History

The Hampden Art Guild was begun as The Hampden Scantic River Artists over 20 years ago and our first exhibit was organized by Laura Chaffin at The Gallery at Laughing Brook. Laura recruited 10-12 local artists for this successful exhibit, the idea of a local artists group grew and Laura was joined by Chris Bandoski to look for more exhibition venues and other town artists. The Laughing Brook exhibit was followed by exhibits at the town library and an annunal exhibit at Academy Hall.

The group has also exhibited at The First Church Gallery in Springfield, The Little Red School House in East Longmeadow, The Wilbraham Public Library and local businesses in Hampden. In 2007, the guild organized The Big H Arts Festival for Hampden highlighted by our annual exhibit, a showing of high school art, musicians, children's activities and food provided by a local church and civic organizations. The Hampden Garden Club has provided beautiful arrangements for our exhibitions, this event will happen again in September 2009.