"New England - Old England - My England"
Alan Pelz-Sharpe Photography Show

starts on Saturday October 2, 2010
(can be viewed on October 2nd during Sprinkler Factory Open Studios in the afternoon)
Opening Reception: Saturday, October 2, 2010 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Main Gallery

Artist Statement:
I first came to Psychogeography via an interest and involvement in Situationist & Anarchist Politics in the 1990’s. Whilst at the same time I was traipsing every street in central London. doing “the knowledge” with no interest in eventually driving taxis. But I did become aware of the connections between places, people and society in general.
Hence, what I explore in all my work is the “human landscape” along with "a sense of place", or as psychogeographers call it "the genius loci". I walk, explore and try to reflect something of the experience of being in a particular place, the resonance of the place itself and its impact on me and to a lesser extent those around me.My particular interest is in "thin places", locations where this world and another are close to one another. Those places that live among us, yet go unnoticed. Forgotten places, they are my favorite. To spend time in a place that few others notice or know about is special.
My photography has always been a means of tapping into a quieter mode of thinking, and reflecting back the experience of being in and with a specific location. I am a believer that there is a thread and set of connections between everything and everyone. So I thought it interesting if co-incidental that I found myself living in Middlesex County, MA when I moved to America. Yet it was not until very recently that I found out that virtually all my photographs of the Lea & Silk Stream were taken in what were the original boundaries of Middlesex in the UK. I did not know until I looked at an old map in my possession that the boundaries of Middlesex originally encompassed what is now Barnet and Harringay to the west of Harrow where I lived. Even though there is literally an ocean of water between both Middlesex counties, they share much in common. Were both important regions in their own right in the past, both are now suburbs of larger cities (London and Boston), and both now officially abolished.
I clearly have a connection with Middlesex County.

Jeremy Sinkus 2 Day Workshop
Flameworking meets ColdWorking

Flameworking meets Coldworking -
Adding Another Dimensional Feel to Your Flameworked Borosilicate Glass By Removing It

Saturday & Sunday
October 9 & 10, 2010
10 AM to 4 PM
Something Phishy Glass Studio located at The Sprinkler Factory

Day 1 Students will design and create jewelry, beads, small scale sculpture or marbles with the idea that they will have a window or multiple windows looking into the piece to expose the interior designs. Here we will cover design and really thinking ahead of what you want to see in the final piece. Using layers of clear, color rods, frit and powder we will explore the possibilities a little grit can make.

Day 2 The class will go over the theory and how we want to approach the removal of glass using flat laps. These are slow spinning disks with abrasive grits used to cut or grind through the glass ending in a final polish. With the use of machinery we will cut and polish the works from the day before. We will go over the right equipment and supplies for your specific needs and where to find it. This technique has been used for many different applications in glass. From flattening bases to polishing windows and faceting. This class will be using borosilicate glass but, the application is not limited to borosilicate glass. Any glass can utilize this wonderful concept, including soft glass beads and furnace work.

Experience in the use of boro glass required, intermediate to advanced.

Cost: $365
Includes: Beverage/Bagels in AM - Lunch - All glass supplies.

Something Phishy Glass Studio
38 Harlow Street, Worcester, MA 01605
Second floor of the Sprinkler Factory
Elisa Minasian
www.somethingphishyglasstudio.com
Email: somethingphishy1@gmail.com
508-854-4172

Emilio Santini - Soft Glass Figure Making "The Venetian Way"

November 5, 6, & 7, 2010
Friday & Saturday classes will run 10 AM to 5 PM or later
Sunday class will run 10 AM to 4 PM
Something Phishy Glass Studio

Soft glass figure making "The Venetian Way" and soft glass blowing with a small blow pipe at the torch.

The class will cover the venetian technique of figure making with soft glass starting from the simplest primitive figure and will end with the more elaborate open legged figure. We will show the tricks we use to make objects in soft glass without the use of a kiln and without continuously reheating the glass. We will also cover figure at the mandrel and adding mythological elements to the object.

