WESTFIELD-Artists were eager to share their ideas – and their artwork – with members of ArtWorks Westfield recently as planning for the ’17 season is now underway.
The monthly artist meetings are conducted on the third Wednesday at 7 p.m. at varying locations including Blue Umbrella Books on Main Street, and are open to all artists from Westfield and the surrounding communities.
Members of ArtWorks Westfield were recently reviewing ideas by local artists including Julie Desharnais on events for the city at Blue Umbrella Books on Main Street.
Input, ideas, suggestions and engagement from artists are “so important” to continue the growth of the arts in Westfield, according to Bill Westerlind, president, ArtWorks Westfield.
“The enthusiasm for the growth of the arts and cultural events in Westfield has been infectious,” said Westerlind, noting that based on the “great success” of the Images of Westfield Art Show, the group is exploring the idea of regularly scheduled, monthly pop-up shows in the downtown area.
“We love the idea of leveraging under-utilized or unused spaces to hold these pop-up shows,” he said, adding the group is seeking downtown merchants to host shows which will drive “incremental traffic” for the stores and restaurants.
“Our guiding principle is ‘of, for and by the artists’ and everything we do has the artists in mind,” said Westerlind.
Westerlind noted that the first part of each monthly brainstorming meeting involves a discussion with artists about ongoing and upcoming projects.
At last week’s hour-long meeting, paintings and multimedia works were displayed by Donna Carmel, Natalie Avery, Ellen Westerlind and Julie Desharnais. Additionally, local author Susan Buffum provided an update on her latest published novel, Marion Dunk from the Westfield Theatre Group discussed the current production, “My Funny Valentine, A Night Of One Acts,” and local photographers Richard Cowles and Danny Nason shared ideas about a spring Images of Westfield Art Show. Peter Langmore, co-manager of the Westfield Farmers’ Market, also discussed future opportunities for musicians and artists at the market.
The meeting wrapped up with a brief business update, and the remaining time was spent brainstorming and sharing ideas for future events.
“The event planning is a bottom-up approach,” said Westerlind. “The artists bubble up the ideas and plan the events.”
Westerlind and an energetic board of directors attends and directs the group meetings. Serving on the board with Westerlind includes Andrew Surprise, vice president; Cheryl Crowe, treasurer; Marion Dunk, secretary; and directors Wayne Weatherwax, Jacqueline Funaro, Steve Jones and Tom Sawyer.
“Our next big artistic project is the organization of a follow-up to our very successful Articulture Show held last April,” said Westerlind. “The concept of music, gallery art and literature all under one roof will remain the same but the exact size, extent and format of the show is in development.”
The spring Articulture event is planned April 22 at the Westfield Woman’s Club.
“With a year of experience under our belts we’re confident the show will be bigger and better than last year,” said Westerlind.
The next two meetings are planned for Feb. 15 and March 15 at 7 p.m. at Blue Umbrella Books, and getting involved is easy, according to Westerlind.
“We are actively seeking artists and volunteers to help us grow the arts in Westfield,” said Westerlind. “We love our volunteers.”
Artists are encouraged to participate in Artworks Westfield meetings.
Attendees at meetings range from painters, musicians, actors, writers and authors to poets, sculptors, dancers, and screenplay writers.
“The meetings are also attended by citizens of Westfield who aren’t necessarily artists but enjoy the arts,” said Westerlind. “I have no artistic talent but I love the arts and I want to experience a greater cultural presence in the city, so I volunteer my time and energy to support our local artistic talent and in turn build out a creative economy in Westfield.”
Westerlind added that Jessica Martin, owner, Blue Umbrella Books, has pledged to host cultural events throughout the year, as well as Jay Beaton, owner of the recently opened Jayzz Cafe.
“These generous and gracious business owners in Westfield are examples of individuals who want to be actively engaged in the arts,” said Westerlind.
For more information, visit ArtWorks Westfield on Facebook, or send an email to [email protected].
“Through our social media communications we actively promote any and all artistic events in the city,” said Westerlind.
