Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
| By Stephanie Brault Staff Intern WEST SPRINGFIELD If you are someone who is worried about the absence of local arts in your community, you may be able to put some of your worries to rest. The West Springfield Arts Council (WESPAC) is hosting its Fourth Annual Artist Showcase and "Celebrate the Arts" event on June 12 at the Landmark at Monastery Heights on Monastery Road from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The exhibit will be coordinated with the West Springfield Park and Recreation Concert Series with a performance by local band Wood Green Empire which, according to the band's MySpace, "is a versatile acoustic swing and Gypsy jazz band, offering lineups from trio to quintet, and sets of instrumental or vocal music." The Wood Green Empire concert will begin at 7 p.m., and will be presented by the West Springfield Library and fully funded by a WESPAC grant of $400 from the library. In the case of unfavorable weather, the event will take place at the West Springfield Middle School. "We had 20 exhibitors last year, and it was held at the Monastery. We decided to increase it to 30 this year, and also include some of the middle school and students in West Springfield from St. Thomas School and West Springfield Middle School," Sheila Somers stated. Somers, vice-chair of the WESPAC, said that the exhibit has grown every year. There is a variety of people, from young aspiring artists in their 20s to those who are already retired and paint as a hobby. The artists use all types of mediums, from oils to acrylics to pastels, and more. This year, for the first time, the artists will be allowed to sell their work if they choose. Somers said that there would also be an award for best of show based on the public's vote, and the person who wins will be able to choose a piece to put on display at the West Springfield Public Library. "I think it's important for the residents to be aware of the town that's out there, and to support the artists. The artists are not all from West Springfield, but also from surrounding communities," she said. "West Springfield," as Diane Clark, co-chairperson of the WESPAC, said, "is working toward creative schools, trying to support them, and expand the audience and showcase. This year there is a select showcase for students in grades six to eight." Clark said that the exhibit helps to display a lot of the local talent, since there are not many places for people to showcase their work. "This gives them a chance to showcase what they can do. Most are amateur artists. Some do sell their work, but it's mostly just an outlet to show their work and to expose people to different artwork," she explained. Tony Di Giore, treasurer of the WESPAC, said, "The Arts Council is trying to expand their coverage of music, theater, arts and dance, the four areas which the arts council provides for the community. Three years ago, we first expanded with the arts showcase, which is to go before the concert." He also explained how including the students from the middle schools and the high school is part of the expansion. "We've never gone that big before. We're trying to attract the community to a free event," he said. Di Giore added that they have received about 200 paintings. "We usually attract about 250 to 300 people. Now that the former monastery has been reformed to an assisted living center, there is a built-in audience of about 200 residents. They don't all come, but it's easy for them to step out the door and come. So with that, we could do better than 500," he explained. Di Giore said that with the showcase, especially with the inclusion of the student artists, the showcase is "really opening up." People of West Springfield and surrounding cities and towns are strongly encouraged to come out and support the arts, as well as the artists of their local communities. As in previous years, there is no fee for displaying artwork in the showcase. Admission is free for both the Artist Showcase exhibit and the concert. Light refreshments will be provided. Awards will be announced during a break in the concert. Those interested in joining the showcase should contact Sheila Somers at 734-7892 no later than May 28. |