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find the next jeweler from these festivals?” Her answer to why encouraging and supporting our youth to engage with public art is important is a simple one: “We’ll have wonderfully well-balanced children that can think with both sides of their brain.”
INTERNATIONAL ATTENTION
A
rguably the most controversial of PAWG’s goals is to commission international artists, rather than local
talent, for its mural projects on the Denholm, Hanover Theatre and DCU Center buildings. “I hear conversations all the time in the local art community,” Sirois says of artists questioning why institutions such as Worcester Art Museum do not show more work of local artists. “The thing with this project is we’re not saying no to local artists, but we want to start off with a flash, with a bang.” Rozan disputes that WAM and other institutions in the city do not showcase local talent, citing the current exhibiting piece on the Wall at WAM that was done
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by Worcester artists. He’s quick to point out that bringing in an international artist is just one part of PAWG’s plan, another part being opportunities for local artists to create public art in alleys and throughout the city. “What I want to see,” Rozan says, “is that we have something for everyone. Both needs to happen in unison.” Zlody agrees saying, “I think if we’re going to, as a city, have something up that represents art in the city, you need to get the best of the best.” Referencing existing models of public art in the city, Zlody says, “Look at Art in the Park, not everyone there is Worcester based.” “It’s not us dissing Worcester artists,” McGrath asserts. As both a business owner and resident in Worcester, she supports bringing in international artists that will create a louder buzz than a lesser-known local artist may. “I, of course, love being able to interact with other artists. Having someone come to us is exciting,” says Champeny, but says she understands the concern of some artists that the best local talent is not being showcased in the largest-scale projects PAWG has planned. “What I would like to see, is send our local talent out as ambassadors out to other cities to spread [Worcester’s] talent.” Rozan doesn’t see the ambitions of PAWG as simply hyper-local, but rather, “Worcester
should be able to participate on a national, international stage. It’s the second largest city doing amazing things.” He begs the questions: “Isn’t it the same as having international companies and universities that attract specialists?” So who will PAWG bring to Worcester to create the buzz McGrath wants, the attention Rozan feels the city deserves and the talent Sirois expects? “There are a few I would like, but let’s see what happens,” says Rozan. In the end, Sirois says, “I’m excited to be able to go downtown with friends and just want to be there.” He says that for himself and others he’s talked with who have recently moved to Worcester, the real vacancy of downtown bears a sense of unwelcomeness. “Having this project get off the ground, it’s really going to change the perception of this city from being dead to having life and vibrancy.” For Rozan, it is all about “broadening and widening the divide.” He, like other members of PAWG, believe more art means more restaurants and retail move into an area. “It’s not one thing, it’s all things, supporting all things. You have nicer parks; the more things going on, the better this community becomes,” says Rozan. “I would love to have more galleries to go to and more people talking about art. I enjoy it now, we can enjoy it more.”
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Performed by Aquila Theatre Tuesday, Sept. 24 | 10:30
AM
&7
PM
The year is 1953. Sci-fi writer Ray Bradbury pens Fahrenheit 451 and — with startling clarity — creates an imaginary world that has come to pass in our daily lives today. Flat screen monitors, interactive devices, ear buds and the blurry line between censorship and apathy. Bold and inventive. Accessible and engaging. Using multimedia, nationally renowned Aquila Theatre ignites Bradbury’s world where firemen burn books and refugees secretly memorize them. All the while, we are invited to examine that world and or own.
Tickets: $25 | $20 | $7 Weston Box Office: Thurs.-Fri. 12:30-3:30 PM 978.665.3347 This performance is part of Community Read program. For complete details go to: fitchburgstate.edu/F451
Sponsor:
Reliant Medical Group accepts most health insurance plans. www.reliantmedicalgroup.org
School matinee and educational activities supported by the Roberta Fitzmaurice Connors ’63 Endowment This project made possible by: and The Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Endowment With additional support from:
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• SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
Funded by:
Media Partner:
6:00 PM SPOTLIGHT TALK with the members of Aquila Theatre