Artists And Teaching Artists Sought For New Gallery

MIDDLETOWN — The NOMA Arts and Gallery is preparing for a September opening in its new space at 648 Main Street in Middletown. The gallery, founded by Georgia Svolos and Jennifer Hawkins, will operate under the nonprofit organization NEAR, Inc. and in partnership with The Buttonwood Tree.

Initial funding for some start up costs has been provided by the Middletown Commission on the Arts, and the gallery organizers hope to open in September 2004.

The NOMA Arts and Gallery offers a new opportunity to create a culturally lively and diverse environment where artists can create, show, express and share their ideas and work in a variety of genres and mediums. The goal is to achieve “point of destination” recognition for installations, events, performances and workshops while encouraging participating artists to create a community for the free exchange of ideas, encouragement and the furthering of artistic endeavor within this public structure.

The gallery is organized around three areas of focus: First, as presenters of art installations and group/membership shows. Along with the visual art, NOMA will also be presenters of artists working in spoken word, music, dance, theater. NOMA is working with The Buttonwood Tree to provide a diverse calendar of cultural events. Key events would be of high artistic merit and would include an admission charge. The space would also be available to performing artists and musicians working and living locally.

The second focus is in offering diverse workshops including group and private instruction in the arts. This would include drawing classes with live models, short term workshops in all aspects of visual art (as the space and materials required permit) as well as in writing, dance, and theater, eventually adding photography as darkroom facilities can be added at a future date.

And the third focus is to promote a healthy economic environment for artists through multiple means including holiday sales with vendor/artists and two to four Participating Member group shows per year.

Currently there are opportunities for teaching artists who wish to hold daytime and weekend classes as well as artist memberships for the gallery itself, visual artists wishing to become members, and volunteers who wish to serve on the board of directors as well as volunteers to help in the venue events. Volunteers with web experience, graphics, and some interior design experience are also being sought.

Interested persons are encouraged to leave a message at 860-347-4957 or send email to noma@buttonwood.org.