News: Fall/Winter 2003

Lisa Barthelson - Arts Awardee

NOTICE

ARTSWorcester's Aurora Gallery is now closed Mondays in an effort to reduce staff hours and operating costs. The Aurora Gallery continues to be open Tuesday thru Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and evening hours for events and programs.

Annual Meeting 2003 - Twenty Second Annual Arts Awardee: Lisa Barthelson

At the conclusion of the business portion of ARTSWorcester's Annual Meeting, at which new board members were elected and the updated Strategic Plan 2003-2005 presented (see the Director's Corner for a summary), Lisa Barthelson was presented the twenty second annual Arts Award for her many years of dedicated efforts on behalf of Worcester artists.

A former Executive Director of ARTSWorcester from 1992-1996, Lisa has always maintained a close bond with Worcester's artists as well as local arts and cultural institutions, affirming her deep sense of community and commitment to the concept that "art matters."

Lisa's most recent work for the Community Builders as marketing consultant for the historic Odd Fellows Building in the Arts District has placed her in the prime position of mover and shaker for what is the first successful redevelopment project in the District. As a member of the Arts District Task Force (ADTF), and the ADTF Public Improvement Subcommittee, Lisa worked with Preservation Worcester to develop a walking tour of the Arts District which highlights significant buildings and other important historical points of interest in the neighborhood.

As Chair of the ADTF Cultural Programming Subcommittee, Lisa has been instrumental in keeping local artists involved with the planning process of creating an Arts District. Lisa is also a founding board member of the Arts District Partnership and most importantly, a founding member of wART, a.k.a. 'Worcester Artists Really Trying', organizers of the stART on the Street Festival 2002 and 2003. The stART on the Street festivals have attracted thousands of artists and visitors to the downtown Arts District owing to the energy and vision of the wARTs.

Lisa is a working artist who has exhibited her paintings, prints, ceramics and found-object constructions in several area galleries. She is also a Registered Landscape Architect.

Super Mom to her three active children and loving wife to her husband Bob Cox, Lisa continues to make positive contributions to the cultural life of the City of Worcester. ARTSWorcester was proud to present Lisa with the 22nd Annual Arts Award which is given annually to individuals who have made an exceptional effort to support and improve the cultural environment of Worcester.

For her efforts, Lisa was presented with a mixed media drawing by longtime ARTSWorcester artist member Carrie Crane, whose work Lisa has long admired. Congratulations to Lisa Barthelson for this well deserved Arts Award!

Thank you to Our Donors!

Thank you to the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), a state agency, for their ongoing support of ARTSWorcester which received a matching grant of $2710 in support of our core programs. State grants are awarded through a competitive process. This grant signifies that ARTSWorcester provides a high level of quality in its programs, community service and administrative ability. Over the next year, over 400 artists will participate in our many visual, literary and performing arts programs, doubling the number from last year.

The MCC has a budget of $7.3 million for fiscal year 2004. Its funds reach every community in Massachusetts. The mission of the MCC is to promote excellence, education, access and diversity in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences in order to improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents and to contribute to the economic vitality of our communities. The not-for-profit culture industry has a $2.56 billion economic impact in the state.

Thank you to the Fletcher Foundation for their grant of $2,000 toward our website expansion costs.

From the Director's Corner, Ruth Ann Penka

Mission Statement (Revised)

ARTSWorcester fosters collaborative programs among artists and cultural organizations in the Greater Worcester area by providing opportunities and services for visual, performing and literary artist members. ARTSWorcester advocates for programs of mutual benefit to the cultural, business, educational and municipal sectors of the community and provides leadership in the Arts District

Together with members of the ARTSWorcester Board, our consultant Jane Preston and Ann McTigue and myself, we have spent the better part of the last two years developing an updated Strategic Plan for ARTSWorcester. The last time the organization had developed a plan was in 1996 and although I was not part of the process, I understand it was a very public one which resulted in ARTSWorcester developing four strategic goals: Establishing ARTSWorcester as a leader in the cultural community and a major advocate for the arts, expanding artist information and services, and creating a community arts center.

