September's show at the Artists Cooperative Gallery of Westerly, "Arrivals and Departures," runs from Thursday August 26 through Saturday September 25, in a month that traditionally marks the beginning of migration and change, whether it's by humans, flocks of fowl, changing tourist demographics from families with children to retired roamers or new beginnings at a school or college signaling an end of summer and perhaps childhood! The show will feature different artistic renderings matching the show's theme, in jewelry, photography, paintings, mosaic, pottery, wood and fabric.

Laura Gaffke, featured during the September show, is a Connecticut based interdisciplinary, visual artist, whose art practice follows the traditions of painting and collage. Laura says that she is "dedicated to self-awareness and the process of creating. This process becomes a catalyst to learn, mature and stretch beyond what I know. I use paint, collage, mixed-media, photography, and found objects as a way to ask questions and engage in a conversation with life. Nature, place, meditation, self-reflection, relationships, spirituality and life experiences all form my creative practice. Living and existence in a diverse world grounds my work in awareness and compassion. I am interested in the potential of art as a gift and seek paths to share it, teach it, nurture it and communicate in a positive way, thereby encouraging the human spirit. I center myself and ponder questions while I fulfill daily meditative rituals, such as walking, painting and photography. I often feel guided in this stillness. Frequently, what I absorb translates into my work in ways not always clear to me. I've learned to trust this process and embrace the great mysteries of life, moment by moment: This moment is all that I know for sure. I began my journey as a professional artist after teaching 1-8th grade students for many years. Breathing a sigh of relief after completing my MFA from Goddard College, VT I currently teach at the Mystic Arts Center and maintain an active studio practice at “Above Elite Studios” in Westerly, RI.

Steve Tulka's fine art woodworking will also be featured in September's show. Steve states, "I began woodworking about twenty years ago for somewhat practical reasons: as a means of relaxation from a stressful job and to use my hands in a creative fashion. Being completely self taught (with the help of Norm Abrams on PBS!), I have evolved my skills for larger carpentry work including built-ins and cabinets, to small furniture, turnings (bowls), and decorative boxes. In designing pieces, I try to carefully use and integrate the design of the wood as well as contrasting woods and colors. For instance, with my boxes, the wood grain follows around the corners, uniformly when possible. The woods I usually work with are native New England species, maple, cherry and walnut, and I am reluctant to change colors artificially with stains or dyes. My favorite woods are cherry for its beauty and workability and the figured maples: tiger and birdseye. Tropical woods are occasionally used for their unique coloring. The pieces are usually finished with lacquer, polyurethane varnish or an oil-wax mixture. Finally, I try to combine form and function. Hopefully the pieces will not only be creative from an artistic viewpoint, but have some functionality to our lives as well. I would be happy to accept commissions to accommodate a customer's individual needs."

"Arrivals and Departures" runs from Thursday August 26 through Saturday September 25. An Opening Reception will be hosted by Artist Members of the Cooperative on Wednesday, September 1 from 5PM to 8PM at the Gallery. Refreshments will be served. The Artists Cooperative Gallery of Westerly is a non-profit, all volunteer organization. The Gallery, located at 7 Canal Street, Westerly Rhode Island offers tax free shopping. Gallery hours are 10AM to 5PM from Tuesday through Saturday, with additional evening hours on Fridays from 5-8PM or by chance.

The Gallery members host a new show's Opening Reception on the first Wednesday evening of every month during the Westerly Pawcatuck Art Stroll. Please pick up a new 2010 Art Stroll Map, showing the different venues for art throughout the town while you are at ACGOW and enjoy shops, restaurants and other Galleries along the way! For questions or additional information please contact the Gallery at (401) 596-2221 or see www.westerlyarts.com for Gallery and Artist information.