This year, the Artist-in-Residence Exhibition brings together ten artists whose diverse working methodologies, material explorations, and individual perspectives reflect their personal interests and goals for this one or two year residency. After a competitive application process, each resident is provided with a studio space, access to facilities, and a supportive community of makers. In exchange, resident artists play integral roles at the Craft Center by completing studio support hours, teaching classes and workshops, and volunteering at community-centered events. In this way, Worcester Center for Crafts works to cultivate creativity and foster creative exchange.
FIRED|MOLTEN presents the work of the largest group of resident artists thus far at the Craft Center and connects them with the Worcester community. From blown glass sculptures to mixed media collage, wheel thrown pottery to towering figures, the works in this exhibition are as diverse as the artists themselves.
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| Ceramic resident Phoebe Scott working on a torso in the studio. |
Featured Artists in Residence: Faith Connor (MA, ceramics); Meredith Collins (PA, glass); Michelle Grey (MA, ceramics); Angela McHale (MA, glass); Kym Gardner (RI, ceramics); Lindsy Marshall (MA, glass); Abby Nohai (NY, ceramics); Molly Roderick (MA, glass); Phoebe Scott (FL, ceramics); and Momoko Schafer (MA, glass).
The opening night will feature a pop-up by Fancheezical serving gourmet grilled cheeses and other snacks, as well as a live DJ providing a soundtrack for the evening! All the artists and their Craft Center advisors, Gale Scott (glass) and Tom O’Malley (ceramics) will be in attendance at the opening.
About the Artist in Residence Program:
The Worcester Center for Crafts’ Artist in Residence (AiR) Program is a way to sustain craft and insure the next generation of artists carrying on craft traditions. Open to aspiring artist in clay and glass (and those who might work across more one medium), the Worcester Center for Crafts AiR program is designed to support the growth of pre-professional artists. Residents are chosen through a competitive process and are with the Center for 1-2 years where they have access to our studios and their specialized equipment and help support the Centers programs.
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 163 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 – a satellite location, 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 visual arts studios and partners in community outreach.
The Craft Centers mission is to inspire and build a creative community through the promotion, appreciation, and teaching of craft. The Center’s advocacy and public education initiatives include adult education classes and workshops, youth education and outreach programs, exhibitions showcasing the work of established and emerging artists, artist residencies, lectures, family events, studio rentals, Gallery Store, and major events. The WCC is a member of the Worcester Cultural Coalition and receives funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
