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| Press Footsteps in History is produced by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council.
Blackstone Valley Visitor Center 175 Main Street Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02860 USA Tel: 1-800-454-2882. The Rainbow Palette Saturday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Location: Alternatives 1826 Brick Mill, 38-42 Douglas Road, Whtinsville MA 01588 Laura O. Cenedella, Owner 774-232-6645 Email Web Interested in painting, come and join me for a painting event at the newly renovated historical mill in downtown Whitinsville MA. Bring everything you need or you can contact me prior to the event to purchase supplies. I do have some easels you may borrow. Check out my website for a checklist for Non-Painting Plein Air Essentials. En plein air is a French expression which means “in the open air”, and is particularly used to describe the act of painting outdoors. Artists have long painted outdoors, but in the mid-19th century working in natural light became particularly important to the Barbizon school and Impressionism. The popularity of painting en plein air increased in the 1870s. French Impressionist painters such as Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir advocated en plein air painting, and much of their work was done outdoors, in the diffuse light provided by a large white umbrella. American Impressionists, too, such as those of the Old Lyme school, were avid painters en plein air. American Impressionist painters noted for this style during this era included, Guy Rose, Robert William Wood, Mary Denil Morgan, John Gamble, and Arthur Hill Gilbert. The Blackstone Valley has made its mark in history with attracting famous artists such as Aldro Hibbard(1886 - 1972), JOHN NIGOHOSIAN DANA-BASHIAN,1897-1975, Aldro Hibbard(1886 - 1972),Benard Corey,(American) 1914-2000, Paul Strisik 1918-1998, Don Stone, Inez Gornall and Michael Graves to name a few. Blackstone Valley maple sugaring bucket auction Published on April 23, 2008, A wine and cheese reception took place at the Rainbow Palette Cafe, Gallery and Community Arts Center in Uxbridge for its second annual silent auction of vintage maple sugaring buckets. The vintage buckets were painted by artists throughout Blackstone Valley with scenes of the valley, sugaring and other winter in New England themes. Proceeds from the auction benefit the Blackstone Valley Sugaring Association and the Rainbow Palette's TLC programs for the elderly and people with low (Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA), 142 words.) Put your Sox on and take a stroll through Uxbridge Published on April 3, 2008, UXBRIDGE - Rather than strolling down Yawkey Way on Red Sox Opening Day, Uxbridge business owners hope local residents will spend part of that day strolling down Artist Way, AKA South Main Street. Downtown Opening Day Celebration (Red Sox opening day), a downtown street festival, will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 8 on South Main Street, from the Senior Center to Savers Bank. The event is an old-fashioned family street festival which will simulate the opening day at Fenway Park, (Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA), 288 words.)
| ‘Art is my oxygen’: Local woman triumphs over tragedy |  |
| Saturday, 05 April 2008 | ‘Art is my oxygen’: Local woman triumphs over tragedy | |
Saturday, 05 April 2008 | 
Laura Cenedella, owner of the Rainbow Palette Gallery, sets up her ‘Green Monster’ in the window of her gallery in anticipation of the Downtown Uxbridge Opening Day festivities, which will be held on Tuesday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. along South Main Street in Uxbridge. Cenedella is reopening her gallery in this new location after being burned out of her former location at the Bernat Mill complex, which was destroyed by fire last year. Call Photo/Ernest A. Brown By KARI KLINE UXBRIDGE -- Teacher. Artist. Businesswoman. Laura Osborne Cenedella is all of these things, plus more.
Owner of the recently-opened Rainbow Palette, Cenedella has a ready smile and warm laugh for everyone. That sunny disposition has helped her overcome many obstacles in life. As a result of a condition of multiple sclerosis that had been misdiagnosed — incredibly — for 20 years, Cenedella says she now suffers from some permanent physical damage. In 1998, Cenedella says she had a titanium fusion on her spine and consequently spent years undergoing medical treatment.
