The New England Mosaic is launching its 2026 season Sponsored by the Agawam Community Artists and Artisans , this community-wide project invites participants from high school age and up to create a small 6” x 6” canvas that will become part of a stunning 24-foot collaborative Mosaic. Each canvas will be displayed together as one large work of art and later offered for sale at two special events in August. Net proceeds fund scholarships for Western Massachusetts high school and college students pursuing an education in the visual arts. 2026 Theme: “New England Treasures” Whether this is your very first canvas or you’re a seasoned artist, we welcome your creativity! Free canvases are available for pick-up at the following locations: Agawam Public Library West Springfield Public Library Westfield Athenaeum Southwick Public Library East Forest Park Branch Library East Longmeadow Public Library Longmeadow Adult Center Chicopee Public Library West Springfield Senior Center Details and guidelines are included with each canvas. Please return your completed canvas to the location where you picked it up by May 15 . Mosaic Unveiling Celebration Whether or not you create a canvas, we invite you to join us for the Mosaic Unveiling: 📅 August 5 🕔 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM 📍 Agawam Municipal Golf Course Come see the completed 24-foot Mosaic, find a canvas you may wish to purchase, and help support our scholarship program. The Mosaic will also be on display at the sixth annual Pioneer Valley Arts Festival Festival Dates 📅 August 21 – 22 📍 Polish American Club • View the completed New England Mosaic • Meet local artists and artisans • Shop handmade artwork and crafts • Enjoy a vibrant community arts festival Together, we celebrate creativity, community, and the artistic treasures of New England. Frequently asked questions What is the New England Mosaic? The New England Mosaic invites the Western Mass. creative community to create and display visual art representing a favorite aspect of New England. This year’s Mosaic theme is I Love New England. Donated artwork will help fund art scholarships for local students. The New England Mosaic invites you to create one individual canvas “tile,” which when displayed with others, becomes part of a 24’ fine art mosaic wall that captures the beauty and diversity of New England life. The New England Mosaic will be displayed at multiple venues and showcased at the Agawam Community Artists and Artisans’ Pioneer Valley Art Festival. How does the Mosaic work? How Does the Mosaic Work? Artists of all experience levels—professional, amateur, and creative community members—are invited to participate in this collaborative mosaic project. Step 1: Pick Up a Canvas Kit Participants may pick up one free 6” x 6” canvas kit at any participating town library beginning March 3, 2024. Each kit includes a canvas and an artist information sheet. Step 2: Create Your Artwork Artists are encouraged to express their creativity using acrylic, oil, fabric, or mixed media, provided that: • All materials are securely adhered to the canvas • The artwork is waterproofed • The piece can be easily transported without damage Artwork may be representational or traditional, and must align with the 2025 theme: I Love New England. Step 3: Sign & Return • Each canvas must be signed by the artist • The completed artist information sheet must be included • Finished artwork should be returned to the same library where the kit was picked up Participating Locations Canvas kits and artwork returns are available at the following locations: • Agawam Public Library • Chicopee Public Library • East Longmeadow Public Library • Longmeadow Public Library • Southwick Public Library • Westfield Public Library • West Springfield Public Library • West Springfield Senior Center How can I participate? Sign out a free canvas kit at any one of our library/ senior center partners. You just need to agree to complete and return it by May 15. Your donated art will then become one of the canvases in the final New England Mosaic wall of art. Please be sure to include your email address on your Artist Statement so we can notify you when/where the Mosaic sale will be happening. What happens to my canvas? Each individual canvas will be sold at Mosaic display venues and art festivals. Net proceeds from the sale of Mosaic canvases will fund art scholarships and other community art projects. Please be sure to include your email address on your Artist Statement so we can notify you when/where the Mosaic sale will be happening Are there other ways to participate if I don’t do a canvas? You can support the Mosaic scholarship fundraising by purchasing one the canvases at either our Unveiling Event or at the Pioneer Valley Art Show in August. Dates and times for both events will be posted on this site. You can also donate directly by visiting the scholarship page.

