WORCESTER, MA – September 29, 2021 – Through its Worcester Windows program, the JMAC and Worcester Cultural Coalition, in partnership with the City of Worcester Advisory Committee on the Status of Women and ArtReach announce the opening exhibit of the “Wonder Women of Worcester” poster exhibit.
Wonder Women of Worcester will be on display inside City Hall and in participating downtown business windows from October 7 into the winter. A public opening reception will be held Thursday, October 7, 2021 from 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM at the Worcester PopUp, part of the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC) at 20 Franklin Street, Worcester. COVID-19 safety protocol will be observed for this public reception, visit JMACWorcester.org for full details.
The “Wonder Women of Worcester: Celebrating Women in Worcester Who Have Eliminated Barriers and Made a Difference” posters honor nine women who have broken barriers in running for public office. “Win or lose, each of these women have demonstrated grit and determination and the courage to put themselves in the public arena,” said Tracey Whitney, Committeewoman on the Advisory Committee on the Status of Women, and lead on the Wonder Women of Worcester exhibit. “We invite you to learn about each of our honorees and to appreciate the ways in which they have added to the rich fabric of our community.”
“The Wonder Women of Worcester exhibit was born of a desire to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of women in our City, as well as to uplift and honor everyday sheroes,” noted Erin Williams, Executive Director of the Worcester Cultural Coalition. The exhibit also features over 100 original portraits of everyday wonder women of Worcester created by local artists aged 5-17 years old.
Whitney said that her own experiences in Worcester Public Schools inspired the idea to invite current students to submit artwork for the Wonder Women of Worcester. “We wanted to celebrate our trailblazing women with the future generation… You’ll be inspired by these works and may even see yourself.”
“We are excited to use this new adaptation of the program to celebrate the influential Wonder Women of Worcester, past and present. Our city is rife with the kind of history, innovation, and social justice work that has consistently changed our world for the better,” said Hank von Hellion, Managing Director of the Worcester PopUp and the Worcester Windows program. “Much of that progress has been and continues to be built atop the hard work of the women in our communities. We cannot wait to help share their stories with you all.”
“It’s been a privilege to work with Darcy Schwartz of ArtReach on this project,” Whitney said. “She has brought it to life. I hope you’ll take away some inspiration, happiness, and joy when you view these works.”
According to von Hellion, “the Worcester Windows program has seen a number of iterations as its stewards have changed over the years. Its ability to adapt and evolve with the community is one of the highlights for me as its current caretaker.”
About Worcester Windows: Worcester Windows is a program of the Worcester Cultural Coalition. It is currently managed by the staff of the Worcester PopUp at the JMAC. If you own a storefront and would like to participate in this program, contact the PopUp at popup@jmacworcester.org. Learn more at WorcesterCulture.org/Worcester-Windows.
About the Jean McDonough Arts Center: Comprised of the ever-changing “permanent” PopUp and the intimate BrickBox Theater, the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC) is an initiative of the Worcester Cultural Coalition, and home to myriad creative events and cultural initiatives. Individuals and groups can present or develop a wide range of work at the JMAC, including but not limited to work in theatre, dance, film, music, performance art, visual art, fashion design and video game design. Learn more at JMACWorcester.org.
About the Worcester Cultural Coalition: The Worcester Cultural Coalition (WCC) is a public-private partnership established in 1999 between the City of Worcester and twelve cultural organizations. In 2021, membership exceeds 80 organizations, accounting for more than 2.7 million visitors to Worcester in calendar 2015, up from 1.5 million in 2006. Its mission is to draw on Worcester’s rich and diverse cultural assets to foster economic revitalization, support active, creative engagement for all and promote a strong cultural identity for Greater Worcester. Learn more at WorcesterCulture.org.
About the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District: Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District is a nonprofit organization established in 2018 to sustain momentum in the heart of Downtown Worcester. The result of a comprehensive community-based effort, the organization represents the owners of 140 properties and seeks to create a unique sense of place through enhanced investment and development, establishing and sustaining a vibrant, welcoming, and economically viable district for all. Learn more at DowntownWorcester.org.
About the City of Worcester Advisory Committee on the Status of Women: The function of the Advisory Committee on the Status of Women is to formulate, encourage, promote, and monitor programs and policies relating to the status of women in the City of Worcester. Learn more at http://www.worcesterma.gov/human-rights/advisory-committee-on-the-status-of-women.
