Six Art Galleries in Worcester to Visit

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Ashley Klann, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Looking to nurture your creative side? Here are six local hotspots to immerse yourself in the arts of Worcester. Check out these must-see galleries.

The Worcester Center for Crafts

Worcester Center for Crafts - Krikorian Gallery

If you’re shooting for variety, the Worcester Center for Crafts is your destination. Their Krikorian Gallery is full of many different mediums, offering guests an eclectic collection of work.

Currently, the gallery is hosting their Artist in Resident exhibit which features the works of their eight artists - Peter Barbor, David Choi, Eric Cruze, Rose Esson-Dawson, Diane Chester-Demicco, Ian Gianlorenzo, Caitlin Vitalo, and Rachel Van Wagoner.

The Worcester Center for Crafts also offers many different classes from clay and pottery to glass blowing and are open to all ages and skill levels. If you’re looking for less formal classes, they offer an unorthodox class to let you unleash your creativity with one-on-one feedback and critique. Or, if you’re looking for a unique Father’s Day gift, one glass blowing course will teach you how to make your own beer stein. They also offer classes in metal work and bead making.

On July 19th, the Center for Crafts will be holding their Hot Night in the City event, which is a community block party that celebrates arts and crafts. There will be demonstrations and a new exhibit in the gallery space as well as music and food.

Worcester Center for Crafts - Krikorian Gallery

The Sprinkler Factory

Once an old manufacturing plant, the 225,000 square foot brick building on Harlow Street now houses small businesses and offers space for art classes, galleries, and the artists themselves. The Sprinkler Factory is home to a number of aspiring local artists. Their main focal point is the gallery’s atrium, where the public is invited to browse studios, attend gallery openings and juried fine art shows.

Currently, The Sprinkler Factory is showing State of Play until May 27th. Artist talks will be from 2-3:30 p.m. on May 20th. The gallery will be open Thursdays 4-8p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 12-5p.m. and features the work of Christine Croteau, Joanne Holtje, Ted Lilley, Philip Marshall, Lynn Simmons, and Mark Spencer.

Davis Art Gallery

Davis Art Gallery is looking to help you rekindle your love of fiber with their upcoming exhibit The Art of Fiber: Abstract Installations to Wearable Art. The gallery’s opening will be held Thursday, May 24th 5–7p.m.

From their website: “Rediscover this ancient art form through the unique vision of more than 20 contemporary artists. From appliqué and cross stich to basketry and mixed media, the artists in this exhibit represent a wide range of techniques, materials, and subject matter. Expect the unexpected as traditional meets contemporary in this juried exhibit.”

The gallery will be open from Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and runs through August 3rd.

The Worcester Jewish Community Center

Looking Out by Sue Sedgwick

Each year the Worcester Jewish Community Center (JCC) features five exhibits by local artists. Currently, the organization is featuring the exhibit, Personal Visions, which will be on display until June 15. Seven members are participating in the show: Nan Collins, Gene Epstein, Anne Hendrickson, Doris O'Keefe, Joanne Shapiro, and Susan Sedgwick.

The JCC Art Gallery is located in the lobby and main corridors of the JCC. Their mission is to, “provide members and visitors with an extraordinary visual experience.” The JCC’s gallery has displayed painting, collage, sculpture, and ceramics, and photography. Most art work is for sale and a portion of the proceeds benefits the Cultural Arts Department.

Art Works

Etched wine glasses by Lori Mitchell

If you’re looking to do some shopping while perusing the galleries in Worcester, stop by ArtWorks on Park Ave.

Their gallery and online store feature an ever-changing selection of hand-crafted gifts from ceramics and glass to kids clothing and home accessories. Many of their products are for sale and make great gifts for any occasion. The store opened in 1979 and has been offering “great design paired with a bit of whimsy” ever since.

Pewter lightswitch plate by Leandra Drumm

Artworks is open Tuesday - Friday 10-5p.m. and Saturday 10-4p.m.

The Clayground

For a more hands-on experience, visit The Clayground. While its name may sound juvenile, all ages are welcome to come make and paint their own pottery. No experience required.

From their website: “We are a local family owned paint your own pottery studio… We offer a wide selection of pottery pieces, from novelty items to figurines, cups, bowls, plates, etc. We have over 70 different colors of paint to choose from. On-Site kiln to bake in the masterpieces, we are also able to come to you. Daycare centers, after school specials, senior centers, etc.”

The Clayground is open Tuesday - Friday 3 - 7p.m. and Saturday 10 -5p.m.

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