ArtsWorcester College Show showcases Clark artists

When the 15th annual Arts Worcester College Show opens on Friday, Feb. 1, Clark University will be well represented: About a quarter of the student works in the exhibition were created by Clark artists.

Each year, ArtsWorcester calls for college-age artists to submit their work in a variety of media — including sculpture, video, print, painting, and photography — for the juried exhibit. The organization received more than 240 submissions this year; around 80 were selected by Sam Toabe, gallery curator at the University of Massachusetts-Boston.

“ArtsWorcester provides an important opportunity for college students to show their work in a competitively juried, thoroughly professional, and hugely popular annual exhibition. It’s a first-class event that showcases the very best work in our college community,” says Toby Sisson, associate professor and director of the Studio Art Program in the Visual and Performing Arts Department.

Finn Lundy, a junior majoring in global environmental studies with a concentration in peace studies, says he is honored to have his work included in the show.

“The opportunity to present my photography pushes me to stay engaged in my work while getting insightful feedback from my peers,” Lundy says. “Moreover, shows such as these serve as inspiration for me to continue to improve and push myself to produce better work by observing the photography of my peers.”

Stephen DiRado, a professor of practice who is an award-winning photographer, calls the ArtsWorcester College Show “by far the most important art event” in Central Massachusetts for college students. “It momentously recognizes and celebrates our aspiring talents, and is a defining and galvanizing fulcrum for all art students. It is also a testimony to our educational institutions and their commitment to encourage and mentor emerging artists of vast capabilities. As an arts educator, I am proud to deeply experience outstanding art it highlights year after year.”

Senior Toni Armstrong, a double-major in art history and ancient civilization, entered the show after visiting ArtsWorcester many times during her time at Clark. “It’s an honor to be included in this show, especially because ArtsWorcester supports so many incredible artists,” she says.

“A lot of yourself is reflected in the art that you make, even if it’s not so obvious,” says senior Chaimaa Medhat, “so I’m incredibly honored to have a bit of who I am and my story be shared at ArtsWorcester.” Medhat majors in environmental science with a minor in studio art.

The opening reception of the 15th annual ArtsWorcester College Show is Friday, Feb. 1, from 6 to 9 p.m. at ArtsWorcester’s Aurora Gallery, 660 Main St. Awards, which come with cash prizes, will be announced at the opening reception. Refreshments will be provided by Café Reyes. Entertainment will be provided by the Clark Bars and the WPI Jazz Group.

The Clark students exhibiting their work include:

Alumni: Becky Schaffer ’18

Seniors: Toni Armstrong, Alice Dillon, Audriana Esperat, Amy Kaufman, Kaylyn Landahl, Chaimaa Medhat, Alyssa Pelletier, Demi Rodriguez, Anabel Siegal, Naomi Weintraub, and Alex Wolff

Juniors: Duncan Calder, Finn Lundy, Tayla Cormier, John Lepard, and Xuemeng Zhang

Sophomores: Sam Mescon, Finn O’Driscoll, Yiwei Li, and Slesha Shrestha