Agawam Community Artists & Artisans supports artists and artisans through exhibitions, education, scholarships, and community arts programming in Western Massachusetts. Who We Are The Agawam Community Artists & Artisans (ACAA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging artistic expression and bringing people together through the arts. We offer rotating exhibits, creative classes, social gatherings, and opportunities for artists and artisans to share their work within a supportive community. ACAA Mission Statement Our mission is to promote and encourage community participation in the arts while developing awareness and appreciation for artistic expression. To fulfill this mission, we will: •Create opportunities that connect our group with surrounding communities through the arts •Foster camaraderie, collaboration, and support among local artists and artisans •Provide exhibitions, events, and platforms that encourage artistic sharing and visibility •Offer educational art opportunities for all ages and skill levels •Present experiences that raise awareness of the arts and highlight their relevance in everyday community life •Support the future of the arts through scholarship awards for individuals pursuing art-centered careers •Use the collective energy of our group to support our surrounding communities through fundraising efforts that focus needs such as food pantries

< Back ALEXANDRA WALTERS Mediums / Interests: Pastels alexandrawalters@comcast.net 413-478-5344 Next

< Back CINDY BOULEY Mediums / Interests: WATERCOLOR, ACRYLICS, Next

< Back CEIL ROSSI Mediums / Interests: FINE ART GOURDS From Field to Fine Art.. Nearly 25 years ago, I attended a gourd art festival at Welburn Gourd Farm in Fallbrook, California. Coming from New England, my only experience with gourds had been the small, colorful squash found at local markets each fall. At the festival, I discovered rows of raw gourds drying in large wire crates, alongside finished pieces transformed into striking works of art—often called nature’s pottery. I was fascinated by the process of turning a simple gourd into a piece of fine art. When I returned home to Carefree, Arizona with a few gourds in hand, I decided to pursue this unique art form. A gourd has a smooth, buttery surface and combines the experience of working on wood and canvas at the same time. Unlike a flat surface, the gourd is fully three-dimensional and can be carved, wood-burned, and painted with transparent ink dyes. Each piece is shaped by the natural form of the gourd itself. The process involves a variety of tools, including a wood burner, a Dremel with assorted burrs, and saws. I studied with some of the finest gourd artists in Arizona and later opened my own teaching studio, the Carefree Gourd Gallery. In addition to exhibiting and teaching, I present a lecture titled From Field to Fine Art, which explores the history, art, and cultural significance of gourds. The lecture traces their use from prehistoric times, when gourds were essential to daily life—as vessels for storing food and seeds, transporting water, and creating musical instruments. My work is exhibited in galleries throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut, and I have received honors in several fine art shows. TOCAREFREE2@HOTMAIL.COM Next

Thanks for Participating Name Email What classes would you like to see offered in the 26-27 schedule? Watercolor Acrylic Colored Pencil Pastel Gel Plate Printing Holiday Cards Alcohol Ink Dot art Acrylic Pour 3-D Felting Decoupage Art Bookbinding Any other classes you would like? What levels of Instruction would you most likely sign up for? Beginner Intermediate Advanced Have you taken any of ACAA’s art classes? Yes Would you consider teaching a class? (Honorarium $100, two helpers provided) Yes Send Feedback

< Back LOUIS DISESSA L. Mediums / Interests: SCULPTURE Next

Class Registration- Mail In Instructions 📝 Step 1: Complete the Registration Form 👉 [ Download Registration Form ] Download, print, and complete the class registration form. 📤 Step 2: Submit Your Form 📬 Mail: Send your form to: Robin Fernandes 19 Shore Rd Southwick, MA 01077 💳 Step 3: Submit Payment ✔️ Check: Mail a check payable to ACAA with your registration form ℹ️ Class Details 👩🎨 Adults Only 👥 Limited to 15 participants ⏰ Time: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM 🕥 Please arrive 15 minutes early so class can begin promptly ☕ Lunch and drinks available from The Daily Grind CLASS REGISTRATION FORM BACK TO ONLINE FORM

< Back ALEXANDRA KIBBE Mediums / Interests: WATERCOLOER, CHARCOAL, GOUACHE, PASTEL Next

< Back DAVID OLSZEWSKI Mediums / Interests: NATIVE AMERICAN STYLE FLUTES For the past five years, I have been crafting Native American–style flutes from locally sourced woods, each one featuring a hand-carved feather block. Carefully tuned to 440 Hz (+/-), these flutes offer a warm, resonant tone—perfect for playing your “heart song” on a peaceful walk in the woods. For information about upcoming show dates, please email dacieoski@gmail.com. dacieoski@gmail.com 413-642-3389 Next

< Back DONNA ROY Mediums / Interests: PASTEL,OIL,MIXED MEDIA, ECO ART Next

< Back CHRISTINA NASUTI Mediums / Interests: SEQUINES, SHELLS, PINS, 3D Next