First Year Highlights

Two summers ago, three Wakefield artists came up with an idea for an organization to support local artists and artisans and provide them with a opportunity to meet, exhibit and share their vision with the community. In November of 2011, the newly formed Arts Collaborative of Wakefield had its first meeting in the classroom of Wakefield High School's Arts Coordinator, Joy Schilling, with an initial group of 12 members, led by Kathy Frey.

First members of the ACW include, in the first row: Judy Hartman, Joanne Jolly-Kay, Laureen Luszcz, Laura-Marie Small, Connie Festo-Lafond, Carrie Dennehy, 

and in the second row: David Kay, Joy Schilling, Nora Buckley, Andrea Willey, Kathy Frey, Rick Mercer. 

Soon after that, Joy set up a website for the group, and a registry for interested artists, which has grown to 32 members, a number the collaborative is hoping will increase in 2013.

The first year started off, in December of 2011, with a group show in a pop-up gallery on Albion Street, a space which would soon become Silver Clay Fabulous Gifts and Jewelry. The event was given a temporary name of "Gallery 39" and, since it was part of Wakefield's Holiday Stroll, it was well attended and gave the group a sense of identity and excitement about its future.

Throughout 2012,  ACW members met monthly and participated in both private and public  exhibits, taking advantage of various opportunities in and around Wakefield. 

At Silver Clay Gifts, Marcia Boston hosted several shows, with a reception for each one.

Among them, AnneMarie Gallivan's origami mobiles,

paintings by Rick Mercer

and a mix of artwork by different members.

The ACW had displays and children's activities at the Wakefield Farmers Market during the summer,  participated in the Italian Festival in August, and, in September, several members participated in the Paint Out, organized by Pam Perras.

Many members were part of the Art Walk in October, with receptions for artists
held in several businesses around town.

Joanne Jolly-Kay and David Kay at A Cut Above

Joy Schilling at The Queen's Vault

Pam Perras at Tania's Salon

In December, several members participated in the Mistletoe Marketplace at Wakefield's Unitarian Universalist Church.

SooKhim Eriksen at the Mistletoe Marketplace

There is no doubt that the ACW has had a successful first year!

The purpose of this blog is to notify members of upcoming events and to share information discussed at monthly meetings. Any member is welcome to write a blog post or submit photos of an event you are part of. If you subscribe to this blog (in the upper right corner), new blog posts will be delivered directly to your email inbox.

You can send posts or photos to judyeh(at)comcast(dot)net.