“I went in and out of hospitals, seeing doctors, endured physical and occupational therapy,” she said.
She attempted going back into the workforce in an insurance company, but found the commute and job duties too physically difficult. In 2003, she got the job of Arts Manager at Nina’s Gallery, but nine months later, the owner decided to close the gallery.
“It was an uphill battle with therapists, doctors and steroid treatment,” she said. “I went back to teaching on Canadian crutches and with knee, ankle and feet orthopedic braces.”
Cenedella’s obvious perseverance shows in every facet of her life including finding a place to house her art business. The Rainbow Palette, officially opened in January of 2008, is her fourth location in four years. She opened her own gallery in her then-home on Albee Road in Uxbridge from 2003-2005. In 2006 she moved her art business to Bernat Mills.
In 2006, Cenedella suffered a relapse while onstage at the Bernat Mill trying to raise money for an art project associated with the Blackstone Valley Art Association. This incident rendered her paralyzed on her left side. At that time, she was diagnosed with MS.
On July 21, 2007, Bernat Mills burnt to the ground, leaving many business owners with nothing. Cenedella says she heard about the fire at 7 a.m., while at home in her second-floor apartment.
“I was devastated,” she says softly.
Since then, she’s started a series of paintings called “Bernat Mills Memories,” of which three are completed.
In true non-defeatist fashion, Cenedella began looking for another place to house her art after the fire. She says she looked at over 150 places before settling in to her present location at 6 South Main St. in Uxbridge.
She says she remembers always walking by the building and saying to her self how much she loved the windows.
Her current location is 2,500 square feet and is part art gallery, café, and studio. The café offers coffee, tea and light refreshments. The gallery in the main room houses many paintings of all media including resin, watercolor, acrylic and watercolor with prices ranging from $5 to $5,000. The back room doubles as storage and classroom. 
When teaching, Cenedella likes to start students off with an 11-by-14-inch canvas. “It’s more difficult to paint small,” she says, “and the first class either makes them or breaks them.”
Cenedella lets students make their own choice as to subject matter and material.
“I treat every student as an individual,” she says. She currently has 40 students and her Rainbow Palette TLC Program specializes in art instruction to people with tdisabilities.
Besides teaching and managing her gallery, Cenedella runs between 24 and 36 art shows per year. Neither medical or financial setbacks seem to detain her. She just keeps moving ahead.
Asked how she’s able to do this, and she replies simply, “Art is my oxygen. It’s not what I do, but who I am.”
“I want my own business so I can continue working in any condition,” she says with a smile.
Rainbow Pallette Gallery will be open for the Downtown Uxbridge Opening Day festivities Tuesday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. along South Main Street in Uxbridge. The event will feature food vendors, performers and raffles, and coincides with the home opener of the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park the very same day. It is a way for local businesses to come together and celebrate the opening of the spring season in Uxbridge.
The community art center, gallery and cafe is located at 6 South Main St., Uxbridge. For more information, call therainbowpalette.com or call (508) 278-3900.
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Laura Cenedella, owner of the Rainbow Palette Gallery, sets up her ‘Green Monster’ in the window of her gallery in anticipation of the Downtown Uxbridge Opening Day festivities, which will be held on Tuesday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. along South Main Street in Uxbridge. Cenedella is reopening her gallery in this new location after being burned out of her former location at the Bernat Mill complex, which was destroyed by fire last year. Call Photo/Ernest A. Brown By KARI KLINE UXBRIDGE -- Teacher. Artist. Businesswoman. Laura Osborne Cenedella is all of these things, plus more.
Owner of the recently-opened Rainbow Palette, Cenedella has a ready smile and warm laugh for everyone. That sunny disposition has helped her overcome many obstacles in life. As a result of a condition of multiple sclerosis that had been misdiagnosed — incredibly — for 20 years, Cenedella says she now suffers from some permanent physical damage. In 1998, Cenedella says she had a titanium fusion on her spine and consequently spent years undergoing medical treatment.
