As the first hints of autumn bring a welcome relief from the heat of summer, it has become a tradition for members of the Artists’ Cooperative Gallery of Westerly to curate an exhibit that reflects our universal hope for peace. For this event, artist members of the Gallery were encouraged to create pieces in keeping with the theme. Works in the West Wing Gallery will bring light to the important responsibility all have to promote peace in life, community and the greater world. International Peace Day is September 21, and we are pleased to work for the sixth year with the Westerly Chapter of the International Cities of Peace for this show. Visitors are invited to vote for their favorite works of art throughout the month when they view the works in the West Wing.

        Featured artists in September are painter Helen Roy and photographer Edward Oslund. Please click on their names to see their ACGOW Artists' Pages and go to our Current Exhibition page to also learn more about them and their work. Through our United in the Arts Community Gallery, ACGOW continues its mission to support and nurture the visual arts in the community by exhibiting the work of different groups in the greater Westerly/Pawcatuck area.  This month we are pleased to present the work of artists from the Thursday Painting Class at Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, where Featured Artist, Helen Roy, and ACGOW member, Paul Flanagan, are their current teachers.

       A group has been gathering together at PNC with various artists and instructors for over 20 years.  During the sessions, artists of all ages explore their favorite mediums in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere.  Works for this exhibit will include the mediums of oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, cold wax & oil and colored pencils.

       Each week in September a new series of classes will take place -- Learn to Paint with artist member, Jenny Thompson! Tammy Blais' classes will pick up again in October. For more details, click on this link to our Education / Community Outreach page!

       As always, visitors will find our Gallery Shop filled with ever-changing artist-made craft items. From small gift items, original small paintings and prints to greeting cards, shoppers are sure to find something unique for their personal or gift-giving needs.

      Our September show is generously sponsored by The Elms Assisted Living Center in Westerly.  The Elms provides senior independent living, assisted living and memory care.

       The public is invited to attend our opening reception, with wine contributed from downtown Westerly's Perks & Corks. Artist members will supply their usual array of edible treats. Thank you very much to all our contributors!