Worcester Windows is a community gallery program which uses storefronts throughout downtown Worcester as exhibit space to enhance the City’s downtown and to provide display opportunities for local emerging and established artists. Originally intended simply as a means to provide exhibit opportunities, Worcester Windows has grown dramatically, successfully raising the awareness of Worcester as a Creative City by not only bringing artwork to the public and showcasing local talent but in also establishing itself as a true community gallery through which many of the exhibiting artists have sold works. Worcester Windows is funded in part by the Worcester Cultural Coalition, the City of Worcester, and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, with additional support from the Worcester Alliance of Photographers and Bay State Savings Bank.

Locations

Brew on the Grid, 56 Franklin Street

City Hall Vault Gallery, Level B, 455 Main Street Worcester

Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge Street

WICN Studios, 50 Portland Street

On Display Now: Wonder Women of Worcester

Fall 2021 – Winter 2022

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.”  

Works produced and submitted by a wide range of community members.

Next Show

Worcester Windows is an ever-evolving platform for showcasing not only the amazing works of our diverse creative community, but also its current interests. For those reasons, we ask that you enjoy the current show while it’s up, and check back in spring 2022 when the next theme is announced. For more information, or to suggest a theme for an upcoming exhibition, contact PopUp@JMACWorcester.org.