“I went in and out of hospitals, seeing doctors, endured physical and occupational therapy,” she said.
She attempted going back into the workforce in an insurance company, but found the commute and job duties too physically difficult. In 2003, she got the job of Arts Manager at Nina’s Gallery, but nine months later, the owner decided to close the gallery.
“It was an uphill battle with therapists, doctors and steroid treatment,” she said. “I went back to teaching on Canadian crutches and with knee, ankle and feet orthopedic braces.”
Cenedella’s obvious perseverance shows in every facet of her life including finding a place to house her art business. The Rainbow Palette, officially opened in January of 2008, is her fourth location in four years. She opened her own gallery in her then-home on Albee Road in Uxbridge from 2003-2005. In 2006 she moved her art business to Bernat Mills.
In 2006, Cenedella suffered a relapse while onstage at the Bernat Mill trying to raise money for an art project associated with the Blackstone Valley Art Association. This incident rendered her paralyzed on her left side. At that time, she was diagnosed with MS.
On July 21, 2007, Bernat Mills burnt to the ground, leaving many business owners with nothing. Cenedella says she heard about the fire at 7 a.m., while at home in her second-floor apartment.
“I was devastated,” she says softly.
Since then, she’s started a series of paintings called “Bernat Mills Memories,” of which three are completed.
In true non-defeatist fashion, Cenedella began looking for another place to house her art after the fire. She says she looked at over 150 places before settling in to her present location at 6 South Main St. in Uxbridge.
She says she remembers always walking by the building and saying to her self how much she loved the windows.
Her current location is 2,500 square feet and is part art gallery, café, and studio. The café offers coffee, tea and light refreshments. The gallery in the main room houses many paintings of all media including resin, watercolor, acrylic and watercolor with prices ranging from $5 to $5,000. The back room doubles as storage and classroom.
When teaching, Cenedella likes to start students off with an 11-by-14-inch canvas. “It’s more difficult to paint small,” she says, “and the first class either makes them or breaks them.”
Cenedella lets students make their own choice as to subject matter and material.
“I treat every student as an individual,” she says. She currently has 40 students and her Rainbow Palette TLC Program specializes in art instruction to people with tdisabilities.
Besides teaching and managing her gallery, Cenedella runs between 24 and 36 art shows per year. Neither medical or financial setbacks seem to detain her. She just keeps moving ahead.
Asked how she’s able to do this, and she replies simply, “Art is my oxygen. It’s not what I do, but who I am.”
“I want my own business so I can continue working in any condition,” she says with a smile.
Rainbow Pallette Gallery will be open for the Downtown Uxbridge Opening Day festivities Tuesday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. along South Main Street in Uxbridge. The event will feature food vendors, performers and raffles, and coincides with the home opener of the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park the very same day. It is a way for local businesses to come together and celebrate the opening of the spring season in Uxbridge.
The community art center, gallery and cafe is located at 6 South Main St., Uxbridge. For more information, call therainbowpalette.com or call (508) 278-3900.
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Buckets for bids Published on February 21, 2008, COLUMN: THE SECOND ANNUAL ART OF MAPLE SYRUP SILENT AUCTION UXBRIDGE - There's a picture on the bucket, dear bidder. This is the sweet message that the Blackstone Valley Sugaring Association would like to share. The buckets that once hung on trees collecting sap for making maple syrup have been transformed into treasures by the brush strokes of Blackstone Valley artists. The artists have been painting original art pieces on vintage maple sap buckets to be sold in a (Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA), 881 words.) Thursday, February 21, 2008
Buckets for bids
Sugarers offering new collectible art
THE SECOND ANNUAL ART OF MAPLE SYRUP SILENT AUCTION
By Bonnie Russell TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
 
William Paul sugaring Two sides of a bucket show renderings
of Roy Henry Volunteer and a granddaughter of another volunteer
UXBRIDGE— There’s a picture on the bucket, dear bidder.
