Show to Benefit Alzheimer's Association at Gallery 529 in Littleton

Gallery 529 in Littleton is currently hosting the show “Memories,” a juried art show and exhibit of unique works of art during the month of October and November. The event will benefit the research and programs of the Alzheimer’s Association®, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter. The exhibit is free and open to the public during the hours that the gallery is open.

“What are your most clear and vibrant memories?” is the question that has inspired the show.

“Since memory loss is a symptom of the fatal disease, it became a way for the artists to connect with this cause that affects so many people,” said gallery executive director Virginia Wood. The works will include painting, collage and photography. “Memories” was juried by David Wilson, an artist and gallery owner from North Haven, Maine.

Frances Killam, of Chelmsford, won the jury’s vote for her prints, Key to the Past 1 and 2. According to David Wilson, who helped to jury the show,

“Both pieces are well composed and use colour boldly and effectively. Texture and transparency create a tension between the literal depiction of objects and the abstracted pattern of the surface.

Memories can be very specific and clear but just as often they are fleeting and hard to hold.I think that is what this artist alludes too. By layering and covering, revealing and concealingwe are lead to consider our own memories. I think the witty device of a visual pun, a key helps unlock the mystery of “Memories”. “

“My dad was just one of the millions who have been afflicted with Alzheimer’s or its symptoms,” said Wood. “With our exhibit, we hope to raise awareness for this disease, while supporting the efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH.”

Exhibiting Littleton artist Ed Franzek, who spent time on his family farm in Groton as a boy, is donating all of the proceeds from the sale of his photo “The Old Chevy.” The Gallery and members artists are also making donations to this worthy non-profit.

“We are inspired by the generous and creative spirit behind this project,” said Betsy Fitzgerald-Campbell, vice president of Communications and Public Affairs at the Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter. “More than 5 million people in the U.S. have Alzheimer’s, and about 120,000 of them live here in Massachusetts. They are our neighbors and family and friends. The Gallery 529 is giving the public a new way to understand this challenging disease, and to contribute to the cause.”

Gallery 529 is an artists’ cooperative gallery showing and selling the work of more than 30 artists. In business for less than a year, Gallery 529 is already becoming a destination in the region. The gallery is a fine arts and artisan made retail store where visitors can find the perfect gift for any occasion. The gallery shares the rambling farmhouse with Act III Restaurant. During the weekends, Act III has live music, so the building will be filled with music making it the perfect venue to bring someone special.

“We hope that people will stop by for the great exhibit and stay to enjoy the food and music at ACT III. What can be more fun than live music, good food, original art, and a great cause?” Wood said.