Category: Social Affairs

Apart from it’s restaurants and bars Worcester has a growing art culture. Looking beyond the large museums for art and history, some of the smaller galleries in the city have been the home to those making a name for themselves in the arts community. Apart from fine art, Worcester is rich in each category of the arts. We invite you see see what we are talking about…

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Dia de los Muertos at Worcester Art Museum

Jose Guadalupe Posada, Calavera: "Remate de Calaveras" 'La Catrina'", page 15 from "36 Grabados" published 1943, late 19th century. Gift of Daniel Catton Rich, 1960.74
Jose Guadalupe Posada, Calavera: “Remate de Calaveras” ‘La Catrina'”, page 15 from “36 Grabados” published 1943, late 19th century. Gift of Daniel Catton Rich, 1960.74

The Worcester Art Museum’s will celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with a Community Day on Saturday, November 1, 2014, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is free admission from 10 a.m. to noon. This vibrant festival celebrates life with altars, live music, cultural performances, and activities for children reflecting the traditions associated with this Mexican holiday that remembers the lives of family members and friends who have died.

“The Worcester Art Museum is thrilled to be hosting the Dia de los Muertos Community Day,” said Katrina Stacy, WAM Assistant Curator of Education. “This day-long event is open to visitors of all ages and the Worcester community. It is a wonderful tradition that celebrates and honors the dead. No matter what our heritage is, we all have one thing in common: we have lost someone important to us.”

The colorful, lively event provides the opportunity to rejoice in the living memories of loved ones and enjoy music, dance, and Mexican culture combined with fun activities for children and families. The Worcester Art Museum celebration will offer traditional art-making activities associated with Dia de los Muertos, such as creating iconic, fancy skull masks and colorful papel picado (pierce paper) banners. Youngsters are encouraged to wear their Day of the Dead skull masks during a noontime parade through the Museum.

Other planned activities and entertainment include the building of a large community altar in the Museum’s lobby to display mementos of loved ones, lively mariachi music played by Gian Carlo Buscaglia, and traditional Mexican dance performances by students from the Ritmos Academy.

Dia de los Muertos, one of Mexico’s most distinctive holidays, is considered a day of cheerful celebration rather than one of mourning. Officially celebrated on November 1 and 2, the holiday has spread in recent years from Mexico to America and beyond. It is now celebrated by Mexicans, Mexican-Americans, and countless others around the globe who feel a deep affinity for these two special days that honor the dead.

“The Worcester Art Museum is pleased to bring Mexico’s long-established Dia de los Muertos traditions to the Worcester community,” Stacy said. For more information on Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Community Day at Worcester Art Museum, visit worcesterart.org or call 508.799.4406.

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Community Day is generously sponsored by Unum. Our cultural partner is Centro Las Americas and media sponsor is Worcester Magazine.

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2014 Cirque du Noir

7th Annual Cirque du Noir, photo by Studio Lovina

It’s that time of year again where creative black attire and collaboration come together for an avant grade evening for the arts and local community!

7th Annual Cirque du Noir, photo by Studio Lovina

 

Cirque du Noir is an exciting evening of inspiration and creativity that promotes local artists, musicians, photographers, culinary arts and technology while embracing these elements of Worcester that are driving culture, quality of life and economic development. The proceeds will support the Worcester County Food Bank and to help renovate a new 5000 square foot gallery at The Sprinkler Factory at 38 Harlow Street. Cirque du Noir requires attendees to wear all black attire — either just black or in the spirit of elegant masquerade. Don’t skimp on the sparkle! The seventh annual event will be held at 7pm on October 18, 2014 at The Sprinkler Factory. Tickets are $25 online and $30 at the door [order online, now!].

This is an exciting year for Cirque du Noir. A new location, a Saturday night and complete vision taking over the unused factory space that will be renovated into a new gallery at the Sprinkler Factory, an ultimate collaboration to support the incredible art culture in Worcester. This space is so valuable to the creativity happening here. The evening begins with the sites of guests dressed in all black. Some unassuming in suits or more casual black, but some guests explore creative options in elaborate creative black to compete for 3 prizes. The aesthetic transports you to another place, the moment you walk in the door with howling sounds of a wild violin—and more.

Inspiration for Cirque du Noir comes from world travels, live shows, a passion for art, music and food, and from the incredible contributions of creatives who live in the Worcester community. A Live Art Fusion featuring Rose LeBeau, Dan Lasata, Scott Boilard, Keri Anderson and Stacy Lord will add an intimacy into the creation of artwork that will go into a live auction. Every year, over 25 of the most creative artists in the area donate their work to the silent auction. The sounds of Jaggery will fill the gallery space. To hear and watch Mali Sastri and her band perform is nothing short of a rapture that overwhelms all of your senses.

This year Cirque du Noir is collaborating with AK2vists.com, an organization founded by Al and Keith Toney to assist events that are giving back. Ultimately, a week in their stunning Costa Rican home is auctioned. Their goal is to have the house occupied 30 weeks out of the year to support causes that are in alignment with their personal mission. We are extremely grateful to connect our event with the mission of the their project, putting their beautiful home, Casa de Mañana
into so many auctions a year to increase the proceeds for events that are doing great community work.

Cirque du Noir is unique, conceived in 2007 by Michelle May, who wanted an edgy masquerade that showcased the arts. After the first event, it was realized Worcester was not afraid to expose itself to the concept. The event has evolved into an avant garde evening that opens the minds of those who are a little apprehensive about what its all about. The uniqueness of the aesthetic, the all black attire and the intimacy of the live art compliment the curated music that always harkens to

the mystery that is Cirque du Noir. Dance will be performed by Paula Zawalich Dance Academy and live music by Boston band Jaggery, back in Worcester. The technical expertise and the worldly sounds fit the whole aesthetic for Cirque du Noir. Just back from performing in Australia and a trip around the US, lead by the mezmerizing vocals of Mali Sastri, Jaggery will take you on a little trip to the dark side. The magic does not stop there. The musical prowess is overflowing with every member. Do not show up late, you don’t want to miss a thing. “Jaggery audiences go silent and still like people appreciating raw, scary, beautiful wildlife.” That observation was made by web magazine, Cambridge Day.

The evening includes hors d’oeuvres by Bocado/Niche Hospitality and Livia’s Dish. Event photographers for Cirque du Noir will include Louie Despres Photography, videography by MacKenzie Hennessey and sound will be provided by Luke Bass.

Buy your tickets today!