Blowing with a small blow pipe at the torch will allow you to make small vessels and small hollow beads. We will use small tubing that the student will be able to save and use later when needed.

Demonstrations on making scorpions, bugs and other animals in soft glass will be an integral port of the class.

One year experience with soft glass required

Cost: $415.00 (This will include bagels/donuts & beverage in the mornings and lunch on all 3 days.)

For more information and to register for this class go to: www.somethingphishyglasstudio.com
OR contact Elisa at: somethingphishy1@gmail.com or: 508-854-4172

Bead Vendor Day

September 25, 2010
10:00am - 5:00pm

FREE and OPEN to the PUBLIC.
The Sprinkler Factory Artist Studios will be open during this event.

This is a day of shopping for all of your glass beadmaking and jewelry supplies. See what's happening in the world of glass art. Come in and socialize, meet old friends and make new friends!

Participants in this year's Boston Chapter ISGB Vendor Day will be:

• Aly Cat Lapidary - hand cut and polished stones for your jewelry
• America's Box & Display - For all of your show needs, display boxes and stands, jewelry boxes and packaging for all sizes.
• Artisan's Accomplice
• Basically Beads - seed beads of all sizes for your beading projects
• Bead Gallery - findings, wire, tools, for all your jewelry making needs
• Cedi Handmade Glass Beads
• The Dogfather
• Flamedome
• GG Glass - assorted glass rods and frits
• Brian Gingras
• Jessica Healy Photo Studio - Photo's taken of your glass and jewelry right here in the gallery.
• Max Greco Leather - fine Greek leather cord for stringing in a multitude of colors and sizes
• June LeDuke
• Medical Equipment - Oxygen concentrators
• Berm Pelletier
• PMS Supplies & Kits
• Stone Aly Designs
• Wale Apparatus - soft and boro glass, kilns, kits, tools for glass bead makers. Everything you need to start up your own studio.
• Vintage Harry
• Special Sale(items from the Rhonda Young collection)
• Watch for more vendors!

Photography Show

Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010
7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sprinkler Factory Main Gallery.

Photographers Take Over Worcester Gallery For A One-Night Show

Photographers can be real control freaks. From behind the camera, they crop the composition, manipulate the lighting and adjust the focus. But that?s just the beginning. Now they're taking control of a Worcester gallery for a one-night show.

"I have my own ideas about what I want to show, and how to show it," said Jeff Haynes, one of the exhibiting photographers and the show's organizer. "And while this area definitely has lots of great galleries and talented curators, I just don't have the patience to wait for one of them to get on board with my vision." As a result, Haynes is organizing Things We Project with five other Massachusetts photographers.The show, set for Saturday Sept. 18, 2010 at the Sprinkler Factory, will feature photographers Nicole Chan, Scott Erb, Haynes, Dana Lane, Steve Stearns and Cynthia Woehrle. "As the name suggests, this event is designed specifically for each photographer to showcase what he or she aims to achieve as an artist," Haynes said. Each photographer has selected 10 images to represent one cohesive body of work for the show. The six collections vary widely in scope, including figurative, narrative, travel and painterly style photos. "This is a chance for the photographers to talk about how they view the world through their respective lenses," Haynes said. "I didn't want a show constrained by a single theme - I wanted an honest presentation from each photographer of what he or she likes to shoot."

The 60 photos will be presented through a combination of computer displays and digital projectors. The move was made, in part, to save on the costs in printing, matting and framing 60 images. But there were other considerations, too.

"The projectors certainly add a theatrical element, which I like," Haynes said. "And the computer displays provide a relatable interface for viewers. Most of us see a steady stream of images on our computer screens, thanks to the Internet. So the show will feature a variation on a format we have come to accept for viewing photos."

