Founded By Artists, Supporting Artists
History
The Artists’ Cooperative Gallery of Westerly (ACGOW) is a fine arts gallery located at 14 Railroad Avenue in the historic Westerly Train Station. Artist membership in the 501-(c)3 non-profit organization is achieved through a jurying process in order to keep the quality of work at the highest levels. The Gallery exhibits a new show every month and offers scheduled lectures, workshops and art classes. The ACGOW Gallery Shop contains a wide array of smaller items for gift giving.
Founded by artists Bruce Goodsell, Sandi Gold, and Ginger Mitchell in 1992, this Artist-owned and operated gallery has grown significantly through the years and currently has more than 50 artist members and a dedicated group of friends, associates, sponsors, and volunteers. ACGOW is committed to supporting and nurturing the visual arts in the greater Westerly / Pawcatuck area through increasing awareness and appreciation for the visual arts, building an arts community through mutual support, cooperation and education and by providing artists with an opportunity to develop, exhibit and sell their work.
As a cooperative gallery managed and staffed by members who volunteer their time, members are not charged commissions on the sale of art and crafts. Instead, the gallery is funded through member dues and public contributions. As a result, artists are free to set prices for their work that are generally lower than would be charged in traditional commercial galleries.
For information about Joining As An Artist, click here.
For further details about any other categories on this page, please email ACGOW President, Lois Lawrence.
Mission
ACGOW is a nonprofit art organization dedicated to supporting and nurturing the visual arts in the greater Westerly/Pawcatuck area through:
• Increasing awareness and appreciation of the visual arts
• Building an arts community through mutual support, cooperation and education
• Providing artists with an opportunity to develop, exhibit and sell their work
Corporate Sponsorship
We offer the opportunity for local businesses to sponsor an exhibit or activity. Sponsors are recognized publicity on our web site, at our openings, on our mailings, and in our media outreach.
Donors
As an all-volunteer organization, we rely on our donors for their support of our mission to promote the arts. Our donors support us with their time and funding, We thank you for your time and generosity.
Please go to our DONORS page to see the many ways you can help support our cause. Thank you.
Volunteers
Operating an art gallery requires extensive work. Gallery members ensure that the gallery is open 35 hours a week, hang a new show each month, prepare mailings and media releases, create marketing, maintain a website, and prepare special events. Many members work full time. We welcome volunteers!