Our Gallery
The Artists' Cooperative Gallery of Westerly, ACGOW, is a fine arts gallery exhibiting a new show every month with work from member and visiting artists. ACGOW shows are free and open to the public.
ACGOW is a 501-(c)3 non-profit organization run by volunteers. It offers exhibits, openings, lectures, workshops, and classes. Artist members contribute to all aspects of managing the gallery.
Each spring The Artists' Cooperative Gallery of Westerly sponsors a juried regional show that attracts artists from across the Northeast.
For the month of February 2011, the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, RISCA, chose ACGOW as the Rhode Island host gallery for their annual Fellowship Award Winning Artists.
Openings and the Art Stroll
Openings are held from 5-8 pm on the 1st Wednesday of the month during the Westerly-Pawcatuck Art Stroll. Browse the show, meet the artists and enjoy a glass of wine and tasty refreshments.
The Art Stroll is an opportunity for art lovers to stroll through town and be welcomed at the many art venues in town. Blue ART flags indicate locations. Maps of the Stroll are available at ACGOW.
Location and Contact Information
7 Canal Street, Westerly RI 02891, just around the corner from the Westerly Railroad station.
Directions
401-596-2221
webmaster
Gallery Hours
Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 - 5:001st Wednesdays 5:00 - 8:00
History
The Artists' Cooperative Gallery of Westerly, Inc. was founded by artists in 1992. Artist owned and operated, it has around 50 members and a dedicated group of friends, sponsors, and volunteers.
In January 2010, the Artists' Cooperative Gallery moved from its old location on High Street around the corner to Canal Street. It is now located in the old Montgomery Ward building next to the United Theater. The gallery was honored to be asked by the Westerly Land Trust to anchor the emerging arts center being developed in Westerly. The United theater after its restoration will be able to host both large and small performances and provide rehearsal space.
Mission
The Artists' Cooperative Gallery of Westerly is a non-profit art organization dedicated to supporting and nurturing the visual arts in the greater Westerly/Pawcatuck area through:
- Increasing awareness and appreciation of the visual arts
- Building an arts community through mutual support, cooperation and education
- Providing artists with an opportunity to develop, exhibit and sell their work
Sponsors
Friends
As an all-volunteer organization, we rely on our friends for their support of our mission to promote the arts. Our friends support us with their time, funding, and in their own creative efforts toward our mutual goals. We thank you for time and generosity. For information on becoming a friend of the gallery, contact our Friends Coordinator.
Corporate Sponsors
We offer the opportunity for local businesses to sponsor an exhibit or activity. Sponsors are recognized publicity at our openings, on our mailings and in our media outreach. If you would like more information about sponsoring an exhibit or activity, please contact the Sponsor Coordinator.
Volunteers
Operating an art gallery requires extensive work. Gallery members ensure that the gallery is open 35 hours a week, hang a new show each month, prepare mailings and media releases, create marketing, maintain a website, and prepare special events. Many members work full time. If you are interested in helping us by volunteering your time, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator,.