Things We Project is a special, one-night-only event happening on Saturday, Sept. 18 from 7:30 to 10 at the Sprinkler Factory, 38 Harlow St. in Worcester, Mass.

The show is free and open to the public. High resolution copies of sample photos are available to media upon request.

Contact: Jeff Haynes show organizer and exhibiting photographer - (508) 954-4955 - jeffhaynes@me.com - ThingsWeProject.wordpress.com.

"Symbiotic Relationships" Open Juried Show

This exciting exhibit is going to feature works by a multitude of local artists. The theme of the show is "Inspiration from the Sprinkler Factory". This is an opportunity for artists to look toward their environment and fellow artists for inspiration. Come and see what has been created!

Call for Artists!

The Sprinkler Factory Artist Group is calling all artists to submit works for a show and exhibit this coming May.

All artists draw from each other for inspiration and guidance. The artists at the Sprinkler Factory are no exception! The Sprinkler Factory is an emerging artist’s colony located in the heart of Worcester.

In celebration of the building’s rich history and promising future, the newly formed Artists’ Group is sponsoring its first Open Show. In addition to resident artists of the Sprinkler Factory, the group would like to extend an invitation to all artists in the Worcester area to submit original work.

Theme: "Symbiotic Relationships
- Inspiration Drawn from the Sprinkler Factory"

All work must originate from inspiration drawn from either (1) a resident artist’s work, if you are a non-resident artist, (2) from another resident artist’s work, if you are a resident artist, or (3) from the Sprinkler Factory itself. As part of the application, the artist must briefly explain the creative origin. Please do not allow the theme to intimate; the theme can be broadly interpreted. So, be creative! Non-resident artists are invited to visit the Sprinkler Factory for inspiration.

Dates:
Completed entry forms are due by noon May 1, 2010.
Notification of jury acceptance will be by May 6th, 2010.
The show will run from May 14th through May 30th.
The Grand Opening for the show is scheduled for May 15th from 8:00-10:30 PM.

Media:
All media are welcome as long as the piece meets the sprit of the theme. Media may include, but is not limited to oil, pastel, acrylic, watercolor, and mixed element media, photography, sculpture, fine art crafts, fabric and fibers as well as jewelry. All work must be suitably displayable in a fine art gallery!

Application:
Please download the application (this document also includes further pertinent details):
Application (PDF)

Annual Spring Open Studios and Sale Event

Mark your calendars for May 14, 15, and 16!

(Click here for larger image)

Come join the Sprinkler Factory Artists and the Members of the Fire Works Clay Studio during this exciting 3-day event, which is also part of the "All Arts Weekend in the WOO" celebration of fine arts and crafts in Worcester.

Gallery Exhibit: "More than Clothe"

Show Hours: Saturday, Noon–4:00 pm and Sunday, Noon–4:00 pm
Through the End of March.
Free Admission

(click on the image for a larger view)

Works in cloth have moved from the utilitarian to standalone art objects. This collection provides a brief introduction to the fiber artists’ community of Worcester County. Works include traditional quilts, as well as contemporary fiber art. The viewer is encouraged in observe that fiber art is truly a mixed media art form. In addition to cloth and colored thread, photographic prints, paint, ink as well as sewn in objects are all available components to today’s fiber artist’s palet.

Several of the quilts in this show have been recognized at regional competitions. A few of the objects on display are unfinished, works-in-progress giving the viewer an opportunity to step into the mind of the artist. Like preliminary sketches for a painting, these early-stage works teach from a distance providing inspiration and insight into the creative process.

The show is sponsored by the Stitchers’ Academy and participating artists include: Scott Niro; Pam Machamer; Judy Bachand; Helen Plassmann; Ron Nance; Todd Peckham; Beverly Tuson; Cindy Delacey; April-May Rosebrooks-Moser; Vicki Niro; Trish Miller; Nora Gibbs; Alvin Gomez

You may download the PDF flyer here.

