GETTING OUT: Best Art Galleries In Central Mass

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Jeffrey Starr, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

You’ve heard a lot about the vibrant artistic community in Central Mass and its members, but what are the best places to see their work and other great art? A trip to one of these fine establishments will certainly make for a terrific weekend afternoon.

Davis Art Gallery
44 Portland Street, Worcester
Since its founding in 2006, the Davis Art Gallery has made it its mission to promote the Worcester art community and create awareness of the local creative culture. One of the ways the gallery does this is by showing the work of local artists in a great variety of different mediums. Currently, you can view the abstract paintings of Worcester's John Pagano on display in a show entitled "Color & Line." Recent exhibitions have included "The Quest for Inner Peace" displaying Asian are through Western eyes, and the "The Art of Fiber", displaying art forms from basketry to mixed media.

Worcester Center for Crafts
25 Sagamore Road, Worcester
The Worcester Center for Crafts’ Krikorian Gallery, in conjunction with Worcester State University, is committed to "sustaining craft as a vital part our community" through education, advocacy, and entrepreneurship. It is currently holding an exhibition entitled "This Narrow Distance,” displaying the artwork of area photographers. Upcoming exhibitions include an "Enameling" show and sale, and a Pottery Invitational.

Boulder Art Gallery
960 Main Street, Fitchburg
Since its opening in 2008 by founders by Ann and Peter Capodagli, the Boulder Art Gallery has been committed to showing original and vintage paintings, photographs, prints and sculptures from the region's most talented artists. A true variety of work from both new and established artists is on display in a multitude of mediums and styles; check out oils, acrylics, watercolors and pastels. Many pieces are also available for purchase.

The Sprinkler Factory
38 Harlow Street, Worcester
The Sprinkler Factory is a unique gem in Downtown Worcester and a true center for all the arts. Once a manufacturing plant, the Sprinkler Factory now provides space for individual artists to form their own studios and contains areas for music, dance, and other fun activities. The massive atrium on the second floor in the middle of the complex is available for local artists to show their work. The public is welcome to browse the artists' studios and galleries. A recent exhibition entitled "No Theme, No Limits" was presented by the Artists Group of the Sprinkler Factory.

Worcester Art Museum
55 Salisbury Street, Worcester
The Worcester Art Museum, often referred to by its acronym WAM, is the most acclaimed cultural attraction in the city of Worcester. The world famous "classic American museum" contains over 35,000 pieces of artwork spanning over 5,000 years. Currently on display is the "Kennedy to Kent State: Images of a Generation" exhibition, containing the most iconic American photographs of the turbulent 60s.

Fitchburg Art Museum
25 Merriam Parkway, Fitchburg
The Fitchburg Art Museum is one of the cultural treasures of North Central Massachusetts. Though not quite as famous as its cousin to the south, the Worcester Art Museum, the Fitchburg museum still houses an impressive permanent collection of art spanning 5,000 years. Current exhibitions includes "American Scenery: Different Views in Hudson River School Painting,” featuring the beautiful and serene work of painters from the Hudson River School.

The Westboro Gallery
8 West Main Street, Westboro
The Westboro Art Gallery is run by an artists' cooperative and is committed to showing the work of both established and emerging Central New England artists. An upcoming exhibition is entitled "Color and Contrast,” showing the unique and rich watercolor and mixed media pieces of Sarah Utka. A past exhibition that recently concluded was "Reflections of Nature,” featuring the oil and acrylic paintings of Worcester artist of Barbara Brosnihan.

Leominster Art Center
69 Main Street, Leominster
The Leominster Art Center opened its doors in 2009, and in the four years since has quickly made a name for itself by showing the most beautiful works by the best artists from Leominster and surrounding towns. Lining its walls are paintings of every type and style, plus wood-turned bowls, fiber arts, jewelry, ceramics, photography, Native American art and much more. The city worked hard to help set up the Center and the Center pays it back by participating in "City Wide City Pride" activities throughout the year.

Aurora Gallery and GArtH Gallery (ArtsWorcester)
660 Main Street; 657 Main Street, Worcester
The Aurora Gallery and the “GArtH” Gallery of Art at the Hadley are run by the organization ArtsWorcester, and both show the work of local artists, many of whom are members of the group. Currently on display at the GArtH is the exhibition "Quiet Focus,” featuring the photographic artwork Zia Ayub and Kathy Murray. The ninth annual Colleges of the Worcester Consortium Student Art Exhibit is coming to the Aurora beginning on February 8.