Wonder Women of Worcester will be on display inside City Hall and in participating downtown business windows from October 7 into the winter. A public opening reception will be held Thursday, October 7, 2021 from 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM at the Worcester PopUp, part of the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC) at 20 Franklin Street, Worcester. COVID-19 safety protocol will be observed for this public reception, visit JMACWorcester.org for full details.
The “Wonder Women of Worcester: Celebrating Women in Worcester Who Have Eliminated Barriers and Made a Difference” posters honor nine women who have broken barriers in running for public office. “Win or lose, each of these women have demonstrated grit and determination and the courage to put themselves in the public arena,” said Tracey Whitney, Committeewoman on the Advisory Committee on the Status of Women, and lead on the Wonder Women of Worcester exhibit. “We invite you to learn about each of our honorees and to appreciate the ways in which they have added to the rich fabric of our community.”
“The Wonder Women of Worcester exhibit was born of a desire to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of women in our City, as well as to uplift and honor everyday sheroes,” noted Erin Williams, Executive Director of the Worcester Cultural Coalition. The exhibit also features over 100 original portraits of everyday wonder women of Worcester created by local artists aged 5-17 years old.
Whitney said that her own experiences in Worcester Public Schools inspired the idea to invite current students to submit artwork for the Wonder Women of Worcester. “We wanted to celebrate our trailblazing women with the future generation… You’ll be inspired by these works and may even see yourself.”
“We are excited to use this new adaptation of the program to celebrate the influential Wonder Women of Worcester, past and present. Our city is rife with the kind of history, innovation, and social justice work that has consistently changed our world for the better,” said Hank von Hellion, Managing Director of the Worcester PopUp and the Worcester Windows program. “Much of that progress has been and continues to be built atop the hard work of the women in our communities. We cannot wait to help share their stories with you all.”
“It’s been a privilege to work with Darcy Schwartz of ArtReach on this project,” Whitney said. “She has brought it to life. I hope you’ll take away some inspiration, happiness, and joy when you view these works.”
According to von Hellion, “the Worcester Windows program has seen a number of iterations as its stewards have changed over the years. Its ability to adapt and evolve with the community is one of the highlights for me as its current caretaker.”
About Worcester Windows: Worcester Windows is a program of the Worcester Cultural Coalition. It is currently managed by the staff of the Worcester PopUp at the JMAC. If you own a storefront and would like to participate in this program, contact the PopUp at popup@jmacworcester.org. Learn more at WorcesterCulture.org/Worcester-Windows.
About the Jean McDonough Arts Center: Comprised of the ever-changing “permanent” PopUp and the intimate BrickBox Theater, the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC) is an initiative of the Worcester Cultural Coalition, and home to myriad creative events and cultural initiatives. Individuals and groups can present or develop a wide range of work at the JMAC, including but not limited to work in theatre, dance, film, music, performance art, visual art, fashion design and video game design. Learn more at JMACWorcester.org.
About the Worcester Cultural Coalition: The Worcester Cultural Coalition (WCC) is a public-private partnership established in 1999 between the City of Worcester and twelve cultural organizations. In 2021, membership exceeds 80 organizations, accounting for more than 2.7 million visitors to Worcester in calendar 2015, up from 1.5 million in 2006. Its mission is to draw on Worcester’s rich and diverse cultural assets to foster economic revitalization, support active, creative engagement for all and promote a strong cultural identity for Greater Worcester. Learn more at WorcesterCulture.org.
About the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District: Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District is a nonprofit organization established in 2018 to sustain momentum in the heart of Downtown Worcester. The result of a comprehensive community-based effort, the organization represents the owners of 140 properties and seeks to create a unique sense of place through enhanced investment and development, establishing and sustaining a vibrant, welcoming, and economically viable district for all. Learn more at DowntownWorcester.org.
About the City of Worcester Advisory Committee on the Status of Women: The function of the Advisory Committee on the Status of Women is to formulate, encourage, promote, and monitor programs and policies relating to the status of women in the City of Worcester. Learn more at http://www.worcesterma.gov/human-rights/advisory-committee-on-the-status-of-women.