This is the sweet message that the Blackstone Valley Sugaring Association would like to share.
The buckets that once hung on trees collecting sap for making maple syrup have been transformed into treasures by the brush strokes of Blackstone Valley artists.
The artists have been painting original art pieces on vintage maple sap buckets to be sold in a month-long silent auction. Proceeds benefit the Blackstone Valley Sugaring Association and The Rainbow Palette’s TLC Program, which serves people with disabilities, low-income and the elderly.
Bids will be accepted through 4:30 p.m. March 16.
The idea for the painted buckets came about during a trip to a maple education program in Vermont made by Blackstone Valley Sugaring Association founders Bill and Valerie Paul and volunteer Diane Romano.
“We stopped on the way home and saw the buckets and thought we could do this,” Mrs. Paul said.
They talked with Laura O. Cendella of the Rainbow Palette Café Gallery and Community Arts Center, and she was enthusiastic about the idea.
“We loved the idea of combining nature and art in such an interesting manner,” Mrs. Paul said.
Last year, at the first Art of Maple Syrup Silent Auction, 18 buckets were sold, Mrs. Paul said.
“Bidding started at $35, and the most expensive bucket sold in the $200 range,” Mrs. Paul said. That bucket depicted River Bend Farm, she said.
The themes are nature, Blackstone Valley and sugaring, said Ms. Cendella, who coordinates the art aspect.
“I’m expecting about 25 buckets but hoping for 30,” Ms. Cendella said.
An artist just stopped by to leave off some artwork to be displayed in the gallery, and Ms. Cendella said he agreed to paint a bucket.
As the buckets come in they are displayed in the window of the Rainbow Palette and placed on pieces of trees that have actually been tapped. Snow and gilded pancakes complete the scene, Ms. Cendella said.
This year, one of the buckets will sport transfer photography done through an inkjet process, Ms. Cendella said.
Ms. Cendella said she will paint a few buckets, as she did last year. She painted caricatures of volunteers and guests engaged in the maple sugaring process on one of last year’s buckets.
Greeting cards with pictures of the buckets will be available for purchase.
A wine and cheese reception was scheduled Feb. 16 to officially open the bidding on this year’s art buckets for the second annual Art of Maple Syrup silent auction.
The buckets will be available for viewing and bidding during open hours through Feb. 27 at The Rainbow Palette Cafe Gallery & Community Arts Center, 6 South Main St., Uxbridge; and March 1 to March 16 at Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, River Bend Farm Visitors Center, 287 Oak St., Uxbridge.
The viewing at River Bend Farm coincides with the fourth annual Maple Sugar Days, sponsored by the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park. Guests can watch maple sugaring demonstrations and take lessons in how to make their own maple syrup at home. Visitors can also participate in gathering sap, and visit the park’s sugar house.
“Last year, more than 2,000 people attended,” said Mrs. Paul, who helps organize the event.
More than simply offering an educational video or lecture, this event allows people to do the work themselves, Mrs. Paul said.
This year’s activities will be held from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16.
The events begin with a video demonstration of the history of maple sugaring. Participants then head outside, accompanied by volunteers, to learn about maple sugaring.
“We let people go out and learn how to do it. Our emphasis is to teach people to do it at home,” Mrs. Paul said.
“You don’t need special equipment. All you need is a maple tree,” Mrs. Paul said.
People can then use the experience they gained at the farm to tap trees in their own yards to make maple syrup, she said.
“Many visitors come back and ask us to taste their maple syrup,” Mrs. Paul said.
Limited tours for organized educational and nonprofit groups will begin at 9 a.m. Reservations are being accepted now. Tours for the general public will be offered from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and do not require a reservation.
Admission to Maple Sugar Days is free. No registration is required, but large groups are asked to call ahead. For more information or to volunteer, call the Blackstone Valley Sugaring Association at (508) 278-5274 or visit the Web site at www.blackstonevalleysugaring.org.
