Visual, performing, and literary programs and events offered throughout the spring season
McGRATHPR.com – Sandwich Arts Alliance (SAA), an artist-driven nonprofit supporting Cape Cod’s arts and artists, presents a spring season of events featuring visual, performing, and literary arts events and programs, at 130 Main Street, Sandwich, and other community venues. SAA is home to a beautiful art gallery, gift shop, and bookstore, featuring the works of local and regional artists in gallery openings, exhibits and special events. Visitors are welcome to attend the openings or view the works on display during business hours. For more information, visit sandwichartsalliance.org.
~ Spring Programs, Workshops and Performances ~
The Writers’ Critique Group
Thursdays, February 1 and 15, March 7 and 21, April 4 and 18, 1 to 2 pm
Sandwich Arts Alliance, 130 Main Street, Sandwich
Free for members, membership information at sandwichartsalliance.org
This group of writers meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month. A chapter of a current project is emailed to members of the group, read, and critiqued, and brought to the meeting where it is read aloud and further discussed. Supportive, encouraging, and informative. All are welcome.
Acrylic Painting Exploration ~ with Instructor Peggy Richard
Tuesdays, February 6, 13, 20, 27, March 5 and 12; 12:30 to 3:30 pm
Sandwich Arts Alliance, 130 Main Street, Sandwich
6-class program fee: $180 members/$210 non-members, register at sandwichartsalliance.org
A welcoming exploration for students of all levels learning about the diversity of acrylic paint, in a fun and cooperative setting! Each week through observation, guided instruction, and hands-on experimentation students begin a new painting challenge. By the end of this class, attendees take away five paintings, new skills, and newfound confidence! Materials list available on the SAA website registration page.
Your Daily Practice Writers Group
Wednesdays, February 7 and 21, March 6 and 20, April 3 and 17, 11 am to 12 noon
Sandwich Arts Alliance, 130 Main Street, Sandwich
Free for members, membership information at sandwichartsalliance.org
Welcoming writers desiring to establish a daily practice, encouragement, and accountability.
Mixed Media Flower Class ~ with Instructor Jacqui Hawk
Saturday, February 10, 9:30 to 11:30 am
Sandwich Arts Alliance, 130 Main Street, Sandwich
Fee: $55 members/$65 non-members; includes supplies, register at sandwichartsalliance.org
In this two-hour class, students enjoy the therapeutic process of creating a mixed media flower using collage, beads, buttons, and special personal objects. There are no set design rules; the instructor encourages independent thought and the use of unique and personal touches. All materials will be provided for a 16 x 20″ canvas. Students are encouraged to bring a few personal beads, buttons, or nostalgic objects to decorate the flower’s center.
Online Art Auction
Monday, February 12 through Thursday, February 22
Bid early and bid often! This fast-paced, fun art auction event is anticipated by artists and buyers all year.
Storytelling Workshop ~ with Instructor Susan Picillo
Thursday, February 15, 11 am to 2 pm
Sandwich Arts Alliance, 130 Main Street, Sandwich
Fee: $55 members/$65 non-members; includes supplies, register at sandwichartsalliance.org
Everyone has a story to tell. In this 3-hour workshop, participants will have the opportunity to craft and share true stories from their own lives. The workshop will include some group improvisational activities, short “blasts” or writing, and tips and techniques for mastering the art of storytelling. Everyone will be encouraged and expected to share. There will be a short snack break.
Writer’s Networking
Thursdays, February 15, March 21, April 18, 11 am to 12 noon
Sandwich Arts Alliance, 130 Main Street, Sandwich
Free for members, membership information at sandwichartsalliance.org
This exchange, open to all, is held on the third Thursday of each month. It offers a variety of programs from speakers to casual, convivial information exchanges on writing and publishing.
Big Brush Painting ~ with Instructor Joe Gallant
Saturday, February 17, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Sandwich Arts Alliance, 130 Main Street, Sandwich
Fee: $90 members/$100 non-members, register at sandwichartsalliance.org
Paint large or small! Experience the fun, freedom, and spontaneity of using inexpensive brushes to create paintings. Using acrylic paints or water mixable oils, full-time artist Joe Gallant will demonstrate and guide you through the steps of creating your own seascape or landscape painting destined to become a focal point in your home or office! Students complete an acrylic or water mixable oil painting during this fun 3-hour workshop. Suitable for adult beginners, intermediate painters, and past participants in Joe’s popular workshops.
