Worcester, MA -When Assumption College was preparing for the inauguration of its new President, Dr. Tom Plough, officials at the College decided to target downtown as part of the celebration. More specifically, they targeted vacant storefronts to convert into temporary art exhibit space.
With the assistance of Cutler Real Estate Management Corporation who donated window space at 306 Main Street, formerly Flagship Bank, the College enlisted faculty artists as well as students from the College's Reach Out Center.
"The first displays were really well received", commented Mark Bilotta, Executive Assistant to the President. "Even while we were erecting the displays, folks were staring in the windows, a bit curious and definitely intrigued."
The inauguration came and went, but the College decided to continue to make downtown a bit more pedestrian friendly, enlisting the assistance of other artists as well.
Julia Vera, a local artist who met Bilotta through the Worcester Area Chamber of Commerce has been involved from the very beginning. "One of the biggest benefits is that it really reaches the people. The majority of folks who walk by just don't have the time or make the time to go to gallery shows. Or they're not invited because they're not part of the art scene. Having the art in the windows is like having art on the streets. It gets their curiosity."
Pedestrians and other passersby can even appreciate the exhibits in the evenings since the window displays are on timed lighting.
Artists who have exhibited have included: Nancy Flanagan, Stephen Toomey, Elizabeth Marran and Francois Poisson, all AC faculty; Arnold Edinberg, a member of the College's W.I.S.E. program, as well as students from Worcester Public Schools.
Artists presently exhibiting at 306 Main Street include: Nancy von Hone, Judy Robbins and Julia Vera.
The College has expanded its efforts to include a second site at 507 Main Street, home of Great Cuts. Currently exhibiting there are sculptors Phil Cote and Kathy Harragian, with paintings by Assumption student Greg Parker.
College officials met recently with city officials Everett Shaw, Chief Development Officer, and Susan Black, Director of Marketing, to expand the "Open Windows to Art and Culture" project, with plans to involve the Center City Development Council, Arts and Culture Committee and members of the Colleges of Worcester Consortium. Arts and Cultural organizations as well as other interested parties can learn more about the project at a meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 21st at 2pm at City Hall, Room 310.
Bilotta adds: "If we can eliminate vacant storefronts and at the same time enhance the local arts scene, we will have taken yet another step forward in creating a culturally enriched community."