ARTSWorcester has fulfilled its goals of leadership in the cultural community with its role in the Arts District and has become a major advocate for the arts through its membership in the Worcester Cultural Coalition, as well as expanded artist information through its development of a website and on-line database of artist members. The last goal, the creation of a community arts center has not been realized and with ARTSWorcester poised to celebrate its 25th Anniversary in 2004, will develop a feasibility study in pursuit of our elusive art center.

ARTSWorcester's Strategic Plan for 2003-2005 is an extensive road map which summarizes the plan process, streamlines the mission statement (above) so there is no doubt about why the organization exists, and summarizes goals for Board committees over three years. As a result of the updated plan, changes within the visual arts programs include doubling the number of participating artists from 200 to 400 artists from 2003 to 2005; streamlining our Aurora Gallery costs, improving the installation and lighting of the Aurora Gallery, and developing non-juried, member-only shows twice a year. With the updated strategic plan, ARTSWorcester is working to develop opportunities for performing artist members with the creation of the Sovereign Bank performing art series at the Worcester Common Outlets, a fall exhibit devoted to performing artists called "Music On and Off the Wall", and the development of a separate "call to performing artists" this 2004 season.

In order to provide opportunities and services for ARTSWorcester's visual, performing, and literary artist members, we are developing workshops that increase the professional knowledge of our members such as Cathie Titus' lecture series on contemporary art (listed in this newsletter). We are expanding communication with our members through the development of e-mail groups culled from our updated membership brochure which, besides listing our many opportunities for artist members, has space for members to list their e-mail and website addresses. With regard to technology infrastructure, ARTSWorcester's strategic goal is to update our computer equipment in an effort to expand our website to include an on-line database of artist members along with an on-line gallery through which members can show and sell their work and services. Lastly, ARTSWorcester will continue to play a leadership role in the Arts District by advocating for affordable housing and studio space for artists. As part of the newly-formed Arts District Partnership, (described in the update on the Arts District), plans call for the development of an Arts District Manager position to carry out the implementation of the AD Master Plan.

The updated Strategic Plan focuses on our members and creates clarity with the revised mission statement. Together the ARTSWorcester board and staff will work toward achieving the Plan's goals by 2005 and then will be ready to start the process again!

Our thanks to the Greater Worcester Community Foundation and Gail Randall of the Non-profit Support Center for both their funding and support of the Strategic Plan process.

Gallery News, Ann McTigue

The 2003 Gallery Season continues at what seems like a breakneck pace. By the end of the year we will have highlighted the work of over 400 visual artists in the nineteen gallery shows produced by ARTSWorcester at our Quinsigamond and Aurora Galleries. Thank you and congratulations to all of the exhibitors.

This fall ARTSWorcester is offering a series of lectures on Contemporary Art and Artists by Catherine Wilcox Titus, Adjunct Professor of Contemporary Art at Clark University. The three part survey/lecture and discussion will inform participants of the international trends, issues and debates which have shaped contemporary art. Examples of recent alternative media, performance, body art, as well as painting, sculpture and photography will be the point of departure for this "broad picture" of the last three decades of art. The dates of the lectures are November 18th and 25th, and December 2nd. The members cost for the series will be $5 each; $10 for all three. Non-members are invited for $10 each; $25 for all three. Pre-registration is suggested, space is limited, call 508-755-5142.

Music: On & Off the Wall, ARTSWorcester's exhibition of unusual musical instruments will be opening at the end of the month. I've been working closely with area Music Man, Bob Jordan, who among other things is a founding member of the "Invented Things Quartet." Bob has been instrumental (forgive the pun) in reaching several of the interesting and inventive musicians who will be participating in this exhibit. Along with the obvious visual part of the show, there will be a number of performances which will offer a unique musical experience to those in attendance.