Tales for a Winter’s Night
Saturday, February 17, 7 pm
Sandwich Arts Alliance, 130 Main Street, Sandwich
Admission: $25
A celebration of the art of storytelling, exploring the depths of human emotion through narratives of love and hate, featuring skilled storytellers who will transport the audience through tales that evoke a range of emotions and leave a lasting impact on all who attend.
A Gathering of Poets
Tuesdays, February 20, March 19, April 16, 1 to 2 pm
Sandwich Arts Alliance Center, 130 Main Street, Sandwich
Free for members, membership information at sandwichartsalliance.org
A supportive and informative poetry critique group, meeting monthly on third Tuesdays, All are welcome. Attendees read their poems aloud each session, consider suggestions, and make observations.
Creative Crescendo ~ with Instructors Michael Berndt and Bridgette Salvon-Berndt
Friday, February 23, 1 to 4 pm
Sandwich Arts Alliance, 130 Main Street, Sandwich
Fee: $55 members/$65 non-members; includes supplies, register at sandwichartsalliance.org
An exploratory workshop investigating methods to develop and strengthen creativity in visual arts by experimenting and interacting with diverse music. Think of it as a workout for your brain rather than your body! Students don’t produce a finished piece or to learn about a specific technique, but rather explore a pathway to increase creativity and develop new ways of thinking about our art.
Children’s Book Writers
Thursdays, February 29, March 28, and April 25, 1 to 2 pm
Sandwich Arts Alliance, 130 Main Street, Sandwich
Free for members, membership information at sandwichartsalliance.org
Welcoming writers who aspire to publish children’s books. Attendees share their latest work by reading aloud and receive comments and suggestions.
Biribá Union ~ with Mike Block
Friday, March 1, 7 to 9 pm
Sandwich Arts Alliance, 130 Main Street, Sandwich
Admission: $25 at sandwichartsalliance.org and at the door
Biribá Union features Mike Block (cello, vocals), Christylez Bacon (beatbox, guitar, rhymes), and Patricia Ligia (electric bass, pandeiro, vocals), forming a dynamic trio that blends original music with global influences, creating a fresh and accessible sound. Each member draws from their diverse backgrounds, including Brazilian, bluegrass, Jazz, classical, hip-hop, funk, and pop styles, synthesizing them through original compositions and songs that highlight their improvisational spontaneity and high energy stage presentation. “A dynamic trio, blending original music with world fusion influences.” ~ Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Celebration of Women in the Arts Weekend
By women, for women, about women
Friday, March 15 through Sunday, March 17 ~ Sandwich Arts Alliance, 130 Main Street, Sandwich
Opening Art Show & Reception ~ Friday, March 15, 5 to 7 pm
Admission is free, donations welcome
A feature of SAA’s March celebration of International Women’s Month, literary arts members perform original pieces of spoken word in the SAA Gallery. Visual Artists presents “Celebration of Women in the Arts”. This month-long exhibit will be highlighted by a reception with music, poetry, award ribbon presentations and refreshments.
Fat Ass Cancer Bitch ~ with Christine Ernst ~ Saturday, March 16, 7 pm
Admission: $25, available at sandwichartsalliance.org
Get ready for some laughs and inspiration with the Fat Ass Cancer Bitch, a one-woman show by Christine Ernst. Writer, performer, and a cancer survivor, Ernst uses humor and honesty to tackle the challenges of life. Her new 2024 show, still under wraps, will heighten your senses and laughter!
Staged Reading by Cape Cod Women Playwrights
Sunday, March 17, 2 pm
Admission and details TBA
Finding The Writer Within ~ with Instructor Linda Maria Steele
Fridays, March 22 and April 19, 10 am to 12 noon
Sandwich Arts Alliance, 130 Main Street, Sandwich
Fee: $100 members/$120 non-members, register at sandwichartsalliance.org
Finding the Writer Within invites writers of all levels and interests to explore different writing genres in a supportive writing community. Participants write and read their work throughout the class. The playful yet productive workshop is highly regarded and recommended for writers and non-writers alike. Writers are welcome to take the workshop a suggested three times maximum.
Needle Felting Landscape ~ with Instructor Isabel Stearns
Thursday April 11, 4 to 6 pm
Sandwich Arts Alliance, 130 Main Street, Sandwich
Fee: $60 members/$70 non-members; includes supplies, register at sandwichartsalliance.org
Students create a 5” wooden hoop frame landscape by “painting” with wool. This fun class serves all levels and culminates with a wonderful home decoration or unique gift. All materials are included. Having been introduced to felting as a child attending the Waldorf School, Isabel was later inspired to rediscover felting as a therapeutic art form.
