This Week at WREN

Hi Friends,

On this Memorial Day, we remember those who helped make our lives into beautiful things filled with joyous art, self-expression, and community. We are so thankful to those who have served and given all.

Today is a day for gratitude, so we hope you will do two things: 1. Set aside this newsletter until tomorrow (and then catch up!) 2. Spend time with your friends and family, basking in the bright moments.

Come tomorrow, read on for oodles of events and a special message from WREN’s Executive Director!

want to wish you an unofficial welcome to Summer.

Summer is just one of the many beautiful seasons here in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. A lot has happened here at WREN in the past year. June 30th signals the end of our fiscal year, and a time to look back at all that we’ve accomplished in 12 short months. If you haven’t been in the store or gallery lately, now is the time to stop by, as we have just completed a year-long set of renovations both inside and out!

The store and gallery have been completely repainted, walls repaired, staff offices moved, and the lower level has been redone and converted to 4 separate offices spaces which are fully rented. The next time you’re coming through town, take a look at the exterior of our building — in addition to being repainted, a new mural is in the works, and our once beautiful gardens are in the process of being restored thanks to an intrepid volunteer.

Save the date for Friday July 2, when we host the return of First Friday! After a year-long break from hosting in-person events, we are so excited to welcome back one of WREN’s most beloved series with the opening of our Gallery exhibit Nomadic Threads. The same day, we will host a formal unveiling of our new mural made possible by NOCO Mural Project and artist Zach Johnsen.

These special events and visual projects are all part of what the average visitor to WREN sees, and we are so proud of them. Behind the scenes, though, we have also been very busy! Between continuing our classes and programs online via ZOOM, offering one-on-one technical assistance, and welcoming new vendors and members to the WREN Community, every day is full of small accomplishments building towards something great.

We have a very small staff, a strong Board of Directors, and an amazing set of volunteers, members, donors and supporters. We couldn’t do this without any of them, and without any of you. I am filled with gratitude – thank you!

As we are wrapping up our fiscal year, there is one more chance to help support this organization that we all love.

An anonymous donor has set up a challenge grant of $2,500. This donor will match up to $,2500 in donations received for WREN through the NH Gives Program, slated to run from 5 pm on June 8th- 5pm on June 9th.

NH Gives is a powerful, statewide 24-hour online fundraising event that is designed to build community, connect donors to local nonprofits, and generate excitement about the nonprofit sector.

We will be sending out a series of reminders and links over the next week, and do hope you can take part in this important day of giving. Please give whatever you can to help WREN continue to move forward!

Happy Summer and thank you,

Pam

LEARN MORE ABOUT NH GIVES

How’s your Saturday shaping up?

“Cookies & Tea (and a Talk @ 3!)” is a great way to while away the late afternoon hours.

WHAT: This special event is a celebration of “COLOR!” in the Gallery at WREN. Artists Ann Saunderson and Pam Tarbell will be in attendance, reviewing the techniques and inspirations that helped make this latest Gallery show such a visual treat!

WHEN: Saturday, 6/5 @ 3pm

WHERE: The Gallery at WREN, 2013 Main St, Bethlehem, NH 03574

If you’re going to be in town on the earlier side, still stop in to say hello! While the official artist talk starts at 3pm, artists Ann Saunderson and Pam Tarbell will be in the Gallery from 1pm onwards on Saturday.

Iced tea, lemonade, and local cookies from Maia Papaya
will be available for artist talk attendees.

Registration is still open for our first “Get Outside with WREN!” event – don’t forget to sign up!

WHAT: Join WREN members (and representatives of the xNHAT) Marianne Borowski and Bob Holdsworth for a 3-mile roundtrip bike ride/walk to the viewing platform at Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge. Take in the scenery on this stunning local trail, and learn about other biking opportunities in the North Country!

WHEN: Saturday, 6/12 @ 9am

WHERE: Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge parking lot located off Airport Road in Jefferson, NH

REGISTER TODAY!

A signed waiver is required to participate in this event. Representatives from WREN and XNHAT will provide waivers the day of the event, prior to the start of the cycling/walking. Current COVID-19 recommendations will be followed. 

Sunflower Placemats (Set of 4) by Marjorie Carlisle

SHOP ONLINE

Regional FYI
Did you know that NH Grand is a program of WREN?
Whether you’re a local looking to learn more about your favorite region of the state, or you’re a traveler coming to New Hampshire’s North Country for the first time, don’t forget to visit the NH Grand website (and the town of Bethlehem’s website!) for all of your area information. 
Love newsletters? NH Grand has one too! Sign up for the latest on all things tourism related by visiting https://www.nhgrand.com/ and scrolling to the bottom of the page. 
Do you have a special spot in your heart for the scenic town that WREN calls home? Sign up for Bethlehem, NH’s newsletter too while you’re at it! Visit: https://bethlehemnh.org/tourism-e-news/.
Thank you for supporting WREN and your community! WREN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit accepting donations year round. If you would like to show your care for the work we do, visit the “Donations” page on our website. Many thanks!


The Adair Country Inn & Restaurant is the official sponsor of the Gallery at WREN.

Partial funding for WREN’s courses and programs is made possible by the NH CDFA (Community Development Finance Authority) CDBG Program.

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