The 17th annual ArtsWorcester College Show returns in a virtual format and features artwork by six Worcester State University students from a variety of majors. Aprile Gallant, associate director of curatorial affairs and senior curator of prints, drawings, and photographs at the Smith College Museum of Art, curated the exhibition by selecting a total of 51 works by 44 artists from Worcester-area colleges.
The six featured students from Worcester State are: Zachary Alicandro ’21, visual and performing arts; Robert Israelian ’21, communication; Shannon Kittredge ’20, sociology; Tien Nguyen ’22, public health; Grace Papandrea ’21, art; Nhi Vo ’24, business administration.
The students chosen are diverse in their majors, interests, and backgrounds.
“I have been taking art classes at WSU for the past 15 years or so and [I] can’t tell you how much these classes have added to my life,” says Grace Papandrea, who takes advantage of Worcester State University’s free classes for older students through the Urban Action Institute. [1] “The painting I created was during the online watercolor class, which is a new medium for me—a real challenge, indeed. However, with the instruction and encouragement of the instructor, I was able to grasp the watercolor medium. Being a part of the art exhibit has been a real thrill for me at this stage of my life. Watercolor is now one of my favorite mediums and I am enjoying the challenge.”
Shannon Kittredge ’20 submitted a printmaking piece titled “Moonlit Moth” last year. “I am thrilled that art shows have continued during COVID-19, albeit virtually,” she says. “It’s important for art to continually have a space in conversation and community. Virtual galleries allow individuals to connect in a meaningful way in a time when social connection isn’t always possible. Art is meant to bring people together, and virtual galleries help facilitate that.”
“The work of our students featured in this year’s ArtsWorcester College Show demonstrate their inspiring creativity, adaptability to the times, and skill with a beautiful range of techniques,” says Professor Amaryllis Siniossoglou of the Visual and Performing Art Department. “Many thanks to ArtsWorcester for continuing to showcase the incredible work of local students, and congratulations to all.”
For more information and to view the pieces, visit https://sites.google.com/artsworcester.org/17th-annual-college-show/. [2]
Written by VPA communications intern Karen Shalev.
In photo above, watercolor by Grace Papandrea.