HOLLIS – The Hollis Arts Society has been promoting the arts for five years, not only the visual arts but also every type of creative expression. Only recently has the group achieved their goal of creating The Performing Arts Guild.

“The guild is a group within the Hollis Arts Society which supports performing artists in developing opportunities for them to perform, further their professional goals, and provide a collegial atmosphere to get together to share talents,” said Sue Hurwitz, chairperson of the guild.

Harpists, singers, guitarists and puppeteers are a few of the current members. All performers are welcome to share skills and perform together and in public.

“I feel good about the group, the collaborative elements of it, and the diversity of performance styles, Hurwitz said. “Right now, we have a dulcimer and guitar player, a harpist, a singer, and Native flute player, and myself, a chamber musician, and a couple of puppeteers, one of whom also makes the puppets she performs with.”

One of the puppeteers, Teresa Moler, has been working with her craft since she was 7 years old, about 41 years. She is also an acrylic and watercolor artist with the Arts Society and plays pieces on the recorder for the guild.

“I like to perform,” Moler said. The guild’s “a good way to get together with people and have fun … I like to be around other artists and to gain experience.”

The group planned to create the guild at the society’s inception, but didn’t have a chance until recently.

We had a few musicians from the beginning; it was just a matter of getting someone to organize it,” society and guild member Pat Hurd said.

Hurwitz, who plays flute and is a professional chamber musician, said her personal goal is to promote musicians whenever she can.

The guild is planning to play at different society events, such as art shows. The public is invited to attend all events.

“People can walk around and enjoy the visual arts as well as the performing arts,” Hurd said.

The guild’s first performance will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 10 at the society’s monthly meeting. General meetings are the second Wednesday of every month, except July, in the Lawrence Barn in Hollis.

The society and guild are looking for new members to join in promoting the arts and performing in Hollis and surrounding areas. If interested, performers are encouraged to contact Hurd at PHurd1503@aol.com.

“We’re just starting out, but we’re having a grand time,” Hurd said.