I hope you will consider joining us at the Opening Reception on October 30th to meet some of the artists, and come back again for one or all of the performances scheduled for November 6th, 13th and 23rd. Check the "Calendar" section of this newsletter for times.

As we proceed towards 2004, its a good time to re-assess our efforts. In the face of a changing cultural climate due to across the board budget cuts, reduced gallery hours, coupled with a renewed commitment to our performing artist members, we will be altering our schedule somewhat for the coming year. We will still be bringing you a quality exhibition schedule, but there will be fewer shows that will be on view for a longer time. Less visual arts programming will allow me to spend more time in development of new expanded programming for performing and literary artist members.

Speaking of our Performing and Literary artist members, the 'Call' for 2004 is out in the mail. Please read it carefully and respond with your application. Deadline for submissions is December 9th. We'll be choosing performers for the very successful Springtime Performing Artist Series which has again been funded for 2004 by our friends at Sovereign Bank, as well as all the new programming currently in development, which will also include opportunities for writers.

The year 2004 is ARTSWorcester's 25th Anniversary. It will be a year of special events and celebrations beginning in January with an exhibition featuring work by several of our founding fathers (and mothers), and will end with an enormous Members Exhibition in both Aurora galleries in December. In between there will be no shortage of interesting and fun things to check out.

Member News

Congratulations to the 35 ARTSWorcester members who participated in the Fitchburg Art Museum's 68th Regional Exhibition of Art and Craft, June 29 - September 7, 2003. They are: Emily Boosahda, Heidi M. D'Entremont, Linda Davis, Bruce R. Dean, Carleen DeBlois, John Delibero, Mary Dewey, Monica J. Doherty, Ellen Ruther Donaldson, Sarah Dyer, Cindy Fedeli, Eugene Johnson, Carol B. Kaupilla, Jesse M. Knott II, Brian LeBlanc, Tom Lewis, Sylvia L. Loiselle, Nancy MacDonald, Maxine McDonald, Phil Gilman McGourty, Bill Mixon, Robert Morey, Gunter Mueller, Reynald Poisson, Stu Pomeroy, Robert D. Price, Lionel Reinford, Murray Rubin, Carol Santora, Sally Sargent, Susan Sedgwick, Will Sherwood, Linda Whiting and Linda Widstrand. Also of note, Brian LeBlanc received the Craft Prize for "Torch Flamingo." Honorable Mentions went to Kristina Martinson Davidson for "New American Landscape I," and to Linda Widstrand for "Can You Hear Me Now"?

Marcella Stasa showed four pieces in the New Members Exhibition at the Copley Society, 158 Newbury St., Boston. The exhibit was on view July 24-August 16.

Hannah Hall-Alicandro exhibits paintings inspired by the natural beauty of the Wachusett Meadow in an exhibition, A Year at the Meadow: Three Visions at the Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, Massachusetts Audubon Society, 113 Goodnow Rd., Princeton. Also taking part in this show is printmaker Jennifer Hilton and sculptor Rosiland Waters. There was an Opening Reception on Sept. 20, 3-5 p.m. at Crocker House at the Sanctuary. The exhibit is open to the public through October.

Brenda D. T. Toomey represented the Massasoit Art Guild with a showing of her work at the Richard Sugden Library in Spencer during the month of September.

Debra Giller exhibited her ceramic sculpture in the Bromfield Art Gallery, Members Group Show, September 3-27, 2003. Debra's work is also featured in the Bromfield Art Gallery at City Hall, Scollay Square Gallery, Sept. 8-Oct. 17, 2003.

Saul Torres read excerpts and signed copies of his new book And I Cry Again, Passages from Vietnam and Beyond at C.C. Lowell, Sept. 25, 2003. The book has been published by Luna Press 2002 and is available in paperback for $12 + $1.95, S & H at interculturalsvs@aol.com.