Fireworks Clay Studio & Sprinkler Factory Artists
Annual Holiday Open Studios & Sale

Don’t miss this opportunity to finish out your holiday gift shopping for finely crafted pottery, art, jewelry, glass Lampwork, and so much more!

Gallery Exhibit - "The Unknown Works" - Artist Cory Heisson

Cory Heisson: "The Green Man"

Artist Statement

I have spent such a long time focused on finding my voice and stylistic impression that along the way I forgot how important it is that art is a vehicle for expression. Art is a way for people to disclose the personal experiences we all have and to present them in a way that has emotional impact.

As I sat in my studio about two years ago, wondering what it is that I am personally trying to say, I realized that the ACT of painting is itself an expression. As I create, I trance out to the rhythm of the brush, the soft drops of water as I wash, the gentle grating of the brush on canvas. While the content of the work I do is always an iconic image that has affected me in some way, the act of spending hours on a piece creates itself.

You will find that for me, my work in creation is catharsis. That is all. I want to finish a piece and find peace within. Even the dark work has a protective quality to my soul, as if a demon that I painted will somehow stave off evil to protect me. You may notice a common color theory approach to most of my pieces and that of course lends itself to the way I feel at the time I am at my easel. I hope you find the work as interesting as it was rewarding to accomplish.

Biography

Cory "Zoid" Heisson is a local painter and a licensed custom tattoo artist. After having his first one man show at the CC Lowell Gallery in Worcester five years ago, he has gone on to show his work at Main Street Art School Gallery, multiple tattoo shops, restaurants, and has pieces in many private collections.

Mr. Heisson has a few album covers under his belt, as well as t-shirt designs for local bands like Domacile, Before the Fall, and The Siren Project. He has designed many logos, mostly for rock bands and other artists, but has even designed for Environmental Technologies Group, Inc., a company that regulates the output of harmful toxins by large manufacturing plants.

Sign making has always been a special interest to Mr. Heisson and there are a lot of examples of his craft in Worcester County. He has done work for Friendly’s Ice Cream, Subway, Inner Renewal Massage Therapy, Main Street Tattoo Parlor, and Club Oz.

Mr. Heisson is now working as a custom tattoo artist in Gardner, Massachusetts and is an instructor teaching seminars on drawing, painting, wood burning, and tattooing.

If you are interested in contacting Mr. Heisson you can call his cell 774-239-4343, email him at zoidgrafx__AT__hotmail.com, check out his portfolio at Myspace.com/Zoidgrafx.

Gallery Exhibit - "A Retrospective" - Artist Susan Larrow

Artist Statement

"When painting, I have always felt a sense of fullfillment, that my life was enriched and complete. Subjects that show life and expression, like people, flowers, and landscapes have been my focus."

Biography

Susan has taught art for the past 35 years at Killingly High School and Woodstock Academy in CT. Her work has been exhibited in the CT Women Artists Show and the CT Artist Show at the Slater Memorial Art Museum in 2008 and 2009.

Gallery Exhibit - "Change It As You See Fit"
An Interactive Installation & Pottery by Kate Lewis

ePostcard

Please click on the thumbnail to view a larger image; after viewing, please use your browser's 'back' button to return here:

Artist Statement

Creating art and working with clay provides me with a peace of mind, which I find important to share with others through my art. I create pottery and installation spaces where people may interact by touching and moving pieces, engaging in an active, meditative process. I have always cared deeply about other people and I strive to affect others in a positive manner.

I bring this attention to my artwork when I am creating and collaborating on installations, or when I am forming, firing, and glazing my pottery. I try to create atmospheres and scenarios that may universally inspire moments of meditation and are offerings for my audience to ease the stress of everyday existence.

When someone connects with my functional work, and incorporates my pottery into their lives, the destiny of the pottery is brought to fruition. With interaction, my installations materialize as subtly multiplying moments of community collaboration.

