Week of Aug 4 - 10
Visual Spells by Brenda Roswess Opening Reception at Small Victories | Mirror Mirror Closing Reception at A.P.E. Gallery | Cat Zodiac | Events in Western Mass | LGBTQ+ Community Resources & More
Visual Spells: Tufted Wall Art, Enchantment, Bookbinding by Brenda Roswess
This August, Small Victories welcomes a new exhibition by artist and Small Victories studio member Brenda Roswess! Visual Spells explores tufted art and handmade books by a self-described "art witch crafting visual spells that are portals to higher vibrations." Made with a tufting gun that shoots yarn through the back of a canvas to form a type of rug, tufted art can be displayed on a wall, table, or altar. These pieces add simplicity, softness, and enchantment to any space. Brenda believes that "crafting is a wellness practice" and she teaches book art workshops to share the magic of accessing a flow state through crafting.
Visit Small Victories any time during August to view these unique pieces in person, or stop by during the opening reception on Friday, August 8 (5-8 PM) to meet the artist. The shop is located on the 1st level of Thornes Marketplace in Northampton.
Introducing the Cat Zodiac!
Small Victories just dropped 12 new greeting cards featuring their own playful illustrations of cats as the zodiac signs. They are blank inside for you to add birthday wishes or send a personalized note any time. Like the other cards Small Victories makes at their Northampton studio, they're made of biodegradable, recycled paper with seeds embedded in it. Some of their other cards grow a mix of herbs or wildflowers, but it’s only fitting that these grow catnip!
Volunteer Opportunity: Join the RCA Board of Directors
Are you passionate about equitable arts access?
Do you have expertise in finance, legal, or fundraising?
Resilient Community Arts (RCA) invites you to join their dynamic Board of Directors and help make a difference in our community. Collaborate with others, gain valuable experience, and help shape the future of arts access in Western Mass. Open positions include: Treasurer, Legal Advisor, Community Representatives (Parents, Youth, Elders, and Trans/GNC).
Interested? Email maddie@resilientcommunityarts.org and include a statement of interest and a resume or summary of work experience.
'The Library of Unruly Treasures' Book Launch with Jeanne Birdsall
Celebrate the release of the latest book from the National Book Award-winning author of the Penderwicks series, Jeanne Birdsall: THE LIBRARY OF UNRULY TREASURES! On September 14 at 1 PM, join High Five Books, Jeanne herself, and community star Monte Belmonte for an unforgettable celebration at Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity in Florence.
Crafts start at 1 PM, followed by a talk between Jeanne and Monte, a Q&A, and then a book signing. Readers are encouraged to bring their beloved Birdsall books from home, and copies of THE LIBRARY OF UNRULY TREASURES will be available for purchase.
Tickets are pay-what-you-will, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Signed, Strawberry Frosted
To the person at the Northampton Dunkin’ on the corner of King and Damon:
Wow, you were really pretty. You had a tattoo of Ellie’s switchblade from The Last of Us, and I felt there was no way you weren’t queer, but, y’know, assumptions. My mother was in the car with me, and cars were behind us. I wish I got the chance to compliment you on more than just your tattoo. You had a nice smile I would loved to have seen over drinks. Not coffee though, you probably smell that enough during the day.
Signed,
Strawberry Frosted
What is Flirt Local?
It’s a new space where you can share your missed connections anonymously with readers of the Dispatch.
Let's celebrate LGBTQIA+ moments of curiosity, chemistry, and connection—whether it was a spark at the maker's market, a glance at the cafe, or a shared laugh at a show. We're just here to have a little flirty fun and keep the local love growing.
Use the form below to send in your short + sweet submission. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and may not be able to publish every entry.
What happens if I want to get in touch with someone who made an entry I believe is describing me?
Email us and we will confirm whether or not the person who made the entry wishes to be contacted. If all parties consent to it, we will send a group email to connect you.
Questions? Email us (Hello@BloomLocal.live).
ICYMI
Quick Links to Rad Stuff + Stuff We Covered Last Week
Shop our Gift Guide featuring affirming items and experiences from the Bloom Local Partner Network
Explore new additions to our Community Guide and keep supporting LGBTQ+-owned businesses and orgs
Weekly Poll
Curious about the results of last week’s poll?
Thanks for your feedback! We’ll hold off on this for now.
Northampton Parents Center Free Summer Playgroups
Tuesday, Aug 5, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
📍Jackson Street School, 120 Jackson St., Northampton, MA
FREE drop-in playgroups for kids 0-5 and their caregivers. Big siblings always welcome! ALL welcome!
* FREE PROGRAM *
Community Acupuncture Summer Series
Tuesday, Aug 5, 7:15 PM - 9:00 PM
📍 Sanctuary, Thornes Marketplace Level 3, 150 Main St., Northampton, MA
Treatments are offered in a peaceful group setting. Whether you're seeking relief from stress, pain, sleep issues, or just need a moment to reset, we are licensed acupuncturists here to support your well-being. Come as you are, rest for a time, and leave feeling more grounded, balanced, and connected. Book online to reserve your spot, walk-ins welcome based on availability.
* $15 - $50 SLIDING SCALE *
Summer Craft: Block Print Anything You Bring!
Friday, Aug 8 & Saturday, Aug 9, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
📍 High Five Books, 141 N. Main St., Florence, MA
You bring the fabric items—t-shirts, bags, hats, pillowcases, etc.—and we’ll have blocks & ink! This is your family's chance to print amazing images from our wall mural (by local artist Sunny Allis) on the goodies you want. (Yes, we'll have our logo available, too!) Our instructor Corrie will have all the supplies ready for you to block print on our patio and bring your items home to rinse. Drop in anytime to come craft!
* FREE PROGRAM *
*Closing Reception*
Mirror, Mirror at A.P.E.
Friday, Aug 8, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
📍A.P.E. Gallery Ltd, 126 Main St., Northampton, MA
Mirror, Mirror is a multidisciplinary art installation by Indë, a queer Black artivist born/raised/residing in Northampton, MA. The exhibit, on display from July 18th to August 8th, explores intersectional solidarity through immersive multimedia compositions and audience participation. In addition to presenting large figurative paintings, an original soundtrack, mirror/glass-based sculptures, and a new system of music notation, Indë will premiere the music video for “COME ON HOME,” featuring choir vocals by the Queer Joy Chorus, at the opening and closing receptions!
* FREE PROGRAM *
*Opening Reception*
Visual Spells: Tufted Wall Art, Enchantment, Bookbinding by Brenda Roswess
Friday, Aug 8, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 Small Victories, Thornes Marketplace Level 1, 150 Main St., Northampton, MA
Explore tufted art and handmade books by a self-described "art witch crafting visual spells that are portals to higher vibrations." Made with a tufting gun that shoots yarn through the back of a canvas to form a type of rug, tufted art can be displayed on a wall, table, or altar. These pieces add simplicity, softness, and enchantment to any space. Brenda believes that "crafting is a wellness practice" and she teaches book art workshops to share the magic of accessing a flow state through crafting.
* FREE PROGRAM *
Song Share Sessions for Nonbinary, Trans, and Women Singer Songwriters
Thursday, Aug 14, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
📍 Drawing Board Brewing Company, 36 Main St., Florence, MA
Calling all nonbinary, trans, and women singer-songwriters! Our next Song Share Session happens the second Thursday of every month. We kick off at 7 PM with a community check-in and intention setting. Want to refine your performance? Get feedback on a new song? Connect with fellow artists? This space is for YOU. If you’d like feedback, bring copies of your lyrics!
* FREE PROGRAM *
*Opening Reception*
Creating COA Artists
Thursday, Aug 21, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
📍 Wistariahurst Museum, 238 Cabot St., Holyoke, MA
Wistariahurst Museum is excited to welcome senior artists into the gallery for “Creating COA Artists” this August 2025. This exhibition features artists involved in Holyoke’s senior center and Council on Aging. Participating artists have anywhere from months to decades of experience, and this exhibition celebrates artists at all stages. A variety of mediums are featured in this exhibition from watercolor, to acrylic, to ceramics and textiles. This diverse selection of artwork shows both a range of experience and mediums, coming together to form a truly unique exhibit.
