PRESS RELEASE: A Conversation between Definite and Indefinite Opens at Craft Center - Exhibit features work by Michael Hachey and Kat O'Connor

Worcester, MA- An exhibit of large scale drawings done by artists Michael Hachey and Kat O'Connor will go on display in an exhibit entitled, Definite : Indefinite. The show will open with a reception honoring the artists from 5:30-7:30 pm on Thursday, March 30, 2017. The exhibit and reception is free to the public. The show is on view through April 29. The artists will give a joint artist talk on April 20 at 5:30 pm.  "What started as a visitor asking Kat O'Connor if she ever worked abstractly turned into a two year dialogue and joint critique between O'Connor and Hachey," said Gallery Director Candace Casey. "Michael's work is traditionally thought of as abstract while Kat's work is usually described as realistic." Both Michael Hachey of West Boylston and Kat O'Connor of Worcester teach at Worcester State University. Michael is a Professor and Kat is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts.

In a joint statement, the artists said: "The most self-evident categories often conceal mystery. Such are the terms real and abstract. The fruits of a nearly two-year conversation and mutual critique, these large-scale drawings explore the polarity of realism and abstraction-their meaning, motivation, and modes of working for us."

Both artists are known as painters but each is also skilled in multiple drawing techniques and these large-scale monochromatic drawings are breath-taking."You step back to see them more fully or you step forward to see the intricacies of each stroke-it is really hard to explain their impact visually much less the impact of the conversation between definite and indefinite worlds," said Casey. "This is a must-see exhibit."

Gallery admission is free of charge as is the artist's talk and reception. Musical compositions by Kyle Martin inspired by the work on exhibit will be played at the opening reception. Krikorian Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm.

Works by Michael Hachey

Works by Kat O'Connor

__________________________________________________

About the Worcester Center for Crafts:The Worcester Center for Crafts (WCC) is one of the oldest non-profit institutions for craft study in the United States. Founded in 1856 as the Worcester Employment Society to help immigrant women produce and sell hand-crafted wares to support their families, the Center evolved over the past 155 years into New England's leading center for craft education, exhibition and entrepreneurship. In 2004, the organization expanded and opened the New Street Glass Studio - an off-campus, 8,000 square foot, state-of-the-art, multi-studio glass facility. The WCC offers the only comprehensive glass studio program in New England available to the public.  Through an affiliation begun in 2009, the WCC is home to the Worcester State University visual arts studios and partners in community outreach. The Craft Center's mission is "to sustain craft as a vital part of our community" by providing high-quality craft education and training, by supporting craft artists in their professions, and through advocacy and public education initiatives including adult education classes and workshops, exhibitions showcasing the work of established and emerging artists, artist residencies, lectures, family events, studio rentals, Gallery Store, and major events.  It premiered its new Youth Craft + Creativity program in October, 2016. The WCC is a member of the Worcester Cultural Coalition and its WOO Pass program, and receives funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.