September 2 — 27, 2026 Opening Reception, September 4, 5-8 p.m.
The public is invited to come view the Artists’ Cooperative Gallery of Westerly (ACGOW)'s September exhibit and join in for our monthly “First Friday” Opening Reception on Friday, September 4th from 5 to 8pm. Attending the reception is a great opportunity to meet the ACGOW artists, and enjoying hors d'oeuvres and wine while exploring September's art presentation.
As the changing leaves 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 brings to light the important responsibility all have to promote peace in life, our communities and the greater world. This month we are pleased to present “Making Peace”.
The United Nations has long recognized September 21 as the International Day of Peace. Here, at home, since 1917, the Westerly / Pawcatuck area has been designated as an International City of Peace to encourage individuals and groups in the community to become involved in creating a culture where all living beings are respected and treated fairly. Click here for more information on the International Cities of Peace.
In September the themed exhibit in the West Wing Gallery will be alive with members’ interpretations of peace. Patrons are invited to vote for their favorite “Peace” artworks throughout the month when they visit. Thanks to the generosity of local peace activist, Frank Thacker, representing the Westerly / Pawcatuck International City of Peace, prizes will be awarded to the ten artists who receive the greatest number of votes for their peace-themed work.
Featured in the main gallery are the works of juried artist members Lois Lawrence and R. Douglass Rice. Artworks from the Tuesday Painting Group at the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center in Pawcatuck, CT, are shown in the UNITED in Arts Community Gallery. Click to our Featured Artists page and our United in the Arts page for more information about these collections.
Among ACGOW's 57 juried artist members, a wide variety of two- and three- dimensional mediums is represented. 2D mediums include a oils, watercolors, encaustics, acrylics, pastels, mixed media, photographs, and cold wax & oil. Art patrons can enjoy a diverse approach in both representational and abstract styles. 3D mediums in the September show include an array of pottery, fiber arts, various types of sculpture, 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.
As a sustaining sponsor, each month's opening reception is made possible with the support of Perks and Corks, an iconic Westerly martini bar and coffee shop in downtown Westerly, RI. We appreciate their generous contributions of wine.
This month, artist member Tammy Blais will offer two 2-hour classes in which she will share with participants her techniques of oil painting with a palette knife. Students will produce a finished oil painting of their own. Click to see more information on our Education / Comunity Outreach page.
Visitors are also invited to check out the Gallery Shop, located in the west wing. The shop is stocked with new art each month, and an array of small, affordable works including framed and unframed prints, cards, miniature paintings, mobiles, jewelry, books and fine collectibles.
A Selection of ACGOW Artists' Works You'll See in September
62 High Street
Westerly, RI 02891
(401) 596-1260