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.
Denholms, 484 Main Street across from Worcester City Hall
The iconic retailer, endearingly referred to as Denholms, located at 484 Main Street across from Worcester City Hall, has been closed since 1973. This store had a 103-year legacy and became a New England landmark, Massachusetts’ largest department store outside of Boston.
Supported by the City of Worcester, Worcester Cultural Coalition, and Worcester Redevelopment Authority, nine artists have created installations in the windows of the Denholm Building to honor this historic fashion landmark. The featured artists are Molly McGrath, LeighAnn Soucy, Julia Csekö, Melissa Mattson, Ernie Kwame Solo Jubin, Emmanuella Saforo, Xiang Li, Livi Faulkner and Emmanuel Qlynton Carboo.
Each display in the Denholm Building window activation includes a hidden heart or heart theme, symbolizing the community’s enduring passion for fashion. The heart, also the official symbol of Worcester, reflects Worcester being the “Heart of the Commonwealth.”
About Q
Emmanuel Qlynton “Q” Carboo, a self-taught artist from Ghana, West Africa, is the founder of WavvzNewAge, established in 2017. Q’s work spans fashion design, music, and visual art, blending his heritage with innovative artistry to inspire and empower.
As a resident artist at Creative Hub Worcester, Q has created a vibrant space where creativity thrives. The WavvzNewAge concept store welcomes the community to explore collaborations, shop unique designs, and participate in activities such as sewing, styling, modeling, fashion shows, music production, rug making, and media workshops.
Q’s work embodies the spirit of Worcester through bold and expressive designs. Notably, he created a textured red leather dragon jacket and a gown with 3D flowing features to symbolize the city’s wild essence and its rich cultural fabric.
A collaboration with Judy’s Jubilee after-school program further showcased his dedication to community engagement. Q led students in crafting 3D paper flowers, which were used to create a stunning window display. By sourcing fabrics locally and from New York, and working with teams from Wavvz Concepts, Judy’s Jubilee, and Creative Hub, Q brought this vision to life, leaving a lasting impression on Worcester’s creative landscape.
Experience a blend of art, fashion, and community that inspires connection and creativity.
About Emmanuella
Emmanuella Saforo is a Worcester native and graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she majored in Fashion Design. Her journey began at just 10 years old in her mother’s sewing shop, where she discovered an unexpected gift and passion for fashion. Though her childhood dream was to become a doctor, her love for design transformed what started as a hobby into a purposeful career.
Creating unique, elegant pieces brings Emmanuella immense joy, especially when witnessing her clients’ confidence shine in her designs. For her, fashion is more than a profession—it’s a therapeutic outlet, a blessing, and an expression of creativity she cherishes daily.
Emmanuella’s latest collection offers a bold reinterpretation of bridal wear, juxtaposed with the concept of “armor.” Rooted in her faith as a proud believer in Christ, the designs symbolize a woman’s strength and unwavering courage amidst life’s battles.
Inspired by Ephesians 6 and the “armor of God,” her pieces feature striking silver elements, representing resilience and an indomitable spirit. The structured shoulder designs signify the weight of sacrifices made in the pursuit of destiny, while the collection as a whole balances strength with the vulnerability of love and marriage. It celebrates a woman who is brave, confident, and ready to embrace her future.
Discover the artistry of Abella Couture—where fashion meets faith, strength, and elegance
About Ernie
With over a decade of experience, Ernie Kwame Solo Jubin is a dedicated fashion designer known for his bold and innovative designs. A graduate of the College of Massachusetts of Art and Design, Ernie’s journey into fashion was deeply personal. Despite facing challenges with a learning disability as a child, his creativity and precision in crafting garments allowed him to express himself in ways words could not.
Ernie’s work combines vibrant prints and patterns with an adventurous spirit, constantly pushing the boundaries of fashion. His designs have graced local fashion shows, earned him collaborations with fellow artists, and even gained media attention, including a feature on Channel 5 News. Ernie’s ultimate goal is to empower individuals through style, helping them express their unique identities and feel confident in every piece they wear.
