Must-Visit Exhibits for the Weekend

Friday, July 13, 2012

Ashley Klann, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Painting, #13 by Margaret Emerson

Don't miss these newly opened exhibitions and shows at local galleries. Spend your weekend getting creative in Central Mass.

Natural Memories
ArtsWorcester

ArtsWorcester has recently opened a new exhibit, Natural Memories, featuring the work of Margaret Emerson.

Emerson’s work is a stunning display of pastel and acrylic, capturing the distinctive colors, textures, and sensations of nature. At a time when flowers are lighting up the garden, take this opportunity to enjoy a more whimsical, artistic representation of natural beauty.

Representing memories and impressions, with both complexity and subtlety, Emerson's works express natural forms in an abstract way. The viewer is left with a sense of serenity, harmony, and an appreciation for nature's extraordinary splendor.

Natural Memories will remain in the gallery space through October 16th. An artist reception will take place at the Gallery at the Hanover Theatre on Wednesday September 12, between 6-8 PM. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information, visit www.artsworcester.org, call 508.755.5142, or stop by Aurora Gallery at 660 Main Street in Worcester for more information.

Hot Night in the City
Center for Crafts

If you’re singing those summertime blues and need to get out of the humdrum, business as usual, visit the Worcester Center for Crafts, located at 25 Sagamore Road in Worcester. They’re hosting a workshop that will show you how much hotter your summer could be.

Hot Night in the City will take place Thursday July 19th from 5-8:00 pm. Over fifteen talented artists will be there demonstrating their craft with an emphasis on hot processes.

Live demonstrations of glassblowing and raku firing are sure to make for a fun night if you can stand the heat.

The group will be hosting a block-party-style open house that is free and open to the public with music by the Joy of Music Program and food. Pottery firing, glass bead making, woodturning, and broom metal casting will all be displayed.

The Worcester Center for Crafts is dedicated to celebrating and sustaining craft within the community through demonstration, presentation and celebration. They believe in funding inspiration in the heat of the season while helping to develop a greater awareness of the scope and dynamic of craft.

Also showing in their Kirkorian Gallery is AP Art Night – art work by students of the Worcester Public Schools.

Vases of Spring: Annual Show & Sale
Worcester Center for Crafts

Don’t miss out on the last day of this annual show and sale of art from nationally-recognized artists. Your last chance to swing by the studio is July 14th; the show is open Friday and Saturday from 10:00 AM -5:00 PM.

As the snow melts and blossoms rejuvenate your senses to the joys of the season. The Gallery Store at the Worcester Center for Crafts celebrates nature with its annual Vases of Spring show.

The show and sale feature work from over 25 nationally-recognized artists working in the mediums of ceramics and glass.

Verticulture –The Art of Living Walls
Tower Hill Botanic Garden

Rethink the possibilities of gardening and take your green thumb to the walls. Tower Hill Botanic Garden will be hosting their show on living walls and painting with plants.

The class on modern day applications of this eco-technology takes place Saturday, July 14th from 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM at 11 French Drive in Boylston.

Their discussion will walk you through the infinite design and business possibilities. Trevor Smith of Land Escapes will explain the benefits of living walls and the opportunities that Verticulture presents. Learn how to incorporate the artfulness of living walls into your design repertoire.

You will never look at a blank wall the same once you have the opportunity to bring new life to your plants. Trevor will discuss why living walls are an environmental benefit on a small scale by improving indoor air quality. On a large scale, they also serve to reduce the heat island effect. And of course, they work as an artistic and innovative way to overcome landscape challenges in confined spaces with dynamic results.