* FREE PROGRAM *
‘The Library of Unruly Treasures’ Book Launch with Jeanne Birdsall
Sunday, Sep 14, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
📍 BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity, 120 Pine St., Florence, MA
Celebrate the release of the latest book from the National Book Award-winning author of the Penderwicks series, Jeanne Birdsall: THE LIBRARY OF UNRULY TREASURES! Join High Five Books, Jeanne herself, and community star Monte Belmonte for an unforgettable celebration.
* FREE PROGRAM *
Hosting an upcoming event? Let us spread the word!
Calendar listings and event promotion in this newsletter are benefits of Bloom Local’s Partner Program, however, we welcome listings from non-partners. To submit an event listing without a partner network membership, email your event details to: Hello@BloomLocal.live. A sliding scale fee of $5-$30 (payable via Venmo) applies to each accepted submission.
Trans Relocation Support (TRS) Western MA
TRS is committed to helping people move to Western Mass from states with anti-trans legislation. They aim to connect people with networks of mutual aid, resources, and community in this area. The process is a temporary support bridge that facilitates long-term local int(ter)dependence. TRS seeks to grow community care, mutual aid, and alternative systems of care for gender diverse people.
Connect with TRS: Learn & Volunteer | Give Support | Get Support
Access Free Notary Services
Forbes Library (Northampton): (413) 587-1011
Easthampton Public Library: (413) 527-1031
Chicopee Public Library: (413) 594-1800
You can also try (fees may apply): your local town hall, AAA, banks
Legal Aid for Immigrant Families
The Immigrant Defense Hotline (617-988-0606) is staffed by attorneys from Lawyers for Civil Rights’ pro bono network. Callers who leave a message will receive same-day response to questions about immigration enforcement and reports of immigration raids. Please reach out to Hotline@LawyersForCivilRights.org if you would like to get involved.
Resources from Translate Gender
Read + Learn
Supreme Court rules to keep Tennessee’s gender-affirming care ban in place (The 19th)
Dear Trans Kids, You Don't Need the Government's Permission to Exist (Teen Vogue)
Know Your Rights (Trans Youth) (Transgender Law Center)
Information for LGBTQ+ People Under the Trump Administration (GLAD Law)
Connect
Join one of Translate Gender’s upcoming happenings, virtually or in-person
Reach out through our family listserv (please remember to be gentle, respectful, and to follow our community care practices)
If you or a loved one needs more urgent support, reach out to:
Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860
The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386
Take Action
→ Share information about Translate Gender in your communities, especially our work educating schools, businesses, and workplaces on protecting and affirming trans and gender-expansive youth.
→ Support sanctuary city initiatives in your city or town (like this one in Pittsfield or this one in Northampton) to ensure that trans individuals and the people who support them are safe.
→ If you’re able, donate to Translate Gender (monthly giving especially makes a huge difference) to help us continue our work lifting up and empowering trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive youth and families.
Seeking community? Join the Bloom Local Partner Network
It’s’s a pivotal time to build and bolster local networks of care — and we remain dedicated to connecting LGBTQ+ and ally entrepreneurs in and beyond our region. If you are an LGBTQ+ creative, healer, educator, or entrepreneur of any focus or an ally business serving communities throughout Western MA, we invite you to join our queer-grown network of community partners.
What are the benefits? (1) an active listing in our Community Guide (2) visibility in our weekly newsletters (3) access to partners-only resources and opportunities including monthly network meet-ups.
No-Fee Network Membership for QTBIPOC Entrepreneurs
As one of our commitments to reparative justice, we offer one year of no-fee partnership to QTBIPOC (Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) small business owners. This initiative is one move we’re making to foster a more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem in the River Valley.
If you are a QTBIPOC small business owner and you are interested in becoming a partner, we invite you to apply and check where indicated if you would like to access one year of no-fee membership.
Learn more about the program at: BloomLocal.Live/Partner-Program and contact us with questions anytime.
Keep Connecting
Email Hello@BloomLocal.Live
Learn about the Partner Program