Leon Nigrosh, ceramic artist and art reviewer for Worcester Magazine is branching out. Leon has been asked to be a contributing writer for Worcester Publishing's newest culture tome PULSE, and has also been invited to be a contributing writer/editor for Arts Media Magazine, a slick, full color publication out of Boston. Nigrosh will also be a guest lecturer at the Worcester Historical Museum on Oct. 4 for the 175th Anniversary Celebration of the Blackstone Canal.

Yefim Gorodetsky, woodburning artist, was the subject of a full-page article in the Holden Landmark. Gorodetsky's work has been shown at the Worcester Public Library, the Gale Free Library in Holden, Checkerberry Village, the Worcester Senior Center, Worcester Temple Emmanuel, the Jewish Community Center, Worcester Beth Shalom, and the Holden Senior Center.

Lora Brueck participated in the WPI Faculty and Staff Art Exhibition at the George C. Gordon Library Gallery, 100 Institute Road, Worcester. The Exhibition ran from Sept. 19-Oct. 20, 2003. For Gallery Hours and Directions: 508-831-6612; archives@wpi.edu; www.wpi.edu/+library.

Elizabeth Hughes, Rose LeBeau, Ann Rainey and Jason Ram are part of a group show at the Schiltkamp Gallery at the Traina Center for the Arts, Clark University. Books Created by Artists is on view Oct. 7-Dec. 6, 2003. Opening Reception: Oct. 30, 5-6:30.

More good news for Elizabeth Hughes. She is now in business for herself, taking over ownership of the Futon Company at 129 Highland Street in Worcester. So whether you are interested in futons or unusual local and global hand-crafted gifts and home furnishings, stop in or check out the web at: www.futonco.net.

Carleen DeBlois is busy these days. Besides taking part in the 68th Regional Exhibition at the Fitchburg Art Museum, she also participated in the Hudson Arts Alliance juried exhibition and the Annual Art Exhibition Senior Group Show at the Historical Society in Clinton. She will also be teaching Acrylic Painting for ARC in Gardner starting in November.

Craig Milner and his wife Evelyn have opened The Artful Moon Gallery in West Boylston, MA. Several ARTSWorcester members took part in the Grand Opening Exhibition on October 3. Among them are Emily Boosahda, Sarah Dyer, Nan Hass Feldman, Patricia Kamlin, Iris Lanyon, and Craig Milner. The Artful Moon is located at Causeway Crossing Plaza, at the junction of Routes 12 & 110. Gallery Hours: Mon.-Wed. and Sat., 10 am-5 pm; Thurs.-Fri., 10 am-8 pm. Call 508-835-3320.

Sue Swinand has a show of recent work, including paintings, sculpture and works on paper, at the Berman Museum at Ursinus College, Collegeville, PA. "Active Ingredients" opens Sun., Nov. 9, 2003 and runs through Jan. 11, 2004. For further information, see www.swinand.com.

Opportunities for Artists

MCC Artist Grant Program Update

Application forms and guidelines for the MCC Artist Grants Program will be available in early October at www.massculturalcouncil.org. Postmark deadline for all disciplines: December 15.

This year $5000 fellowships will be available in Choreography, Drawing/Printmaking/Artist Books, Fiction/Creative Nonfiction, Painting, Poetry, and Traditional Arts.

For More information on the Artist Grants Program, call 617-727-3668 or 800-232-0960, or contact the following Program Coordinators:

• Choreography: Kelly Bennett, kelly.bennett@art.state.ma.us
• Drawing/Printmaking/Artist Books: Mark Winetrout, mark.winetrout@art.state.ma.us
• Fiction/Creative Nonfiction: Jane King, jane.king@art.state.ma.us
• Painting: Kelly Bennett, kelly.bennett@art.state.ma.us
• Poetry: Erin Gay, erin.gay@art.state.ma.us
• Traditional Arts: Maggie Holtzberg, maggie.holtzberg@art.state.ma.us

Save the Date! Artist Grants Information Sessions

MCC will host four statewide Artist Grant Program information sessions in October:

