The Northampton Arts Council works to support and nurture the arts in the city of Northampton. The Council awards grants twice each year to artists and arts groups from both state and locally-raised funds, and seeks to improve public awareness of the arts. Its' goals include maintaining and preserving the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Northampton, programming such annual events of interest to the community as First Night Northampton and Transperformance.

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Northampton Arts Council Invites Submissions for 2015 Biennial Exhibition

The Northampton Arts Council enthusiastically invites submissions for their 2015 Biennial Exhibition, to be held at Forbes Library’s Hosmer Gallery from October 2 through October 30 2015

The Arts Council Biennial is a juried art show with free entry open to artists from Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties. This year’s theme, Motion-Emotion, can be interpreted freely, and all two and three-dimensional art in any style, as well as video and performance art will be considered. The Arts Council encourages submissions of large three-dimensional and performance weather-tolerant art for the outdoor exhibition space on the Forbes Library lawn. 

Deadline for submissions is August 1, 2015.

The Arts Council is proud to announce a well-rounded panel of jurors that will allow artist participants to have their work viewed by a representative from an academic institution, a local gallery, and a local museum. The 2015 Biennial jurors will be Aprile Gallant, Curator of Prints, Drawings, and Photographs at the Smith College Museum of Art, Paul Gulla, Gallery Manager for R. Michelson Galleries, and Julia Courtney, Curator of Art at the D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts.


The Biennial is an event that brings artists and art lovers together in the spirit of the Arts Council’s mission to support and nurture the arts in Northampton. 

To submit follow this link: DEADLINE HAS PASSED

2013 Biennial Accepted Submission "June Night," Oil on Cradled Birchwood by Scout Cuomo

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Edible Book Fundraiser

An event sponsored by The Friends of Forbes Library to benefit Forbes Library
Sunday May 3, 2015 
2 pm – 4 pm at the Florence Civic Center, 90 Park Street, Florence

Admission: $5
Children 10 and under: Free
Some create.
Some attend.
Everyone eats! 
Register online to enter the contest.

Monday, April 27, 2015

The Academy of Music and Pioneer Valley Workers Center Present The Hand that Feeds

The Academy of Music and Pioneer Valley Workers Center Present The Hand that Feeds

The Hand That Feeds
Date: Wednesday, May 06, 2015
Time: 7:00 PM


Academy of Music Theatre
274 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060

Alicia Olatuja Quartet at the Vermont Jazz Center

Alicia Olatuja Quartet at the Vermont Jazz Center

Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 8pm

Vocalist Alicia Olatuja will perform at the Vermont Jazz Center on Saturday, May 16th with her quartet including Jahaan Sweet on piano, Michael Olatuja on bass and Otis Brown III on drums.

Northampton Jazz Workshop Tuesday 4/28/15

Northampton Jazz Workshop 
Tuesday - 4/28/15

This Tuesday Kris Allen on alto sax. He has a new CD out that is very special. Last year Kris took over the reins of the Jazz Music Department at Williams College from Andy Jaffe.

Thursday, April 23, 2015

River Crossings - OPENING MAY 2015

OPENING MAY 2015
River Crossings will bring contemporary art by world-renowned artists back to the homes where distinctly American Art was born. The exhibition runs May 3 — November 1, 2015 and is curated by the artist Stephen Hannock and the art historian Jason Rosenfeld, Ph.D.

More info visit: http://www.rivercrossings.org/


Contemporary Dance/Electronic Music :: New Works by Katie Martin & Jake Meginsky @ A.P.E Gallery

Northampton-based artists Katie Martin and Jake Meginsky present an intimate evening of contemporary dance and electroacoustic music.

Featuring Martin’s newest solo and group choreographic works with original compositions and performances by Meginsky.

Friday and Saturday May 29th and May 30th, 2015
8:00 PM @ A.P.E Gallery

The Connection Between Art and Nature

The Connection Between Art and Nature

Art workshop on Sunday, May 17, 1-4 at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary,
127 Combs Rd., Easthampton

Members and Nonmembers:
Adults:  $5.00;  Children:  Free

Pre-registration is required.  Please call Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary at 413-584-3009.


Russell Powell and Maya Machin will join Jan Ruby-Crystal in Presenting: The Connection between Art and Nature as part of our Art, Nature and Wellness Program.




Wednesday, April 22, 2015

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS HAMPSHIRE COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS ANNOUNCES $35,000 GRANT FOR PUBLIC SCULPTURE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
HAMPSHIRE COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTSANNOUNCES $35,000 GRANT FOR PUBLIC SCULPTURE
The Hampshire Council of Governments (Council) is accepting proposals from Hampshire County artists for the permanent placement of a work of sculpture on the Old Courthouse site, 99 Main Street, Northampton. The Council is seeking an innovative, thought provoking sculpture. The sculpture must be of durable material and fabrication. The cost of the piece, including fabrication and installation, is not to exceed $35,000. The artist will be responsible for the total costs associated with the creation, fabrication and installation of the piece. After installation, the piece shall become the property of the Hampshire Council of Governments.