Discover Ernie’s bold, boundary-breaking designs and experience the transformative power of fashion.
About Csekö
Born in Colorado to Brazilian parents exiled during the Brazilian military dictatorship, Csekö was raised in Rio de Janeiro and draws deeply from this dual cultural heritage. A graduate of the SMFA at Tufts with an MFA (2013), she has received numerous accolades, including the ALAANA Creative County Grant, SMFA Traveling Fellowship, Sculpture Space Residency, and more. Her work is featured in prestigious collections such as Tufts Permanent Collection, MAM Rio, and Emerson College, and she has completed public commissions throughout North America.
Currently, Csekö serves as an Artist-in-Residence at the Boston Center for the Arts and the City of Salem. She is also an advocate for the arts, dating back to her BFA studies at the Federal University of Rio (UFRJ), where she helped lead successful campaigns for increased national arts funding in Brazil. Her passion for cultural organizing continues to drive her work as a community arts advocate in North America.
In 2025, Csekö will return to MassMoCA as an A4A Alumni Artist-in-Residence, furthering her exploration of cultural and social themes through art.
Csekö’s work asks, “What is the opposite of apocalyptic?” Inspired by Tom Wolfe’s The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, her piece FURTHUR envisions a brighter, inclusive future. It features flags symbolizing Pride, Black Lives Matter, antifascism, and Indigenous movements interwoven with the American flag—representing unity, joy, and the pursuit of justice.
Other works include:
Csekö’s art embraces chaos and imperfection while championing hope, collective action, and human connection.
Join the journey toward a freer, more joyful, and equitable future through art.
About Leigh
Leigh Soucy is the visionary behind The Thicket, a Worcester-based secondhand and vintage shop specializing in plus-size clothing (size large and up). With a whimsical approach to fashion, The Thicket is dedicated to curating a safe, welcoming space for customers to explore personal style while embracing the durability and charm of vintage clothing.
Leigh’s passion for thrifting, antiquing, and upcycling began in her New Hampshire childhood, where she developed a love for giving quirky, old items new life. As someone who grew up navigating the challenges of finding stylish, size-inclusive clothing, Leigh brings empathy and creativity to her work. The Thicket reflects her commitment to celebrating bodies as they are, encouraging self-expression through thoughtful, sustainable fashion choices.
For Worcester’s historic Denholm Building, Leigh collaborated with Molly McGrath of Grime to reimagine a 1967 Denholm window display. The installation merges vintage nostalgia with a playful modern twist, highlighting how classic fashion can enrich contemporary wardrobes.
Featuring mannequins on loan from Blue Collar Antiques, the display invites viewers to pause and consider the enduring beauty of vintage pieces and their potential to inspire personal style today.
Celebrate sustainability, self-expression, and the timeless appeal of vintage with The Thicket.
About Molly
Molly McGrath is the owner of Grime, a vintage-focused used clothing store located at 356 Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, Massachusetts. Grime offers a unique shopping experience, buying, selling, and trading gently used clothing seven days a week. The store features a curated collection of vintage and contemporary pieces, catering to fashion lovers who appreciate both sustainability and style.
For this installation at Worcester’s historic Denholm Building, Molly partnered with LeighAnn Soucy of The Thicket to reimagine a 1967 Denholm window display. The collaborative installation merges nostalgia with a playful, modern sensibility, offering a fresh perspective on classic fashion and its relevance in today’s wardrobe. The display invites viewers to step back in time while contemplating how carefully selected vintage pieces can elevate contemporary style.
Two mannequins are on loan from Blue Collar Antiques for this special installation.
Find the perfect blend of past and present fashion at Grime!
