GRAFTON — Grafton Valley Arts Guild, a nonprofit marketing cooperative and arts education organization, will open its gallery in the Cricketers Building at 45 Townshend Rd.
The guild membrs will officially open the doors of their new space with a group show, “Inception,” on Friday, May 27, from 2 to 6 p.m. “Inception” will feature work in a variety of mediums including sculpture, iron, textile, photography, painting, collage, wood, and ceramics.
The organization was founded by several Grafton artists, including Frances Holliday Alford (textile, Embellishments Studio), Adam Howard (blacksmith, Grafton Forge), Bryce LeVan Cushing (sculptor, N2Galeria), and Jason Ballard (woodworker, My Minds Design).
Members say the organization's mission is to make Grafton a world-class arts destination. They have been doing so in recent months by producing town-wide art events in partnership with area businesses, including The Old Tavern At Grafton, The Grafton Village Cheese Co., The Hunter Gallery of Fine Art, and Blake Hill Preserves.
May 27 marks the first of a four-day gala event produced by the Grafton Valley Arts Guild. On Saturday, May 28, several members will have their private studios open in town as part of open studio weekend, and the Cricketers Gallery will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
On Sunday, May 29, they will repeat the schedule and end the day with a cocktail party at the Phelps Barn at The Old Tavern at Grafton, featuring Grafton Village Cheese.
On Memorial Day (Monday, May 30) the Cricketers Gallery will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and members will end the gala with a fundraising dinner at the White Chapel in Grafton (4 Main St.) from 6 to 8 p.m. Prepared by chef Bryce LeVan Cushing, featuring local cheese, produce, and bread, the dinner includes soup, salad, entree, and dessert. (Bring your own bottle.) No one will be turned away for lack of funds; members seek a $15 donation.
For more information, contact Bryce LeVan Cushing at 802-843-1062, or e-mail [email protected].