Northampton Mayor’s Youth Commission Nears BenchWalk Event

Northampton Mayor’s Youth Commission Nears BenchWalk Event
Youth Commission Continues Outreach for Donations and Artists


NORTHAMPTON, Massachusetts -- (May 14th, 2015) -- With the BenchWalk 2015 unveiling event a month away, the Northampton Mayor’s Youth Commission is continuing their efforts to meet their fundraising goals and reach out to more artists.

First Night Northampton 2016 Performer Applications Available NOW!

First Night Northampton 2016 Performer Applications Available NOW!

To download an application for First Night Northampton 2016, click here


Tuesday, April 21, 2015

ReCenter Grand Opening!


Young@Heart Intergenerational Mash-Up Concert

After their highly successful April Fools show, Young@Heart ends the month with their 3rd Annual Mash-Up Concert featuring the legendary Young People’s Chorus of New York City and SciTech Band, the pride of Springfield, on Sunday, April 26th, 3PM at Smith College’s John M. Greene Hall in Northampton.

Forbes Library presents Award winning singer & storyteller Davis Bates

A Song and Story Celebration! with Parent’s Choice award winning singer and storyteller Davis Bates

Date & Time: Tuesday, August 4 2:00 pm
Place: Forbes Library 20 West St., Northampton, MA
Admission: Free

Friday, April 17, 2015

Northampton Jazz Workshop - Guest tenor saxophonist Grant Stewart


Northampton Jazz Workshop features guest tenor saxophonist Grant Stewart Tuesday, April 21st, 7:30 to 8:30 PM followed by an open jazz jam until 10:30 PM, The Loft at the Clarion Hotel.


Taylor 2 ~ Paul Taylor Dance Company

Paul Taylor is one of the pioneers of modern dance. His choreography is noted for its physicality, grace and cultural relevance. In selecting repertoire for Taylor 2, Mr. Taylor chooses dances that span the broad spectrum of his work. Taylor 2 is modeled on the original (1954-version) Paul Taylor Dance Company and performs works created for that groundbreaking ensemble of 6 dancers.

Taylor 2 introduces audiences to the athleticism, humor and range of emotions found in Mr. Taylor’s work.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Valley Performance Lab - One-­week Drama Camp

Valley Performance Lab
-a place to let your creative sparks fly

 ***Find  unique  ways  to  express  your  creative  voice   at  this  one-­week  drama camp.***

In IMAGINATION EXPRESS, campers (ages 6-9) will  play  theatre  games   that explore  storytelling,  character,  voice,  and  movement.

Monday, April 6, 2015

CATALYST DANCERS perform at the Academy of Music!

CATALYST DANCERS perform at the Academy of Music!

Friday April 10 and Saturday April 11 at 7 PM at the Academy of Music in Northampton.

Call 413-584-9032x105 or email boxoffice@academyofmusictheatre.com for tickets.

The show is dynamic, inspiring and family friendly.


The Paradise City Arts Festival - Memorial Day Weekend, May 23, 24 & 25, 2015

The Paradise City Arts Festival opens to the public at the Three County Fairgrounds on Memorial Day Weekend, May 23, 24 & 25, 2015. One of the most spectacular fairs of fine craft, painting and sculpture in the whole country, this fair is lauded for its fresh, innovative approach. Meet 260 extraordinary artists traveling from every corner of the country to show off their newest work, enjoy sensational cuisine by Northampton's best chefs and catch live performances by nationally and regionally acclaimed musicians. Stroll through a flowering sculpture garden filled with artful delights, visit special exhibits, demonstrations and activities... all compelling reasons to come on down to Paradise City for the long holiday weekend.

Friday, April 3, 2015

Northampton Jazz Fest Fundraiser Featuring Houston Person and Karrin Allyson


Thursday, April 16 at 6:30 PM Houston Person and Karrin Allyson will perform in the Ballroom of the Clarion with the Green Street Trio. 

Tickets for this event are here

This is a fundraising concert for the 2015 Northampton Jazz Festival. At that time we will be announcing the line-up of performers for the September 12th main stage concerts and other events that will be happening throughout the five day festival. 

Northampton Jazz Workshop - Jamie Baum

Northampton Jazz Workshop features guest flutist Jamie Baum Tuesday, April 7th, 7:30 to 8:30 PM followed by an open jazz jam until 10:30 PM, The Loft at the Clarion Hotel. (This is a rescheduled event which was postponed due to weather). Smithsonian Chowder House is now catering our Workshop nights with a buffet served from 6-9 for $8.95.

Thursday, April 2, 2015

ArtsEZ Grant Application Q&A

For potential applicants looking for advice on the application process the Northampton Arts Council will hold a question and answer session at the City Hall Hearing Room on the second floor of City Hall 210 Main Street Northampton, MA 01060 on Tuesday April 14th from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM.

Information about our grants can be found here

Facebook Event here

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