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Monday, February 4, 2008
Sap bucket auction set click here to read more
Decorative items aid charity
UXBRIDGE— The Blackstone Valley Sugaring Association and The Rainbow Palette will hold a silent auction of vintage maple sugaring buckets.
Maple sap buckets have been painted by artists throughout the Blackstone Valley with scenes of the valley, sugaring and other themes of winter in New England. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Blackstone Valley Sugaring Association and The Rainbow Palette’s TLC Program for students with disabilities, the needy and the elderly.
read more
Windows Displays Uxbridge sugarhouse to open Published on February 22, 2007, UXBRIDGE - Pancakes with boiled tree sap - better known as real maple syrup - will be served, along with sausages, juice, coffee and hot chocolate at the special breakfast being held to celebrate the Blackstone Valley Sugaring Association's new sugarhouse. The pancake breakfast - a "snow or shine" event - will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday at River Bend Farm Visitors Center, 287 Oak St., with a ribbon cutting ceremony afterwards. The pancake (Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA), 758 words.) On The Commom Muriel Emond Hello Uxbridge read more I visited The Rainbow Palette, as several people along my walk had pointed out this newly relocated center as having a positive impact on our community. I met and spoke with Camile Dulac who is a student and teacher. I had recently read how the owner, Laura Cenedella, had relocated her art studio here from the Bernat Mill and wanted to check it out. A quaint little cafe area greeted me as I entered. What a nice addition to Uxbridge...a place to enjoy art, socialize, enjoy a cup of coffee, relax and take an art class. The center will be auctioning off beautifully painted buckets in conjunction with The Blackstone Valley Sugaring Association. Artists from around the Blackstone Valley have been painting original art pieces on vintage maple sap buckets to be sold in a month-long silent auction. Laura O. Cenedella of the Rainbow Palette talked recently about the collaboration between BVSA and The Rainbow Palette. "Culture, art and history belong together. By working together, our two non-traditional educational programs enrich our community." Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Blackstone Valley Sugaring Association and The Rainbow Palette's TLC Program for students with disabilities, low-income and the elderly.
For more details and information go to www.blackstonevalleysugaring.com or www.therainbowpalette.com In addition, Camile also noted that the center is looking for musicians and poetry readers to donate their time and share their talents From out of the ashes
Written by Teresa Franco
Thursday, 16 August 2007
Artists regain strength — and art — after the Bernat Mill fire
By Teresa Franco
During the final hours of the fire, the artists of the Bernat Mill complex huddled in a roped-off area and watched their second home burn down to a skeleton of metal poles. A majority of work by these artists became nothing more than a pile of ashes in front of them on Saturday, July 21, when flames took possession of the Mill that had once been an epicenter of a diverse range of activities.
"Variety is what made us a great business," artist Laura Cenedella says of the mill. "You could drop your kid off at gymnastics lessons and then walk down the hall to the café and have something to eat."
Karin Knapik (second from left) with students from the after-school arts program.Cenedella spent her days at the Mill teaching disabled adults through The Rainbow Pallette TLC program. Her passion for painting began about seven years ago when she was forced to stop working due to a disability, which she discovered to be multiple sclerosis. After a few years of physical therapy, Cenedella's therapist recommended she try painting as a means of easing the symptoms of her illness. "I realized it helped not only physically but emotionally," she says, "I had forgotten who I was. Painting helped me find myself again." Like most of the artists at the Mill, Cenedella lost all her art supplies and the majority of her work in the fire — the exception being four paintings she had been keeping in her house. One of Cenedella's students, fresh out of high school, who was just about ready to start teaching classes of his own, lost a substantial amount of his work to the fire, too.
Living only a block away from the Mill, Cenedella witnessed the fire first-hand from her porch after a friend phoned. "I opened the door," she says, "and noticed a huge amount of smoke. I broke down immediately, I started screaming."
