that creative arts professionals are seeking venues to have their work seen, and that they also have a need to communicate with other artists.

"Gallery 137 is the singular grassroots art scene in the city," she said. "The Springfield Symphony, CityStage and the Quadrangle are great, but for a city of its size, Springfield has no art 'scene' except for us and the Bing which we anticipate will open this fall."

Hale added that since residents of many of Springfield's neighborhoods are culturally underserved, it's vital to provide opportunities to experience art and culture on a personal level.

"People are drawn together in a very positive way by the arts," he said. "It's important to encourage people to gather for enjoyment and cultural exchange, whether they are neighborhood residents or live elsewhere in the valley. Cultural cross-pollination is quite worthwhile."

Hale stressed that Gallery 137 is intended as a "tool" to increase cultural and economic development in the Indian Orchard neighborhood.

"We are working to develop a stronger arts presence or 'zone' here," he added. "We are trying to spread the arts presence from the Indian Orchard Mills complex to Main Street. We hope to continue attracting patrons and customers to Indian Orchard."

As part of his role with the IOMSP, Hale is also on a mission to recruit creative entrepreneurs to settle and work here.

Funding is always on the mind of all of the IOMSP members, and Hale noted that though he understands why line items like Gallery 137 in state budgets can be subject to vetoes, he thanked Rep. Thomas M. Petrolati and Rep. Sean Curran, as well as state Sen. Gale D. Candaras, for their "team effort" in continuing to secure funds for IOMSP projects.

Coutu added that part of her role as executive director of Gallery 137 also involves working with local representatives to secure funding, and to keep the aspects of the organization in compliance with state requirements.

As Coutu gears up for the fall season, area residents can expect an eclectic array of shows and musical events for the coming months. For starters, on Sept. 5 at 7:30 p.m., Gallery 137 hosts composers and musicians Ellen Schwartz and Roger Bruno known as Too Human in an evening of music that will range from jazz standards to the American Songbook. The event is part of Gallery 137's First Fridays monthly series.

"Ellen's earthy voice combines perfectly with Roger's unusual percussion style and stirring vocals," notes Coutu.

The "Heart of Glass" exhibition runs Sept. 6 through Oct. 4, featuring hand blown glass art by Joe Peters and Peter Muller. Father-daughter artists Peter and Sonya Kitchell will present an exhibition titled "Kitchell & Kitchell" from Oct. 18 to Nov. 22, and film screenings round out fall offerings.

A high-end unique Arts and Crafts Holiday Show is also slated in the coming months, with gift ideas ranging from glass work and fiber arts to jewelry.

Coutu and Hale welcome (and encourage) area residents to become involved either as artist members or as volunteers to help with events and programs. For more information, call Coutu at 543-6994 or visit www.Gallery137.org.

Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"We hope we get to a point where people are clamoring for us to be open more," added Hale.