Scheduled Workshops and Events:
- September 27: GALA Membership Potluck Dinner (exclusive to members; new members may sign up via the GALA website).
- October 10 (10 AM – 12 PM): “Art Critique” – Open to the public; free to attend.
- October 15 (6 PM – 8 PM): “Scratchboard Demonstration” with artist Joe Smith – Free event.
- October 17 (10 AM – 4 PM): “Scratchboard Workshop” with artist Joe Smith.
- October 22 (10:30 AM – 12:30 PM): “Merrily’s Card Making Class.”
- October 24 (1 PM – 4:30 PM): “Drypoint II” with artist Tracie Poulet.
Pins for Possibilities Event – Great Example of Community Cooperation
The Gardner Area League of Artists (GALA) and the Winchendon Community Action Committee (CAC) have partnered to launch “Pins For POSSIBILITIES,” a major community fundraiser and arts engagement initiative scheduled for October 8, 2026. Held at The HUB in Winchendon, the event aims to raise funds for essential equipment—specifically new bowling shoes for The HUB’s revitalized bowling alley—and to support local art programming. Listen to the Chair Man and the Chair Lady discuss the event and other GALA topics in this podcast. CLICK PLAY.
The initiative is characterized by a high degree of organizational collaboration involving local nonprofits, youth leadership programs, and small businesses. Key components include a silent auction of over 40 artist-decorated bowling pins, live musical performances, and food service provided by a youth-run social enterprise. Beyond the flagship fundraiser, GALA is expanding its community footprint through the installation of “Free Little Art Gallery” boxes and a robust schedule of technical art workshops throughout October 2026.
“Pins For POSSIBILITIES” Fundraiser Overview
The “Pins For POSSIBILITIES” event serves as the primary community fundraiser for GALA and The HUB. It is designed as an inclusive, all-ages event to showcase local creativity while securing financial support for community recreation and the arts.
Pins for Possibilities Event Details
- Date and Time: Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
- Location: The HUB, 5 Summer St, Winchendon (located behind the YMCA).
- Cost: Free to attend; costs apply for food, raffle tickets, and bowling.
Primary Objectives: The funds raised through the event are earmarked for two specific purposes:
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Purchasing new bowling shoes for The HUB. The facility currently relies on heavily worn shoes inherited when the CAC revitalized the formerly abandoned bowling alley in 2023.
- Programming Support: Funding free and low-cost community arts programming offered through GALA.
Key Event Features
- Art Pin Auction: Over 40 bowling pins decorated by artists from the North Central Massachusetts area will be on display. Bidding is conducted digitally via a QR code linking to the BiddingOwl platform.
- Live Entertainment: The band “OKLO’s” will perform, with plans for an outdoor performance on the new back patio, weather permitting.
- Culinary Service: The Sunshine Café will provide a “TACO Bar” featuring rice, beans, meat salad bowls, chicken dishes, and side salads.
- Recreational Activities: Attendees can access discounted bowling and purchase tickets for various raffle baskets.
Organizational Partnerships and Roles: The success of the initiative relies on a collaborative framework between several regional entities, an example of great cooperation in the community!
| Organization | Primary Responsibility |
|---|---|
| GALA (Gardner Area League of Artists) | A nonprofit dedicated to community strengthening through the arts. GALA manages artist outreach, volunteer engagement, judging, and the silent auction. |
| The HUB / Winchendon CAC | A community center focused on food security and youth leadership. The HUB provides the venue, bowling alley access, and event coordination. |
| NewVue | Provided grant funding to support the initiative. |
| Sunshine Café | A youth-run social enterprise within The HUB. Youth participants manage food service to develop workforce readiness and leadership skills. |
| Youth Changemakers Program | CAC-affiliated youth leaders who assist with setup, outreach, and operations to gain civic leadership experience. |
| Soundbites | A local musical collective that coordinates live entertainment to ensure a family-friendly atmosphere. |
Free Little Art Gallery: Following the model of “little book libraries,” GALA has constructed two “Free Little Art Gallery” display boxes.
- Concept: A “Give a piece, Take a piece” system where community members can leave small artworks, trinkets, or jewelry and take items left by others.
- Implementation: One box is stationed at the entrance of The HUB.
- Engagement: Children in the HUB’s after-school programs are already contributing art, and the project is open to participants of all ages.
Upcoming Arts and Workshop Calendar (Fall 2026): GALA has scheduled a series of educational and social events at 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon (unless otherwise noted), to promote artistic skill-building.
Programs in Development (TBA): GALA is currently lining up additional programming in the following disciplines:
- Mandala and Acrylic painting
- Beading and Gelli printing
- Ceramics