The “Fall Into Art” show will take place at the Hampden Senior Center.
Reminder Publishing file photo
HAMPDEN — The Scantic River Artisans are preparing to welcome the community to their annual “Fall Into Art” show, a celebration of creativity that doubles as a fundraiser for the group’s programming and scholarship fund.
This year’s event highlights the power of art not only to inspire but also to support the next generation of local artists.
“The Fall Into Art show is significant for several reasons,” explained Sue Bluestein, treasurer of the Scantic River Artisans. “It serves as a community fundraiser to support not only our exciting programs, but also the Scantic River Artisans Scholarship Fund, which benefits local art students. The event showcases a variety of artisans’ work, fostering creativity and appreciation for the arts within the community.”
The highlight of this year’s show is the “Reflective Musings” community art project, designed to invite participation from professional artists, students, and community members alike. “Reflective Musings is a community art project that invites everyone — artists of all levels and backgrounds — to participate,” said Bluestein. “Each participant receives a packet that includes a 5×7 inch canvas, detailed information about the theme and deadlines for submission. All submitted artworks will be displayed together in a collective exhibition, creating a powerful visual tapestry of community expression.” Each piece will also be available for sale, with proceeds further supporting the group’s mission. The project is funded in part by a grant from the Hampden Cultural Council, supported by the Mass Cultural Council.
Beyond the special project, the show serves as a vital fundraiser for the Scantic River Artisans Scholarship Fund, which has supported Minnechaug Regional High School students for three years. “Through our scholarship program, we have been able to help young artists to pursue their passions without the burden of cost,” said President Laura Salerno. “We open doors to first real-world audiences and build confidence and professionalism through our shows. We offer networking opportunities with feedback and validation by nurturing and mentoring the next generation.”
The event will feature an impressive range of artwork, from oil and watercolor paintings to pottery, jewelry, sculpture and mixed media pieces. Keeping such variety cohesive is a challenge, but one that the group embraces. “To create a cohesive show with so many different mediums and styles we tell a story through the flow of our physical space,” Salerno explained. “The viewer transitions through these different areas of art while being submerged and surrounded by all the art.”
Visitors are also invited to attend the Artist Reception on Sunday, an afternoon filled with live music, refreshments, and conversation. “Sunday’s artist reception will give visitors opportunities to mingle and interact with our local artists,” Salerno said. “There is a café-like setting with refreshments that is surrounded by all our artwork to encourage this interaction. At 2 p.m. there will be the awards given to those who have been voted on.”
With over 65 members from Wilbraham, Hampden and nearby towns, the Scantic River Artisans are committed to growing their reach and impact. “We will continue to offer community scholarship programs for people to participate in as well as our Interactive Learning Through Art workshops,” Salerno said. “Art comes in all forms, from all different types of people. We encourage everyone, from the beginner to the experienced artist, to exhibit their styles, help create this culture that brings all surrounding towns together.”
From seasonal exhibits like “Spring into Art” to year-round workshops and displays at local venues such as Rice’s Fruit Farm and the Hampden Senior Center, the Scantic River Artisans have become a driving force in nurturing creativity. As Salerno put it, their mission is clear: “Connecting and growing in our community will always be ongoing and is part of our mission.”
The “Fall Into Art” show will be held on Saturday, Oct. 12, and Sunday, Oct. 13, at the Hampden Senior Center, 104 Allen St., Hampden. The event is free and open to the public, with the artist reception taking place on Sunday, Oct. 13, from 12 to 2 p.m.
