The Parish Center for the Arts (PCA) is hosting their 25th annual Westford Regional Art Event from Friday, March 20 through Sunday, March 29. The hours to visit vary depending on the day: on March 22, visitors can visit 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; on March 25 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; March 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and on March 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Various pieces of art ranging from painting, photos, and sculptures will be presented by artists of all ages. According to PCA President Raj Puranik, the center is hosting this event to showcase art of all kinds, and give opportunities for artists to present their creations. In order to have their art featured in the showcase, each individual must submit an online form with a restriction of only two pieces accepted per person.
“I heard of this event from my art teacher, Ms. Bolotte. She encouraged all of the honors art kids to apply, so I thought I would,” art show award winner and WA junior Josie Controneo said.
Certain days of the event offer something new to participants, along with this their is also live music and food.
“We have special hours during this week. Starting [Saturday] there is a youth reception for the kids, and starting Sunday we’ll have gallery hours at certain days and times like Wednesday evening. Next Saturday and Sunday are extended hours,” PCA president Raj Puranik said.
Along with the show being for community expression, it also has award opportunities for its participants. Awards are given to the top participants in 12 different categories. Viewers can also purchase paintings they like, and there is live music and hor d’oeuvres offered as well.
“I wanted to show my art because I like what I create so much and don’t want [my art] to be sitting in my room, so I thought [the event] was the perfect opportunity to share my work,” Controneo said.
Each year the pieces are assessed by different judges. This year there are five judges, with one for children and four for adults. Each piece is judged by the composition and the overall proportions of the piece.
“I chose my pieces based off of how colorful they were, I really wanted to show pieces that had life in them, so I went with my most favorite colorful pieces,” Controneo said.
This event garners lots of popularity among the community and the region, with professional artists traveling from all over the Merrimack Valley and other neighboring areas to contribute in the showcase.
“Everything the PCA does is to encourage either art, music or some kind of involvement in the arts,” Puranik said. “This is [one of our biggest] events for artists by opening it up to the community and encouraging people to submit their works.”
