ASHBY, Mass. — Gallery Sitka and the Women’s Caucus for Art Massachusetts Chapter (WCA/MA) are presenting an exhibition of artwork by Massachusetts artist Denise Lafer, now on view at Smith Hill Tavern in Ashby through September. The public is invited to attend an artist reception on Sunday, Aug. 16, from 2 to 4 p.m., where guests can meet the artist and enjoy light refreshments.

Lafer is a Massachusetts artist whose work celebrates the beauty, energy and emotion of the natural world. Through vibrant color, texture and expressive compositions, she creates pieces that invite viewers to slow down, observe and connect more deeply with their surroundings.

A member of the Women’s Caucus for Art Massachusetts Chapter, Lafer is part of a statewide network of artists committed to advancing opportunities for women in the visual arts. WCA/MA provides exhibition opportunities, professional development, advocacy and community-building initiatives that support artists throughout the commonwealth.

Presented by Gallery Sitka and WCA/MA, the exhibition reflects a shared commitment to fostering artistic expression and increasing public access to the arts. By partnering with community venues, both organizations create opportunities for audiences to discover local artists in welcoming and accessible settings.

“Denise’s work brings a vibrant sense of place and connection to the exhibition,” said a representative of Gallery Sitka. “We are excited to partner with WCA/MA and Smith Hill Tavern to share her artwork with the community and celebrate the important role the arts play in bringing people together.”

The exhibition is hosted at Smith Hill Tavern, an Ashby destination known for its historic character, warm hospitality and community atmosphere. Visitors can view Lafer’s artwork during regular restaurant hours through September.

The artist reception is free and open to the public.

Event Details

What: Artist Reception for the Denise Lafer Exhibition
When: Sunday, Aug. 16, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Where: Smith Hill Tavern, Ashby, Massachusetts
Admission: Free and open to the public
Refreshments: Light refreshments will be served
Exhibition Dates: On view through September during regular restaurant hours

About Denise Lafer

Denise Lafer is a Massachusetts artist whose work explores color, texture and the enduring beauty of the natural world. Through expressive compositions and a keen sense of observation, she creates artwork that celebrates landscape, movement and the emotional connections people have with place.

About Gallery Sitka

Gallery Sitka is a Central Massachusetts gallery and arts organization dedicated to showcasing exceptional artists and building meaningful connections between art and community. Through exhibitions, partnerships and special events, Gallery Sitka creates opportunities for artists and audiences to engage with contemporary art in accessible and inspiring settings.

About the Women’s Caucus for Art Massachusetts Chapter

The Women’s Caucus for Art Massachusetts Chapter (WCA/MA) is part of the national Women’s Caucus for Art, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women in the visual arts through advocacy, education, networking and exhibition opportunities. WCA/MA works to promote the visibility of artists throughout Massachusetts while fostering professional growth, collaboration and community engagement.

Media Contact
Gallery Sitka
Tamar Russell Brown
Office@gallerysitka.com
978-425-6290
Gallerysitka.com

The post PR: Gallery Sitka and WCA/MA Present Exhibition of Works by Denise Lafer at Smith Hill Tavern appeared first on Gallery Sitka®.

Grand Opening: The Tasting Room at Newport Wine Cellar & Gourmet
Valentine’s Day Art Show & Wine Tasting in collaboration with Gallery Sitka® “2nd Fridays/All You Need is Art & Wine”

Newport, R.I., February 5, 2025 – Newport Wine Cellar & Gourmet and Gallery Sitka® have joined efforts in offering a monthly celebration called “2nd Fridays/All You Need is Art & Wine.” This series will kick off on Valentine’s Day evening, Friday, February 14, 4:30-6pm. This reception marks the grand opening of newly-designed Newport Wine Cellar & Gourmet’s The Tasting Room located adjacent to the flagship shop at 5 Merton Road, Newport. “All You Need is Art & Wine” is free and open to all. 

Patrons and new-comers alike are invited to experience the new space and fine products that provide inspiration to create beauty in everyday life. The Tasting Room is an extension of NWC&G’s select artisanal wines and specialty foods and also offers carefully curated home decor. Furnished by LBD Designs, The Tasting Room offers a private selection of Mid-Century Modern pieces, and iconic and emerging designs for the home. All art, furniture, wine and food is available for purchase.

Maria Chiancola, NWC&G owner for the past 17 years shares, “The intersection of art, wine and love has always been at the core of Newport Wine Cellar & Gourmet. I feel cooking, sharing a meal and drinking wine in communion with our friends, family, and romantic partners is an expression of love. We invite people to experience this by joining us to sip an artisanal wine, languish in an iconic chair, and contemplate art – all the while nourishing the soul and feeding one’s hunger for beauty, sustenance, and love. And one of the best parts is that all this can all be brought into one’s own living space.”

Gallery Sitka® will be in permanent residence at The Tasting Room, adorning the walls with contemporary art, rotating exhibits, and monthly artist-attended opening receptions. In celebration of Valentine’s Day, Gallery Sitka® will present artwork featuring bold reds by Marston Clough, Rux Darie, Barbara Groh Wahlstrom, Kate Huntington, Kate Shaffer, and Kellie Weeks.

Gallery Sitka® owner Tamar Russell Brown, states, “I’m excited about this collaboration. Maria and I have compatible visions and goals and we are both graduates of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. We each work to support other small businesses and hope this will be a precursor to supporting each other in larger ways in the future. Pairing art and decor is a natural fit. We hope to inspire Newporters and guests to enjoy gourmet fare and New England art geared to enrich lives.”

At a Glance 

WHAT: Valentine’s Day Art Show & Wine Tasting – Grand Opening of The Tasting Room at Newport Wine Cellar & Gourmet in collaboration with Gallery Sitka® “2nd Fridays: All You Need is Art & Wine” 

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 14, 4:30-6pm

WHERE: 5 Merton Rd. (off Freebody St.)

INFO: Open to all, free admission, GallerySitka.com, 

About Gallery Sitka®
Gallery Sitka® is a woman-owned and operated art entity with galleries in Newport, RI and Shirley, MA, with additional periodic pop-ups around the Northeast. With a focus on abstract art, Gallery Sitka® represents the work of more than twenty painters, sculptors, encaustic artists, as well as jewelry designers from New England, New York, Brasil, France and Italy. The Gallery is committed to local art and the creative economy. Gallery Sitka® opened in 2014 and has been featured in publications such as Art New England, Newport Daily News, Newport This Week, NorthCentral Mass.com, Harvard General Store, ChooseNorthCentral.com, among others. For more information visit gallerysitka.com

About Newport Wine Cellar & Gourmet
Newport Wine Cellar emerged out of a passion for food and wine, but also out of a need for conversation about and around a food and wine culture. I love to talk with people about how and why they make wine, how they enjoy it and share it with others, what foods they love to make, and the stories that then emerge from those meals. I opened the shop in 2008 in an effort to inspire and be inspired by these stories.

The post PR: Grand Opening: The Tasting Room at Newport Wine Cellar & Gourmet Valentine’s Day Art Show & Wine Tasting appeared first on Gallery Sitka®.