STCC gallery showcases work from Springfield artists, photographers
"HERE & NOW: Springfield, MA" features the work of local artists.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Amy H. Carberry Fine Arts Gallery on the Springfield Technical Community College campus presents its first exhibition of the fall semester with “HERE & NOW: Springfield, MA,” on view from Wednesday, Sept. 4, through Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.
A reception will be held Saturday, Sept. 14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The gallery is free and open to the public.
In the “City of Firsts,” this group show represents the first exhibition at the Amy H. Carberry Fine Arts Gallery at STCC exclusively featuring Springfield-based artists and photographers. Responding to a call for artwork this past spring, 22 Springfield creative residents from their early 20s to over 70 years old utilized a wide variety of media to create tiny acrylic paintings, wall-size video and sound, digital photographs and printmaking on fabric.
Featuring a Lao American graffiti artist, a maximalist Puerto Rican illustrator, representational African American painters and photographers, cartoon-style former military service members, highly experienced photojournalists, formally college-trained and self-taught artists and even recent STCC college grads, this exhibition expresses the rich diversity and wealth of talent found right here at home: Springfield, Mass.
“Showcasing the work of community artists in our campus gallery not only enriches the cultural experience for our students but also strengthens our ties to the local community,” said Steven Nelson, Interim Dean of the School of Liberal and Professional Studies at STCC. “These exhibitions provide a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, highlighting the immense talent within our region.”
The 22 Springfield artists and photographers featured in this exhibition include:
Catherine Adams-Burton, Lorrin Baker, Nicole Baker, Laura Bradford, Kyle Brown-Bowens, Jankie Burgos Cruz, Ed Cohen, Timothy Gallant, Briyanna Henry, Kahli Hernandez, Nichele Herrick, Shannon Johnson, LESN101 X NAGO, Jean-Marie Magnier, Enaya'Ajahnae Ogletree, October Pharms, Rosemary Polletta, Nadine Shapiro, Jerome Sills, Denise Stewart, Mollie Thonneson and Shandyce Willis.
Willis is a visual mixed-media artist.
“I aim to create artistic pieces that portray truths, give voices otherwise muffled or shamed, and encourage genuine self-expression,” Willisa said. “My art is mainly comprised of images that portray my personal identity, the Black woman.”
Artist Polletta said, “Last July, I accompanied a fellow club member on an outing to capture the crescent moon over the Memorial Bridge. This past September, I applied the last edits in Lightroom and converted them to black and white in NIK Silver Effex.”
Added LESN101, “My art is inspired by the vibrant energy of hip-hop music and the raw creativity of graffiti culture. Using bold colors and strong lines, I create pieces that break down barriers and provide a space for self-expression and emotional release.”
Please go to stcc.io/carberry for hours and more info.
About the gallery
The Amy H. Carberry Fine Arts Gallery presents six exhibits each year featuring artwork by artists of local and national repute, as well as STCC student work. The gallery is in the fine arts building in B28 at STCC. The gallery and all events are free to the public.
This exhibition and associated events are supported in part by the School of Liberal and Professional Studies (LAPS) and the Fine Arts (A.A.) program.
For more information, visit: stcc.io/Carberry
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu