Ever since the time of Covid when everyone was basically confined to a limited space both my husband and I have experienced a decline in mobility and health. Driving long distances seems out of the question. Recently, I watched an interview done by my New Zealand favorite artist, Andrew Tischler(yes, look him up), interviewing Michael Klein in Massachusetts. Michael and owner, Laura Barletta, have opened the most wonderful place that I am so excited to tell you about. It is the New Salem Fine Art Museum and Academy in New Salem, Massachusetts. When you look it up, be sure that you put New Salem or you might get the wrong area. Bruce and I looked at the map, saw our route was all interstate highways, noted that the garden was at the perfect condition to leave for a short while and set our plan in action.

If I try to tell you how fabulous it is, I would be writing for a long time. Let me say it like this; The area is countryside, small town, peaceful. Then you see the stately, beautiful building and you wonder how it got in this out of the way place, no traffic, by the way. As you enter, the interior amazes you and then, then, the people greet you. Warm, hospitable, friendly people. As you begin to browse the art you may find it difficult to decide just which element you are enjoying more, the art, the surroundings, the view from the strategically placed windows, or maybe even the fact that the collection is equally high quality and beautifully placed. I have been to galleries all over the eastern part of the country, some top rated museums that house a greater number and wider variety of artworks.
But, I have never enjoyed any of them as much as I enjoyed this one. If you go there, please tell them Diana sends warm regards. I’ll get back to work as soon as I can. Shalom, Diana