Biography

Kate Lewis was born in Concord, Massachusetts and grew up in southeast Michigan. She has spent time living in Germany, Rome and Denmark. In May 2007, Kate earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a focus on ceramics and sculpture, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Michigan State University. Kate's dedication to expanding her knowledge of ceramics and the craft community has led her to spend time at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Maine, the International Ceramic Research Center in Denmark, and more recently as an Artist-in-Residence at the Worcester Center for Crafts in Massachusetts. She has many solo and juried exhibits to her credit.

Spring 2009 Sprinkler Factory Craft Fair

Shop with New England's finest juried artisans and crafters. Resident Sprinkler Factory Artists will hold Open Studios throughout the complex during the show as well. You also have the opportunity to peruse original pottery and ceramic art during the FireWorks Clay Studio Semi-Annual Sale.

Why drive to the Malls to find that special endulgence or gift? Stop here for unique, quality handcrafted craft items! You're bound to find something for yourself or everyone on your shopping list! Don't miss it!

Craft Fair Times:

• Friday, May 15, 2009, 5:00pm to 9:00pm
• Saturday, May 16, 2009, 10:00am to 5:00pm
• Sunday, May 17, 2009, 10:00am to 5:00pm

Attention Fine Art Crafters!

Applications are now being accepted!

The Sprinkler Factory is seeking crafters with unique, distinctive, high quality hand made crafts. In order to ensure the variety and quality our patrons expect, this show will be juried.

Application Documents:

• Application, page 1 [PDF]
• Application, page 2 [PDF]
• Application, page 3 [PDF]

The application deadline is April 17, 2009. Applications are processed and juried as they are received. Hence it is suggested that you apply as early as possible. Thank you.

For questions, please send email to:

Gallery Exhibit - Sculptor Jon Williams
"Familiar Objects From The Hidden Landscape"

Stay tuned for more information which will be added here soon!

Artist Statement

"My work manipulates the familiar through deconstruction, reconstruction, and change of use, in order to convey a broad universal theme. In this process, recognizable forms and concepts are transformed into echoes of former use and combined with the new, to create a hybrid. These quiet objects speak their own language, a language that can be sarcastic, humorous, somber, or elusive. The objects and themes are pulled from cultural New England heritage, spiritual belief, supernatural woodlust, and Yankee ingenuity. Themes also include love, loss, hope, and desire.

For me, my work acts as an identifier and a communicator, something that can transcend the physical into the emotional, and act as a familiar."

Biography

Jon Williams is currently a resident of Rutland Massachusetts. He graduated with Distinction and Honors, with a B.F.A. in Sculpture from Massachusetts College of Art in Boston, MA in 2004. He was awarded an Angel Fellowship at the Carving Studio and Sculpture Center in W. Rutland, Vermont where he did stone carving study under B. Amore in July 2003. He has several collaborative and solo exhibits to his credit.

Jon is a member of the Four Point Artist Community in Boston, MA and the Arthur Ashley Williams Foundation in Framingham MA

Argentine Tango: Milonga

Saturday, May 2, 2009
8:00pm to 9:00pm: Lesson (especially for beginners, but all dancers are welcome)
9:00pm until midnight: dancing with DJ Pao
$15 with lesson, $10 dance only

Join us for this fantastic social dance in the main Gallery. Open to dancers and non-dancers alike.

For more information, please visit Tango at the Factory or feel free to call call Dawn at 774.364.1099.

Note: The Think Tank Student Craft Show originally scheduled for May 5, 2009 has been cancelled.

Benefit for Central Ma Rape Crisis Center
Exhibit of T-Shirts from the Clothesline Project

Donations will be graciosuly accepted to benefit the Rape Crisis Center.

This benefit will feature an Exhibit of T-shirts from the Clothesline Project,
as well as free Yoga and Massage from the YOGA&more Studio.

This event is facilitated by YOGA&more.