Cenedella describes the Bernat community as being one big family. "We spent almost every day at the Mill," she says, "so everyone's family got to know everyone else's family."
The brick walls of the Mill still stand, but the inside has turned to gray dust and rubble. "Lots of people are still lost," Cenedella says of her fellow members at Bernat, "they don't know where to go or what to do. It's still a shock."
Karin Knapik, who lost years of art and journals full of poetry, is trying to conjure up some positive spirit from the unfortunate situation. "It's certainly given me motivation to create more work," she says, "I had two pieces I had been working on that I really wasn't happy with. Since the fire I've revisited the pieces, because it's all I've got now." Knapik, like Cenedella, held classes for low costs through the TLC program. Both women are anxious to find new places to hold their classes, but they are not expecting to get studios with rent as low as Bernat's.
Cenedella's and Knapik's surviving paintings are being displayed in an art show that is raising money for those who lost their creative pieces in the fire. Pamela Murphy and Johl DeLorey also feature what is left of their collections. Empty canvases are displayed in tribute to the lost art as well.
The show, called Art from the Ashes, is at Alternatives Art Gallery in Uxbridge through September. Those who are willing to help are encouraged to drop off donations of art supplies at the gallery.
Currently, the Alternatives Art Gallery has a collage of pictures of what remains of the mill hanging in its windows. Debra Johnson, an employee at Alternatives, says the pictures have captured the attention of the community. "The pictures are really bringing in people," says Johnson, "We've had so many people come in asking what they can do to help." A Web site, www.helpuxbridge.com, has been created in the aftermath of the fire, which lists ways people can get involved in helping out the community. It includes an "Adopt a Business" section, where individuals and organizations can give new supplies and spaces for those affected by the Mill fire, to help them get back on their feet. Links and contact information to hotlines and helpful organizations are also listed.
Despite the positive response from the community, the artists still mourn their losses. Knapik points out that she is fortunate enough to not have been financially dependent on her artwork, but empathizes with those who are. "That is the most heart-wrenching," she says of those who make a living from their artwork. "This is their life, this is what they create. It's disheartening." o
Mill fire victims look to future
By Matt Lynch, DAILY NEWS STAFF GHS Posted Jul 25, 2007 @ 01:11 AM Last update Jul 25, 2007 @ 11:55 AM Uxbridge, MA As Kristina and Bob Burke watched the Burnat Mill blaze through binoculars Saturday, their eyes zeroed in not on the plumes of smoke or fiery blasts, but rather on the lone laptop computer, sitting in the office of their second-floor antiques store.the computer, which had the last two months of the store's information on its hard drive, survived the fire and firefighters returned the machine to its owners."We brought it to the Geek Squad and they recovered the information," said Kristina Burke. "We were watching with our binoculars on Rte. 16 and the computer was the only thing standing in the room."Burke said she and her husband hope to continue running August Ceramics, an antique wholesale store, and are currently working from home and storing what inventory they have at Burke's mother's garage.In the wake of a massive fire that destroyed many local stores housed in the 350,000-square-foot mill, owners are scrambling to find ways to keep their businesses running.Susan Joseph, an owner/broker of the Re/Max American Dream real estate office, said 14 agents are working out of their homes, still trying to sell the 55 listings the company has on the market.After speaking yesterday with representatives from the federal Small Business Administration about applying for a low-interest loan, Joseph said she doesn't want the disaster to put a damper on her business."I think every day reality sets in harder and harder," she said. "I think it will be a couple of weeks before we realize the full extent of what happened. But we're planning on having open houses Saturday and I think most people, and the town, are trying to do what they can to help."Joseph said she plans to apply for one of the low-interest loans and, if approved, most of the money would go toward relocation efforts.Michael Peacock, a spokesman for the SBA, said loans of up to $1.5 million with an interest rate of 4 percent for a maximum of 30 years will be available to businesses damaged or destroyed in the fire.Loans will also be available for homeowners and renters, with loans of up to $200,000 for damaged or destroyed real estate and $40,000 for damaged or destroyed personal property.Peacock said anyone with questions or anyone who wants to apply can either come to the recovery center at the Whitin Middle School or download a form from the Web site, www.sba.gov/disaster.An informational meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. tomorrow at the Uxbridge High School auditorium and will be broadcast on Channel 12, the local cable station.The deadline for physical property damage applications is Sept. 21, 2007, and the deadline for "economic injury" applications is April 23, 2008."We will try to have an answer for people within 21 days of receiving a completed application," he said.Madonna Terlizzi, owner of Madonna's Fabric Addiction, which opened in Bernat in April of last year, said she will continue to offer sewing and quilting classes at her home but likely won't apply for an SBA loan."I had insurance so I think any outstanding debt will be covered by the insurance," she said.Cathy Shirley, owner of The Designer's Workshop, which specialized in window treatments, is looking for space to relocate and will likely have enough insurance coverage to buy one or two pieces of replacement equipment."All my machines are rubble," she said. "I have no supplies. I'll have to see what (state and federal agencies) are offering. I'll have to see what my options are."An emergency declaration from the SBA requested by the state was granted Monday night when SBA evaluators determined the damage at Bernat exceeds the criteria of at least 25 businesses having uninsured losses of 40 percent or more of their estimated replacement value, according to a release from Gov. Deval Patrick's office. Massachusetts Emergency Management Association spokesman Peter Judge said yesterday about 100 employees and business owners have sought help from the recovery center at the Whitin School.The center will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on two Saturdays, July 28 and Aug. 4.When asked how long the recovery center will run, Judge said, "We will evaluate (the amount of traffic) but we'll go at least through this week. The SBA will probably stay even longer. And once we go home, it's not like we'll turn off the phones. The town knows how to find us." Art From The Ashes: A Benefit For The Artists Displaced By The Bernat Mill Fire through September 14
.Alternatives Art Gallery, 5 South Main Street, Uxbridge, MA 01569 - (508) 278 - 6791
Gallery Hours: M-F, 9am - 3pm. Admission is free, but donations of new or pre-owned art supplies in good, usable condition are much appreciated! Among the artists represented will be Pamela White Murphy, Johl DeLorey , Karin Knapik and Laura O. Cenedella. (note: artist, Laura O. Cenedella, painted the Blackstone Canoe Trail canoe with funding from the City of Patwucket Arts Grant Funding. That canoe is displayed at Slater Park’s Daggett Farm, and was selected to be included in the next AmericanArtParade publication (noted for Trail of Painted Ponies). 
ArtParade Book Relesed Blackstone Valley Canoe Trail Pages Large Cover Photo | View sample page gallery | View Canoe Trail Pages | Download PDF of sample pages October 31, 2006
Artist, Laura O. Cenedella
| Canoe on display at:
Slater Memorial Park’s
Daggett Farm Community Room
Newport Avenue, Pawtucket, RI
Sun. 10 am – 3 pm
Mon. 8 am – 3 pm
Tues. – Fri. 8 am – 4 pm |
Photo Contestant  Gillen Family
Painting proves good therapy Published on October 16, 2005,
UXBRIDGE - Seven years ago, artist Laura O. Cenedella was in a wheelchair due to degenerative disc disease. She could not even dress herself, much less hold a paintbrush. Her physical therapist prescribed resuming her childhood passion of painting. Today, Ms. Cenedella is a fully mobile artist who is opening her own art gallery, The Rainbow Palette Fine Art Gallery & Studio, with the help of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. "My intention is to use the (Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA), 722 words.) Art gallery an unexpected find
By Teri Borseti / Daily News Correspondent
GHS
Posted Sep 18, 2005 @ 08:00 PM
Last update Nov 15, 2007 @ 02:42 AM
Milford — UXBRIDGE -- An eclectic collection of art including paintings, jewelry, sculpture and recycled retro purses is a pleasant surprise and the last thing you might expect to find on Albee Road -- a quiet, out-of-the way street.
