The Milford Cultural Council is pleased to announce the installation of a Free Little Art Gallery on the grounds of the Milford Public Library. A Free Little Art Gallery – “FLAG” for short – is like a Little Free Library, but for small works of art rather than books. The artwork is made by anyone of any age who chooses to participate. Visitors who see something they like in the gallery can take it home for free, or create something that they want to add to the gallery for others to enjoy.
“The goal of a FLAG is to encourage visitors to create art and share it with others,” said Sandee Buckley, MCC Vice-Chairperson, “While it is not necessary for people to make art in order to take art, we do hope that visitors will consider making something for the gallery throughout the year.”
As part of this public art initiative, the Milford Cultural Council is working collaboratively with the Milford Public library. “When deciding on a location for the gallery, the library was a natural choice. It is one of the only places in town where people of all ages routinely visit.” says MCC Board Chair Geri Eddins, “We’re so grateful for the support of Milford Library Director Sue Edmonds, the staff and the library trustees for allowing us to house the FLAG on library grounds”. The library’s reference desk will have free art materials available so that anyone who would like to make a piece of art for the gallery may do so. Donations of art materials are always welcome.
The key to having a successful free little art gallery is to have a regular rotation of artwork. Often galleries will empty out more quickly than the art is generated. In preparation for the launch of the gallery, the cultural council reached out to the Milford Youth Center, as well as FLAG owners all over the United States and beyond. “We received a piece of small art from eleven different states so far, and one from Australia.” Buckley said. “That, combined with the work from the kids at the Milford Youth Center, has provided us with artwork to launch the gallery.”
Artwork that is no more than four inches in height is generally sought for the gallery. Work can include small canvases, ceramics, hand-made jewelry, knitted pieces, painted rocks and more. Questions about the FLAG can be sent to the council by email to [email protected].
The Milford Cultural Council seeks to promote excellence, inclusion, education, and diversity in the arts, humanities, and sciences to foster a rich cultural life for all Milford residents, thereby contributing to the vitality of our community and economy. The council welcomes ideas, recommendations, and feedback regarding programs and events funded or sponsored by the council. Interested Milford residents are encouraged to attend meetings, which are held every third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. typically in Room 14 of Town Hall. Learn more online at: MilfordMA.gov/milford-cultural-council and on the council’s social media accounts: Facebook (MilfordCulturalCouncil) and Instagram (MilfordCultural).
