Two arts powerhouses are joining forces to showcase the new work of regional artists. ArtsWorcester and the Worcester Center for Crafts will show NOW! New Art by New Artists, which will highlight the works of “regional artists in the early-to-mid stages of their careers, born since 1975.” The works – including The Foyer Chandelier Photo by Brittany Severance (pictured) – will be housed at both locations and on display from March 18 to April 16. This is the first collaboration between ArtsWorcester and the Worcester Center for Crafts. The collection is specifically aimed at presenting the works of younger artists, allowing those who may not otherwise be included in other exhibits the opportunity to display their work to fellow community members.

Juliet Feibel, of ArtsWorcester, said attendees can expect to see a different structure than many art shows. “Younger artists don’t always find the traditional divide between art and craft very useful. We hoped to highlight artists working in both these genres and between them, artists whose work might not be easily categorized and is sometimes all the better for it. It’s important for audiences and fellow artists alike to keep bringing in new work and new approaches.”

As this exhibition differs structurally from those typically curated in the past, Feibel said, “We have gotten some heat for limiting participation to those born in or since 1975. But it’s crucial to keep new ideas and new artists circulating. The creative dialogue that results sustains and inspires artists of all ages.”

Those behind the exhibition hope to broaden the sense of community among local artists, as the collection will house works created by individuals within the same region. When discussing the collection, Feibel said it will “introduce different circles of artists and approaches to each other.”

Feibel also said the exhibition comes with a goal. “We wanted to broaden the geographical reach of both of our organizations and to bring to the forefront artists that are not yet known to our usual audiences. The prizes, particularly the opportunity for a solo exhibition or to curate a solo exhibition, will incentivize participation from those new to our community. We think it will be electric, and, of course, new and very ‘now.’”

Although they have yet to receive submissions, those working on the project anticipate that the collection will likely be diverse in nature, including a broad range of approaches and mediums by local talent. The NOW! exhibition page states that submissions may be of varying forms, including sculpture and fabric, as well as more traditional mediums, serving to highlight the works of artists that might not be included in other collections.

Feibel said she hopes the exhibition will inspire young artists. “It’s one thing for an artist to go to the ICA [Institute of Contemporary Art] and see international artists at the mid-point or peak of their career. While inspiring, it can feel like an impossible dream.”

This collection will be about artists that are members of the community and close at hand. Feibel said, “When you can see the work of people living near you, and whose educational and career trajectory looks a bit more like yours, you’re in a better position to learn from them, and, in this case, have the opportunity to meet them in person.”

NOW! New Art by New Artists is a joint exhibition, and galleries will be housed at both ArtsWorcester, 660 Main St., Worcester, and the Worcester Center for Crafts, 25 Sagamore Road, Worcester. The exhibit will be juried by Roger Hankins, director of the Cantor Art Gallery at The College of the Holy Cross. There will be an opening reception March 18, and the free exhibits will be open to the public March 19-April 16. For more information, visit artsworcester.com or worcester.edu/WCC.

By Christina Rossetti