The Rainbow Palette Fine Art Gallery and Studio, which has been open since July, was the creation of artist Laura Cenedella who lives in the old, 11-room house where the gallery is located.
When Cenedella is buzzing around hanging oil paintings and adjusting lighting, you would never guess that at one point she had been confined to her bed and wheelchair. When her life took this unexpected turn, Cenedella turned a negative into a positive via art.
"I've had a degenerative disk disease (stenosis) for years. I had three operations and the last one in 1995 left me disabled. All I could do was sit in my wheelchair, it was incredible," she said.
When her physical therapist introduced her to an inventor, her life changed for good.
"I was lucky enough to meet a prosthesis developer who designed an HKAF (hip, knee, ankle, foot) support. It was a heavy molded resin and steel contraption with hinges and when I put it on I was able to take a couple of steps. It was slow progress but little by little, my muscles began to respond. Without the support I used to fall all the time," she said.
Cenedella underwent intense physical therapy for more than five years and also weaned herself off all medications, some of which had dreadful side effects.
"I remember taking my first three steps and now I can walk four miles," she said.
During that time, Cenedella was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis as well, but that did not stop her. "I worked in a swimming pool, I used heating pads, I fought to get my movement back," she said.
This year the artist decided she wanted to find a new direction. At the suggestion of her physical therapist, she began to paint again, something she had not done for a while. Then, with the help of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission she obtained a grant to open the gallery.
"I've always loved art. I was in an art major program when I attended Holyoke High School, so this seemed like the perfect idea," she said.
Cenedella met numerous painters, sculptors, and photographers and started collecting phone numbers long before she even applied for the grant. Today, 15 artists from Hopkinton, Holliston, Mendon, Uxbridge and Rhode Island display their work at her gallery. There are more than 170 items featured in two large front rooms of her house.
Jim Sweet of Millbury said he got to know Cenedella when they both had their work on display at Gallery Insane in Providence, R.I.
"She told me about her idea and asked me if I would be interested in displaying some of my work at her new gallery. Naturally, I did, and some of it has already sold," he said.
Sweet is probably best known for his black-and-white mechanical pencil sketches but he said he also dabbles in sculpture and animation.
"I've met several artists through her and it's nice to meet other creative people. Laura is very laid back but I'm convinced she'll make the gallery work. She always has new ideas," he said.
Original works on display include water and oil paintings, gourd art, pine needle baskets, hand-painted miniature birdhouses, glass containers, pottery, Christmas ornaments and magnets. There are tiny sketch book necklaces artists can buy to keep with them for when inspiration strikes.
There is also a collection of hand-painted stationary, and jewelry includes leather earrings and hand-painted pins. One artist contributes striking stained glass creations while another refinishes items of furniture. There are even CDs for sale recorded by local musicians Roger Tincknell and Kenny White.
The gallery has had nearly 150 visitors, and several have made purchases. Items sell for anywhere from a few dollars to a few thousand dollars. Cenedella said in addition to running the gallery she likes the idea she can motivate other artists to create and sell their work.
With the help of some of the creators she works with, Cenedella said she is also planning to give art lessons.
"I think this could really grow. I have enough room to park about 30 cars here and every month I host a wine and cheese reception to spread the word that we're here," said Cenedella.
To learn more about The Rainbow Palette visit www.therainbowpalette.com.
This month's featured artist is internationally acclaimed painter Stephen Lombardi. Other regular contributors include stained glass artist Linda Cardell, painters Jean Pellerin and Kristin Morrill and photographer Rhonda L. Hurley.
There will be a wine and cheese reception at the gallery Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. For more information call 508-278-7193.
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