Classic Jazz Visions ~ with The Michael Persico Big Band
Featuring the Jazz Photography of the Cape’s Own Jack Bradley
Saturday, May 4, 7 to 9 pm
Sandwich Arts Alliance, 130 Main Street, Sandwich
Admission: $25
Experience the life, the musical history and legacy, the very essence of the greatest icon of American Jazz, “Pops,” “Satchmo,” “Louis” Armstrong in a truly multi-dimensional immersive experience. Hear the greatest music of the Jazz Age played live on stage, by some of the finest jazz musicians in The Classic Jazz and Swing Orchestra. See images of Armstrong never before available to the public and hear the incredible story of how a young man born in Cotuit became the personal photographer and close personal friend of the great Louis Armstrong, all wrapped within the sounds that have become the foundations of American music.
Needle Felting Birds ~ with Instructor Isabel Stearns
Thursday, May 9, 4 to 6 pm
Sandwich Arts Alliance, 130 Main Street, Sandwich
Fee: $60 members/$70 non-members; includes supplies, register at sandwichartsalliance.org
Chirp chirp! Isabel Stearns, founder of The Felted Acorns, offers this introductory workshop exploring the basic techniques involved in felting – a wonderful workshop for those new to felting or looking for an afternoon of crafting. The resulting little needle felt bird is perfect for resting on a windowsill or as a springtime gift.
Love, Loss and What I Wore ~ a play by Nora and Delia Efron
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, May 17 through 26, matinee and evening performances 2 pm/7pm
Sandwich Arts Alliance, 130 Main Street, Sandwich
Admission: $25
‘Love, Loss, and What I Wore’ is a rare theatrical opportunity for women to commiserate and rejoice over shared experiences and for men to perhaps gain some insight into them. With its highly relatable vignette, ‘Love, Loss and What I Wore’ is a funny, touching, and insightful ‘everywoman’ piece that will connect with audiences in deeply personal ways.
Exhibits:
Exhibits by SAA Members in a gallery, gift shop, and at community venues
on view during business hours, also viewable at sandwichartsalliance.org
Sandwich Arts Alliance Gallery, 130 Main Street, Sandwich
Spring business hours starting March 4: Tuesdays through Saturdays weekly, 11 am to 4 pm
Of note: In March, Sandwich Arts Alliance Visual Artists will help celebrate International Women’s Month with the member exhibit “Celebration of Women in the Arts”. This month-long exhibit will be highlighted by a reception on March 15 with music, poetry, award ribbon presentations and refreshments.
Sandwich Public Library, 142 Main Street, Sandwich
February 6 through March 5 ~ Nancy Orbe
March 5 through April 2 ~ Marie Brezinski
April 2 through May 7 ~ Joyce Frederick
May 7 through June 4 ~ Valerie Leri
June 4 through July 2 ~ Mark Wiklund
Fishermen’s View Restaurant, 20 Freezer Rd, Sandwich
SAA artists exhibit works for sale on a rotating basis
For more information about Sandwich Arts Alliance’s gallery, exhibits, programs, events, and membership, call 774-338-5201, email at info@sandwichartsalliance.org, or visit sandwichartsalliance.org, where an online store is also available. For the latest on Sandwich Arts Alliance, follow its social media platforms on Facebook and Instagram. Sandwich Arts Alliance is pleased to participate in Mass Cultural Council’s Card to Culture program; inquire by phone or email for details on available discounts and information.
Founded in 2015, Sandwich Arts Alliance (SAA) is an artist-driven nonprofit organization supporting the arts and artists – serving as a platform for new works, cultivating the creative economy, and culturally enriching the Sandwich and greater Cape Cod communities.
Sandwich Arts Alliance is comprised of four groups that meet regularly: Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Literary Arts and Friends of the Arts. Membership is open to all artists and friends residing in Sandwich and beyond. As part of its mission, SAA collaborates with other nonprofit and community-based organizations to help promote a wide variety of cultural programming. SAA’s goal is to identify and support all local artists through a resource database, providing greater exposure and opportunities for fellow artist networking.
The Sandwich Arts Alliance Center’s offerings include a gallery of original art, art classes for artists of all ages, books by local writers, a gift shop for year-round shopping, and performances throughout the year. SAA’s Gallery, located at 130 Main Street, Sandwich, is open to the public weekly from Tuesday through Saturday, 11 am to 4 pm. For membership, class, exhibit, performance and exhibit information, call 774-338-5201, email info@sandwichartsalliance.org, or visit sandwichartsalliance.org, where an online
