Since its founding in 1968, the North River Arts Society has been a pillar of the South Shore community. But, today, our structural foundation is beginning to crumble beneath us. The Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) Hall, which has been our home since the 1970s, has suffered the ravages of time and the elements—and the repairs necessary to restore this historic hall to its former glory are well beyond the financial constraints of an arts-focused nonprofit volunteer organization. We desperately need your help to preserve the past and future of the North River Arts Society and the G.A.R. Hall!
Over the past 40-plus years, the G.A.R. Hall has been a hub of creativity, hosting NRAS activities of every sort for all ages, including a ballet academy for young girls; classes in every medium for all levels, from budding preschool artists through intermediate and experienced painters; creative writing for teens; drama and theater for kids and teens; yoga and meditation for adults; author talks and writers’ events; and more. Today, the North River Arts Society welcomes weekly classes in pastels, oils, acrylics, watercolors, drawing, and bird carving, as well as a weekly knitting group, art for ’tweens, children’s art and theater camps, and artists’ critiques. A variety of one-day and weekend workshops are also available.