WINDHAM ART GALLERY CLOSING AFTER 20 YEARS

The Windham Art Gallery, a program of the Arts Council of Windham County, and the oldest continuously operated art cooperative in New England, will be closing its doors at 69 Main Street after 20 years.

Despite the decision to close the Main Street location, it is many of the members’ intent to exist in some other way in the Brattleboro area. "It has been the enduring spirit of creativity and artistic camaraderie and member cooperation that have been the hallmark of the gallery for these past two decades," Pamela Mandell, WAG’s coordinator, stated. "And it is in this spirit that WAG will hopefully continue in some new, perhaps energizing way, into the future."

Kate Anderson, president of the Arts Council of Windham County, remarked, “There is a tremendous value in such a cooperative to serve as an incubator for visual artists--at whatever stage--whether new or in transition. It is the ACWC’s intention to work with the artists’ cooperative so that it does not end with the move out of the wonderful 69 Main Street space."

Founded as a not-for-profit cooperative gallery in 1989, WAG has given both seasoned and emerging artists a place to gather and form an artistic community. “We regret that we have been adversely affected by the downturn in the economy," Mandell said, " but are proud to have provided free public exhibits aimed at stirring provocative conversation about and appreciation for art and the art-making process."

 

 

Many thanks to all who have supported Windham Art Gallery, it's members, and the arts in Brattleboro for the past 20 years...

Watch this website for news about upcoming initiatives, for links to the members, and to their continuing art.