West Brattleboro, Vt. -- From August 8 through the end of September, the foyer and other gallery spaces at All Souls Church in West Brattleboro will be filled with a group show of work by eighteen members of the Saxtons River Art Guild working in a variety of mediums and subject matter. A reception for the artists is scheduled for Saturday, August 8, from 2 to 4 pm. The public is invited to meet the artists and enjoy bountiful refreshments prepared by the All Souls Arts Committee.

Participating artists include the following Vermont residents: Sue Aldridge, Bellows Falls; Carolyn Allbee, Mary (Maisie) Crowther, and Vicki Poulos of Brattleboro; Molly Martin of Marlboro; Nancy DiMauro, B. R. Hegemann, and Marlene Kramer of Putney; Lois Phoenix of Townshend; and Helene Champagne of Westminster. The following New Hampshire artists are also represented in this show: Oscar Binder, Ann Cross, and Howard Weeks of Alstead; Roberta Batchelder, Jane Coffin, and Ray McClary of Keene; Carolyn MacDonald of Surry, and Nan Durling of North Walpole.

Saxtons River Art Guild (SRAG) was formed in Saxtons River, Vermont in 1976 by a small group of artists who enjoyed painting together. They began by meeting regularly and soon decided to engage an instructor. The group grew and expanded its activities, in time incorporating as a nonprofit organization. Today SRAG's purpose is to actively promote the advancement and encouragement of the fine arts. Membership has grown from a dozen or so to over 70 artists and others interested in the fine arts. Members come from throughout the southern Connecticut River Valley in Vermont and New Hampshire, with a few from even further away.

SRAG offers classes and workshops; sponsors ongoing and special exhibits by members in the region; hosts occasional lunches, programs, and trips to New England museums; and awards art scholarships to graduating high school seniors. Membership and program information is available at SRAG exhibits or from Nancy DiMauro, (802) 387-4382.

All Souls Church is located at 29 South St., just off the village green in West Brattleboro, just over a mile west of Exit 2 off Interstate 91. Turn at the blinking light, pass the fire station by the green, and go straight up the church's driveway. The exhibit is open for gallery visitors during worship services and other public events at All Souls Church, as well as 9 to 1 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. For further information or directions, call All Souls at (802) 254-9377.