The Walpolean

Thanks to Eloise, we have this information about an fun and informative day that is just around the corner. – Lil

Plans have firmed up for the May Day celebration at the Hooper Institute on Sunday, May 1^st from 1 to 4 PM.  The theme of this event is “all things Hooper.” Perhaps you are curious about the Institute and its role in the education of the youth of Walpole?  Perhaps you have never been inside Hooper Hall? Maybe you would just like to come to a fun event? Please join us!  The schedule is as follows.

At 1:00 PM the Marlboro Women’s Morris team will perform their energetic dances to celebrate spring.  At about 1:30 PM, Kathy Torrey will lead participants in their own dances to weave the May Pole ribbons.  At 3:00 the Morris men’s and women’s teams from Harrisville will bring us more spring cheer.

Ongoing events include the creation of May baskets to take home.  The Farm & Forest Museum will be open with many activities for folks to do. Hooper Institute programs in the schools and community will be highlighted including summer camps and the high school work program.  The Hooper Scholarship Committee will profile their educational grants to all Walpole residents. The Friends of the Hooper Institute will share their efforts to extend the mission of the Institute.

People are invited to ramble about the grounds and learn about our new loop trail along the pond.  You can also visit the Community Garden and find out about its unique no-till practices. The Monadnock Conservancy will have information about the new conservation easement implemented for the golf course.  The Walpole Conservation Commission will have a display of its land conservation efforts in town.  Meeting House West LLC will be present and have information about golf club memberships.    Come to learn about “all things Hooper” and the many programs the Hooper Institute offers to the community of Walpole.

The Hooper Institute is located at 165 Prospect Hill Road in Walpole (across from the golf course.)  This event is free and open to people of all ages.  Refreshments will be served.  Questions, please call 756-4382.

North Walpole Village District will hold their Annual Village Meeting on Thursday, April 21 at 7:00 PM at St.Peter’s Hall to vote on the Annual Village Budget and Warrant Articles.

Bill Moses better keep an eye on this date.  A Clarion without his submission is like a day without sunshine and we have had to many of them lately. – Lil

Just had an email from Ray Boas asking me to let you know that the Walpole Clarion has been posted online.  Be “ahead of the curve”!  Read it today. – Lil

The Walpole Artisans Cooperative, a local arts and crafts not-for-profit gallery on Main Street in Walpole, NH, is looking for new members. Artists and craftsmen who are interested in applying for membership are encouraged to visit the gallery, to look at the displays and talk to the artist on site. Seeing the space first hand reinforces the positive impression that members and customers have the minute they step in the door.

Interested artists can pick up an application and ask questions in person. Applications are also available online at: http://www.walpoleartisans.org and the group wants everyone to “like us” on Facebook.

The cooperative’s artists and craftsmen are linked together in like-minded purpose and kindred spirit. The members are the heart and soul of this retail gallery. They work in the shop, they set the cooperative’s policies, they serve on committees, organize events, challenge each other to fulfill the creative drive inside each of them and have fun doing what they love.

The retail shop has been described as a “magical” place. One visit to the gallery will confirm that this adjective says it all: great lighting; an intimate setting; a variety of mediums; and most of all a smiling member artist on site everyday to enhance the “art” experience for customers who are looking for something unique and handcrafted. There are no paid employees in this shop; the members do it all. New members are juried into the gallery by a group of member artists who look at the applicant’s work and evaluate the applicant’s interest in being a working member.

Some of the many benefits of membership include:

 The members are the shop, they make all the decisions, set the hours, pay the bills and do the advertising

 The commission for sales is substantially lower than a “for profit” gallery. The rate varies with the number of days per month the artist works, but is as low as 15%

 Members can participate in an annual “Tour” in November to showcase their work in one of the best tours in the area

 The cooperative is a member of local Chambers of Commerce in Keene & Bellows Falls

 Members sponsor and participate in community events

If you are interested in being part of this group applications are available at the shop as well as online at the cooperative’s website: http://www.WalpoleArtisans.org.

Shop hours are Wed-Sat: 10:00 – 5:00 and Sun 11:00 – 4:00. Phone 603 756-3020