Tango Dances

Milongas, typically on the last Saturday of the month, from 9pm to 12am.
Dates for the early 2009 dances:
Saturday, January 31, 2009,
Saturday, February 28, 2009,
Saturday, March 28, 2009,
Saturday, April 25, 2009, (cancelled)
Saturday, May 30, 2009, (cancelled)
Saturday, June 27, 2009 (cancelled).

Join us for these fantastic social dances in the main Gallery. Open to dancers and non-dancers alike.

For more information, please visit Tango at the Factory or feel free to call call Dawn at 774.364.1099.

National Yoga Day Celebration at YOGA&more

Come and celebrate National Yoga Day on Saturday, January 24th from Noon to 4pm at YOGA&more at the Sprinkler Factory.

Pamper yourself with free Yoga and Massages. Donations are graciously accepted to benefit the YWCA Daybreak Resources for Battered Women.

Schedule:

• 45 minute Svaroopa Yoga Class offered on the hour
• 10 minute massages offered throughout the day
• Display of Clothesline Project T-shirts in 2nd Floor Gallery
• Airing of video of the "Making of a Shirt" for the Clothesline Project also in the Gallery

Reservations would be appreciated.

For more information, please visit www.YogaAtTheSprinklerFactory.com or call Linda at 508-579-6986.

Exhibit: "Golden Remains",
Fine Art Photography by Lindsay Monroe,
with contributions by Josh Johnson.

Come and see the photography of Lindsay Monroe, with additional contributions by Josh Johnson in the main Sprinkler Factory Gallery.

Opening Receptions,
Thursday October 16 and Friday October 17, 2008, starting at 6:30pm
The public is invited to attend. Refreshments will be served.

Feel free to click on the thumbnails to view larger versions of the pictures (then use your browser's "back" button to get back to this page):

Artist Biography

Lindsay learned her way around a camera and a darkroom at a very young age. Her passion and profession was first guided by her father who was a photography hobbyist and professional himself. At 16 years old, Lindsay had enough knowledge to begin working as a photo assistant with Vaugh Photography in Holden, MA. She continued on with Hilton Photography until 2004 when she stopped to attend the New England School of Photography in Boston, MA. At NESOP Lindsay focused her technique on documentaries, portraiture and advertising photography. She studied under amazing photographers, including Arthur Rainville, Bruno Debas, Bob Jenks and Laura Paneida. After NESOP Lindsay was offered a position at Cashman Photography in Las Vegas, NV as a wedding photographer. She did this for two years before returning to the area recently to start her own photography company. Lindsay has documented travels to Europe and all over the U.S. in her free time as well. Her current projects can be seen at lindsayannmonroe.com.

2008 Sprinkler Factory Craft Fairs

Juried Fine Arts & Crafts Shows at the Sprinkler Factory

Shop with New England's finest juried artisans and crafters. Resident Sprinkler Factory Artists will hold Open Studios throughout the complex during the show as well. In December, you also have the opportunity to peruse original pottery and ceramic art during the FireWorks Clay Studio Semi-Annual Sale.

Why drive to the Malls to find that special gift? Stop here for unique, quality handcrafted gifts to kick off and conclude your Holiday shopping! You're bound to find something for everyone on your shopping list! Don't miss it!

Holiday Craft Fair Dates:

• October 25 and 26, 2008
  10:00am to 5:00pm
• November 15, 16, 2008, 10:00am to 5:00pm
• December 6, 7, 2008, 10:00am to 5:00pm

For questions, please send email to:

Tango Dance

Milonga, Saturday, November 22, 2008, from 9pm-12am, in the main Gallery. Open to dancers and non-dancers alike.

For more information, please visit Tango at the Factory or feel free to call call Dawn at 774.364.1099.

Tango Dance

Milonga, October 25, 2008, from 8pm-12am, in the main Gallery. Open to dancers and non-dancers alike.

 

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