At First Parish in Bedford, we believe spiritual growth is enhanced by involvement with and exposure to art.
For this reason, the Gallery@First Parish was established to provide a space where the work of local artists — both within the First Parish community and in the wider community — can be viewed by all.
Both emerging and professional artists are welcome to participate in our exhibits (see below for more information about exhibiting work in the gallery).
New Exhibit: Art by Members of the Bedford Arts & Crafts Society
The Gallery Committee at First Parish is proud to announce our newest exhibit, which features uplifting art by experienced artists from the Bedford Arts & Crafts Society.
Founded in 1956, the Bedford Arts & Crafts Society (BACS) is dedicated to promoting appreciation and enjoyment of fine art and crafts. From an initial membership of three, the group has grown to more than 80 members from Bedford, Massachusetts, and surrounding towns.
This new show was recently installed and will be on display through March 27.
Among the many pieces of art you can view is
- A haunting painting titled “Self, Excavated ” by Namrata Siviya, owner of the local Purple Pencil art studio
- A piece titled “Innocence,” created by Maria Green using a process called wet cyanotype, that was recently in the 26th Annual Frances N. Roddy show at the Concord Art Association
- A beautiful acrylic painting titled “A Sunset Through the Trees” by Judi Babcock
Visiting hours are available.
- Weekdays: 10:00am–2:00pm
- Sundays: 9:00am–1:00pm
- By appointment: contact office@uubedford.org or 781-275-7994
Opening Reception: Sunday, 2/1, 11:30am–1:30pm
Please join us for our opening reception in the gallery on Sunday, February 1, 11:30am–1:30pm.
You will not only be delighted by the wonderful art created by this active art group, you will also enjoy tasty refreshments along with music provided by popular musician, Dean Groves.
Interested in Exhibiting Your Work?
Please contact Gallery@First Parish Co-Chairs Maria Green and Doris Smith to propose an exhibit. The First Parish office can help connect you (office@uubedford.org or 781-275-7994).
NOTE: If you would like your artwork to be available for sale, prices will be listed on the gallery card and sales must be arranged directly with the buyer. In the event of a sale, a 15% donation to First Parish would be appreciated. The Gallery@First Parish does appreciate a donation of $5 per work of art submitted.
Preparing Your Work for an Exhibit
One your proposal has been accepted and you have coordinated an exhibition time:
- Complete the information label and and attach it to your artwork. Print a copy of the information label provided with the Exhibit Application for each piece you would like to exhibit. Fill in the information on each label and tape it to the back of the corresponding artwork. This information will be used by the Gallery@First Parish team to create the gallery cards, accompanying materials, and publicity for the event.
- Prepare your work for hanging. All work must be framed and ready to hang using picture wire; saw tooth hangers or clips are unacceptable. The picture wire should be placed on the upper third of the picture and it is important that the wire be taut. Please see the instructions for hanging artwork.
- Drop off your artwork at the agreed-upon time.
NOTE: The Gallery@First Parish team is responsible for hanging the shows. They will create the gallery cards and accompanying materials and provide publicity for the exhibit. A member of the team will act as a liaison for each show and will curate each show and its reception.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, or if you are interested in joining our team to help support artists in our congregation and in the wider community, please contact Gallery@First Parish Co-Chairs Maria Green and Doris Smith. The First Parish office can help connect you (office@uubedford.org or 781-275-7994).