Meet the Directors of the Worcester Center for Crafts
and The Gallery @ Harlow Street
By Christine R. Walsh

David P. Leach never dreamed of what the future might hold for him when he began taking classes at the Worcester Center for Crafts. He was simply experimenting with his artistic side and hoping to hone his skills. But an educational session turned into a career.

“I came to the Worcester Center for Crafts as a student before I even had any notion that I might join the staff – and today I’m the Executive Director!” said Leach.  “Who could have predicted that!”

Before finding a home within the halls of the Worcester Center for Crafts, Leach and his wife were looking to settle down in an area that offered both an urban and suburban feel.

“We were looking for a small rural village, a farm and an historic house to restore, “ said Leach. “We found all that in Princeton.  We also wanted to be near an urban center to access the amenities that only a city can provide.”

The Center has been a part of Worcester for 150 years, according to Leach, and began as an organization that taught women how to create and sell crafts so they could be economically sufficient.

Today, with Leach at the helm, the Worcester Center for Crafts provides artistic outlets for students from all walks of life.

“The organization offers a wide range of programs including youth and adult craft education in ceramics, wood, glass, metal, textiles, and photography,” said Leach. The center also offers full and part time studies for those aspiring to be professional craft artists, outreach programs with area schools, gallery exhibits and public events such as the Thanksgiving Weekend Craft Fair.

There are classes for every level of skill at the Worcester Center for Crafts and beginners are always greeted with encouragement and support.

“We encourage prospective students to visit and take a tour of the studios or attend one of our many open houses,” said Leach. “We strive to be as welcoming and open as possible for people who have an interest in exploring the wonderful world of craft!”
For more information on the Worcester Center for Crafts, go to www.worcestercraftcenter.org

Husband and wife team Gary J. Dusoe and Daniela Munoz Maines are more than partners in life. Together, they operate The Gallery @ Harlow Street.

The Gallery, located in the Sprinkler Factory at 38 Harlow Street in Worcester, offers full programs in Art, music, dance, and theater. It’s an independent, for profit arts business that offers creative opportunities for artists of all mediums.

Running one entire gallery might satisfy some, but not Dusoe and Maines. They also manage another gallery in the Sprinkler Factory called The Well. And they have separate projects as well.

Maines gives the Worcester community the opportunity to experience all skill levels of 35 millimeter photography in a studio she manages called The Darkroom.

Dusoe independently manages The Studios. Over two dozen artists have found a home within The Studios and Dusoe welcomes artists from every aspect of the creative world. Both The Darkroom and The Studios are located in the Sprinkler Factory, which was originally the home to the Rockwood Sprinkler Company. During World War II, the Rockwood Sprinkler Company helped develop fire protection for Navy ships.

Dusoe and Maines feel very proud of their many accomplishments and have a positive outlook on the artistic future ahead.

“We continue to grow!” said Dusoe.

For more information on The Gallery @ Harlow Street, go to www.harlowstreet.com.