Wednesday, October 15; 6-8 pm
Northampton Center for the Arts
17 New South Street, Suite 303, Northampton

Wednesday, October 22; 6-8 pm
New Bedford Free Public Library
613 Pleasant Street, New Bedford

Monday, October 27; 6-8 pm
Rockport Public Library
17 School Street, Rockport

Wednesday, October 29; 6-8 pm
Boston Public Library, Conference Rooms 5-6
700 Boylston Street, Boston

All sessions are free, accessible and open to the public. Each session will demonstrate the on-line grant application process, and MCC staff will share best practices for preparing work samples. No RSVP is necessary. For further information call the MCC Artist Department at 617-727-3668 or 800-232-0960.

Save the Date! Artist to Artist Dialogue in Worcester

Co-sponsored by MCC and the Clark University Department of Visual and Performing Arts, Artist to Artist: Dialogues about Survival and Success will be held on Thurs., Nov. 13 from 7-9 pm at Clark University, Tilton Hall, 950 Main St., 2nd floor, in Worcester.

Join three past MCC Artist Grant winners in a conversation about how artists survive and succeed in difficult times. Featured artists will include Shirish Korde, composer; Melinda Lopez, playwright/performer (moderator); and Mari Seder, photographer. While talking about their own experiences, the artists will discuss many areas of artistic survival and growth, such as:

• Making art and making a living
• Dealing with critics and rejection
• Finding a personal/ professional balance
• Having and being a mentor
• Developing artistic discipline

The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided, and free parking is available. For further information call 617-727-3668 or 800-232-0960, ext. 356.

Open Figure Drawing Class

All Artists are invited to this weekly Wednesday workshop. 7-9:30 pm, Worcester State College, Art Department, 486 Chandler St. $5 model fee. For more information call Sid Solomon at 508-852-8860.

Citizen Schools Program

Citizen Schools Program is an innovative middle school after-school program revolutionizing how young people spend their out-of-school time. Sponsored by the YMCA of Greater Worcester, Citizen Schools is designed to help young people improve their writing, public speaking, and critical thinking skills--core skills that they can use in school and in the rest of their lives.

Each week students work in small groups with adult volunteers in apprenticeships, hands-on projects that create products or performances that add value to the community. The YMCA provides training and support that allows community members to effectively teach young people their skills and passions. At the same time, the YMCA offers students opportunities to make a difference in their community.

To become a Citizen Teacher, please call Heather Wightman, Program Director, Citizen School YMCA, 508-755-6101 ext. 280.

Call to Artists: Cambridge Art Association (CAA)--National Prize Show

May 3-June 24, 2004. Juror: Bob Fitzpatrick, Director, Museum of Contemporary Art--Chicago. Best of Show $2000 and ten other awards. Juried by slides, No videos. Due: January 23, 2004. For prospectus, send SASE to CAA, 25 Lowell St., Cambridge, MA 02138, email: cambridgeart@cambridgeart.org, or see: www.cambridgeart.org.

Juried Competition--NEW ART 2004

National Competition juried by Susan Stoops, Curator of Contemporary Art, Worcester Art Museum. Open to emerging artists (within 5 years of starting career and no gallery affiliation). Cash awards. All media except video; not to exceed 7 feet in any dimension. Send: Fee $20, 4 slides (labeled), resume, artist's statement and SASE by November 29, 2003. (January opening) to: MPG, 450 Harrison Ave., Suite 315, Boston, MA 02118, Attn: N.A. 2004-AA. Telephone: 617-357-8881, Fax: 617-357-8882.

Worcester Windows

A community gallery program utilizes the storefronts of the Day Building, the Chamber of Commerce, WCCA Channel 13, the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, and other windows in downtown Worcester as exhibition space to visually enhance the City's downtown and to provide display opportunities for local artists. Interested artists and volunteers contact Stacy Lord at 508-579-6033 or stacylord@hotmail.com.