By Jillian D’Apollo

There is finally a fresh way to view Worcester’s creative climate of both well-established and up and coming artists: Scott Erb’s 20 Artists of Worcester and Their Work Spaces. Thanks to funding from the Worcester Cultural Commission, Erb Photography has compiled an editorial style book of 20 talented local artists including Scott Boilard, Brian Burris, Andy Fish, and Charlotte Wharton. 20 Artists of Worcester gives aspiring talent and admirers a chance to discover genius that is right in our backyard. However, this isn’t your typical art/biography book.

Because people are often secluded and many individuals have preconceived notions of where artists work, Scott and Donna Dufault, Project Assistant, wanted to portray more intimate images of the talented individuals living and working in the area. Donna comments on the writing process: “We hired Julie Grady to compose text because of her creativity, individuality, and freedom of expression.” Julie paints verbal portraits of each artist accompanied by photos which capture the workers’ idiosyncrasies within their personal studios.

In his endeavor, Erb primarily based the project on the area’s common misconception that Worcester is lacking in cultural and artistic abundance. Scott emphasizes the project as a reactionary piece: “Being an outsider [to Worcester] and having lived in at least eight different states, I see cities that get it [art]. Worcester does have talent. I’ve found it and I’m promoting it.” Scott and Donna view their work as a combined effort between “us and them,” where a welcoming environment of artists paved the way for beauty and talent via photography and fine art.

Although many artists wanted to be involved, the decision was solely peer-driven within the artists’ network. The compilation encompasses a variety of sculptors, painters, and the like. Despite their residence in Worcester, many of the artists included in the project are worldly and currently have exhibits in places like New York, Los Angeles, London, and Germany.

20 Artists of Worcester is readily available and can be viewed online at 20artists.wordpress.com or www.erbphoto.com. The exhibition runs until January 23, 2009 at The Davis Gallery (on the third floor of the Printers Building ) at 44 Portland Street, Worcester.

Photos: Andy Fish (top) & Scott Boilard