The four elements of nature -Earth, Water, Air, and Fire—are ancient, fundamental concepts representing the building blocks of the physical world and life’s energy. Earth represents stability, grounding, foundation, and the physical/sensual aspects of life. Water symbolizes emotions, intuition, empathy, and the flow of life. Air signifies the mind, intellect, communication, and inspiration.  Fire embodies passion, energy, transformation, and creativity.

      This month's show at the Artists’ Cooperative Gallery of Westerly (ACGOW) will be alive with artistic interpretations of the Four Elements. The public is invited to come to the show and join in for the “First Friday” Reception on Friday, March 6, from 5-8pm. The reception is a great opportunity to see the show and meet the artists, while enjoying hors d'oeuvres and wine.

       In addition, the March show will feature the works of juried artist members John Craig and Arlene Piacquadio in the main gallery, and art students of Westerly Middle School in the United in the Arts Community Gallery. Please see more information about our featured artists by clicking the Current Exhibition link above.

        The March show will include the art of 50-plus artist members of the Artists’ Cooperative Gallery of Westerly featuring a wide variety of two-and three-dimensional mediums. The two-dimensional mediums include a large selection of oils, watercolors, encaustic, acrylics, pastels, mixed media, photographs, cold wax & oil artwork. Art patrons can enjoy a diverse approach to both representational and abstract styles. The collection of three-dimensional art for the March show will include an array of pottery, fiber arts, sculptures, mobiles, handcrafted wooden pieces, tables, boxes and vibrantly colored fused glass. In addition, on display will be a stunning selection of colorful handcrafted earrings, pendants, rings and bracelets created with both polymer clay, lampwork glass and metal.

        The March show’s opening reception is made possible with the support of Perks and Corks, an iconic Westerly martini bar and coffee shop Westerly. Perks and Corks is a sustaining sponsor that donates wine every month for the First Friday Opening Reception, for which we are grateful.

         ACGOW continues its mission to support and nurture the visual arts in the community by exhibiting the work of different groups in our United in Arts Gallery. In March we will host an exhibit of the budding artists of Westerly Middle School's eighth grade students. Those interested in learning about art spent a semester in an exploratory class tackling many ideas and concepts including design and drawing challenges. Students were encouraged to pursue their own vision and choose imagery that is personal to them.

       Two different types of classes will be offered in March. On Tuesdays, March 10 & 24, Artist member Tammy Blais will offer  two-hour classes in which she will share with participants her techniques of oil painting with a palette knife. Participants will produce a finished oil painting of their own. On Sunday, March 15, artist member Janet Maher will teach a relaxing two-hour workshop that involves practicing the basics of drawing and design with pencils and pens. Participants will learn how a simple point or mark activates a piece of paper, evolving into various lines and shapes that becomes a work of art. Click to our Education/Community Outreach page for further information about both and to contact the teachers to register.

       Also with an eye to community engagement, ACGOW's March donation basket will support Operation Fresh Start. Through this organization many individuals who need assistance receive help in getting set for a new journey in life. A bin will be placed in the Gallery, and the public is encouraged to donate any of the following items. Items in need: tall kitchen trash can, toilet brush, dish soap, sponges, hand soap, all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, disinfectant wipes, dish towels, potholders, trash can liners, paper towels, toilet paper, foil/plastic wrap, mop/bucket, broom, kitchen cleanser, and fire blanket. See more at www.operationfreshstartinc.com.

ACGOW is pleased to announce its 31st Annual Regional Art Exhibit.The finest artists across the Northeast will be represented in this well-known and prestigious exhibit. $3,000 in prizes for outstanding work will be rewarded at the Opening Reception on Friday, April 3rd at 6:30pm. Artists interested in entering may download the complete prospectus and label forms for this exhibition by following the links on this page.

        Gallery visitors are invited to check out the Gallery Shop, located in the west wing. The shop features an array of small, affordable works including framed and unframed prints, cards, miniature paintings, mobiles, jewelry, books and fine collectibles.