For Immediate Release: 6/14/2016 1:26 pm
Worcester, MA (June 14, 2016) - The YWCA of Central Massachusetts invites the community to a celebration of their new mural on the wall facing Francis J. McGrath Boulevard in downtown Worcester. The reception will take place Friday, June 17 at 4:00 PM at the YWCA Central Massachusetts within the members lounge at 1 Salem Square, Worcester, MA.
The YWCA of Central MA teamed up with the Worcester Public Art Working Group to bring New York based and internationally acclaimed muralist Alice Mizrachi to Worcester. In a series of workshops, artist Alice Mizrachi is working in collaboration with the YWCA's Girls CHOICE program and with assistant Sharinna Travieso to plan and conceptualize the new mural creation that will adorn the 23 x 40 foot wall. Mural classes led by Alice Mizrachi for the YWCA's Girls CHOICE program are occurring throughout the week, including but not limited to lessons on spray can usage. In a collective effort, participants will also actively engage in working with Alice Mizrachi and assistant Sharinna Travieso on the mural itself. This project is supported by the City of Worcester's Public Art Working Group #MakeArtEverywhere campaign and funded by the Worcester Cultural Coalition. "Worcester embraces public art and murals are a terrific way to engage people of all ages in creative storytelling. Art changes the way we see the world around us, I love it," says Erin Williams, Cultural Development Officer for the City of Worcester.
"Great cities have great art, and I'm thankful for all the people in our community working to bring more public art to every corner of Worcester," said City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr. "Thank you to the Public Art Working Group, the YWCA and all the artists for creating something for us all to enjoy."
Alice Mizrachi is a New York based interdisciplinary artist and educator working in the mediums of painting, murals and installation. Her work explores the interconnectedness of individuals and community through the dual lens of compassion and empathy. Through figurative work that reinforces both personal and community-oriented identity, Alice aims to inspire creative expression and a sense of shared humanity through art. Alice's mural and installation work has been constructed in galleries and as a part of site-specific arts education and community development projects. Her work often engages local communities and reflects positive visual responses to social issues affecting neighborhood residents. Her process activates a shared space of love, hope, optimism and healing as a means to connect with participants. Frequent topics include the sacred feminine, identity and migration. A perfect pairing for the Girls CHOICE program at the YWCA of Central MA.
The Girls CHOICE program offers support to inner-city middle school girls with the assistance of community collaborations and provides them with support services throughout high school. Within this period, girls build confidence, a sense of personal and community responsibility, and education plans. Through mentoring, academic support and case management, Girls CHOICE delivers comprehensive programming that includes: Long-term, One-on-one Support; Leadership and Service Training; Life Skills Curriculum.
"The YWCA is thrilled to be a part of the City's #MakeArtEverywhere campaign. This mural project, in particular, gives our Girls CHOICE participants the opportunity to express themselves through the creation of public art, while giving them a voice and a way to be involved in the community," said Linda Cavaioli, executive director of the YWCA.
About YWCA
As part of a national women's movement, the YWCA Central Massachusetts is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Founded in 1885, the YWCA Central Massachusetts is the longest serving, multicultural organization by, for and about women and girls in Central Massachusetts. It strives to be an all-inclusive women's advocacy and resource center with a pro-active membership serving the diverse needs of women through leadership, service and support.
About the Public Art Working Group
The City of Worcester's Cultural Development Division of the Executive Office of Economic Development is spearheading an effort to increase the amount of publicly accessible art in Worcester. As part of these efforts the Public Art Working Group was established. The Public Art Working Group advocates for the creation and installation of new publicly accessible art and is currently working to identify possible sites for new public art. The Public Art Working Group is made up of local citizens and art lovers who are committed to supporting public art initiatives in the City of Worcester.
