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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!

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WAM’s New Master Series

Worcester Art Museum Master Series

Worcester Art Museum Master Series

The Worcester Art Museum’s Master Series gives a close up look at one or two works by six signature artists.  Exhibited in different galleries throughout the Museum, these intimate displays allow for contemplation and study of some of the world’s most celebrated artists. The 2014-15 series includes the artists listed below.

Master Series Third Thursdays hosted by the WAM Members’ Council
Enjoy an art talk related one of the featured Master Series artists, plus music, cash bar, cheese and crackers – and the company of other art enthusiasts! Free with Museum admission.

William Hogarth

Portraits of William James

Thursday, October 16, 6pm

Preserving Mr. and Mrs. James:

Worcester Art Museum conservators Rita Albertson and Philip Klausmeyer discuss their work restoring the Hogarth paintings.

Norman Rockwell

Study for “The Nightwatchman

Thursday, November 20, 6pm

Reflections on Rockwell:

Deborah Solomon, author of American Mirror: The Life and Art of Norman Rockwell talks about one of America’s most
beloved artists.

Raphael

The Cowper Madonna

Thursday, February 19, 6pm

Raphael:

Raphael scholar Linda Wolk-Simon sheds light on this Renaissance master.

Anthony van Dyck

Portrait of a Nobleman

Thursday, March 19, 6pm

Portrait of a Nobleman:

Matthew Cushman, project conservator at Yale University, and Jon Seydl, director of curatorial affairs and curator of European art, discuss what conservation has revealed about this painting by Anthony van Dyck.

Rembrandt

The Three Musicians

Thursday, April 16, 6pm Rembrandt and Fallibility:

Jon Seydl, director of curatorial affairs and curator of European art, shares insights on two early works by the Dutch master.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Fujiwara no Yasumasa

Thursday, May 21, 6pm Yoshitoshi: Speaker TBD