About Livi
Olivia “Livi” Faulkner is a self-taught artist based in Massachusetts, specializing in abstract painting and digital art. Her work delves into philosophical themes, examining societal norms, power dynamics, and the human condition. Using a mixed-media, action-driven approach, Livi crafts dynamic compositions on diverse surfaces, showcasing her versatility and creative depth.
Currently working in Worcester, Livi also teaches therapeutic art classes for memory care patients, blending her passion for art with community engagement.
Livi’s installation is a powerful homage to Worcester’s historic Denholm Building, reflecting on its legacy and the inevitable changes shaping the city’s future. Using materials like concrete, glass, metal, foam, and paper, she creates textured paintings inspired by contemporary and street art. Mannequins adorned with 24k gold leaf, oil, acrylic, and spray paint serve as striking symbols of reinvention.
This work explores the tension between heritage and progress, inviting viewers to reflect on the significance of legacy in the face of urban redevelopment. It’s a visceral meditation on the transformation of Worcester and what lies ahead.
Experience the intersection of legacy, reinvention, and the art of transformation.
About Melissa
Melissa Mattson’s passion for art and design began early, starting with sewing at just eight years old. Her love for fashion led her to study illustration and art history with a fashion focus at UMass Dartmouth, where she launched her clothing line, Cosmic Unicornz. Known for blending whimsical, “over-the-top-music-festival” looks with versatile casualwear, Melissa’s designs cater to a wide range of styles.
Melissa’s work has earned recognition, including a “Best in Casual Wear” award at the 2017 Boston Fashion Awards. She’s designed custom pieces for Paris Hilton, featured in stage performances, music events, and Halloween looks. A veteran of the craft and festival vendor scene, Melissa toured nationally, including the final Van’s Warped Tour in 2018.
Her portfolio spans wedding dresses, costumes, and one-of-a-kind creations, with a focus on creating vibrant, standout designs for celebrities and individuals alike.
Melissa’s installation transforms the Denholm Building window into a fantastical world of joy and wonder. Featuring over 100 feet of holographic cellophane and shimmering fabrics, the display is a radiant celebration of positivity. A neon sign reading “You are Amazing” reflects her commitment to spreading uplifting messages, which she sees as her love language. Each fashion piece showcased is handmade and pattern-drafted in her Millbury, Massachusetts studio, embodying her signature bold and imaginative style.
Discover designs that shine with creativity, positivity, and magic!
About Xiang Li
Xiang Li is an internationally acclaimed artist with a remarkable 37-year career as a Master Artist at the Forbidden City of Beijing, China, specializing in the reproduction and restoration of ancient Chinese paintings. Her expertise has earned her high praise from renowned art scholars, including Pu Jie, the brother of the Last Emperor of China.
In 2010, Li embarked on her most ambitious project, Chinese Empresses, a collection of over 200 paintings depicting empresses rendered with gemstone watercolors on silk. This collection has been exhibited at prestigious venues such as the Harvard Museums, Worcester Art Museum, JMAC, Cambridge Library, and Tower Hill Botanical Garden.
This installation presents selected works from Xiang Li’s Chinese Empresses Collection, showcasing the elegance, strength, and resilience of historical Chinese empresses. Using gemstone watercolors on silk, Li honors these powerful women and draws connections to the experiences of modern women. The display celebrates not only the triumphs of these historical figures but also their struggles, encouraging viewers to find empowerment and inspiration in their stories.
Presented alongside fashion pieces and in collaboration with nine other artists, this installation reflects the diversity of Worcester’s art and culture. Xiang Li believes in the unifying power of art, blending ancient Chinese themes with contemporary expressions to foster shared experiences and appreciation for the enduring power of women.
Explore the beauty of history and the strength of women through Xiang Li’s art.
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 October, 2025 when the next theme is announced. For more information, or to suggest a theme for an upcoming exhibition, contact PopUp@JMACWorcester.org.
455 Main Street, 4th Floor, Worcester, MA 01608
Phone: 508-799-1400 ext. 31414 Fax: 508-799-1406
culture@worcesterma.gov
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