Beyond the Paint: Artists of Worcester’s Black Lives Matter Mural

August 14 through September 13, 2020

ArtsWorcester North Corridor
44 Portland Street

ArtsWorcester presents Beyond the Paint, in partnership with the leadership and artists of Worcester’s Black Lives Matter mural. Curated by Em Quiles, this exhibition features twelve local artists, each one key to the mural’s success. Beyond the Paint will be on view from August 14 through September 13, 2020 in the North Corridor at 44 Portland Street.

Em Quiles is President of Pa’Lante Latinx Moving Forward, a community-lead organization in the Worcester, MA area, dedicated to Latinx Empowerment by increasing civic and political engagement. Quiles served as co-organizer of the Black Lives Matter mural at the intersection of Major Taylor and Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevards. Sixteen local artists collaborated to design the individual letters of the mural, and, with the help of over 200 volunteers, their design was installed on July 15, 2020.

Beyond the Paint features works by twelve artists who were among the mural project’s participants, many of whom maintain their own active art practices. Each contributed their talents to aid the lead artists in bringing a substantial public art piece to life. “The importance of the mural transcends the notion of just paint on the ground,” says Quiles. “It speaks to the lived experiences of many who were involved along with the genuine solidarity within the community. The mural was brought to life by a tribe of volunteers.

“The Black Lives Matter mural is a powerful artwork made by many artists working in solidarity, and this partnership is a way for us to thank them for their gift to this city,” says Juliet Feibel, Executive Director of ArtsWorcester. “The anti-racism of the Black Lives Matter movement challenges ArtsWorcester to be more intentional about how we reach and work with artists, and we thank Ms. Quiles for the opportunity to do so.

The artists featured in Beyond the Paint include Amora Andino, MR. BOOM, Jennessa Burks, Joshua Croke, Narvicto DeJesus, Brian Denahy, Fogger, Olivia Melendez, Emma Mesa-Melendez, Edmy Ortiz, Laura Evonne Steinman, and Amber Tortorelli.

Beyond the Paint will be on view in person in the North Corridor, directly next to ArtsWorcester’s main galleries, located at 44 Portland Street in Worcester. Visitors should enter through ArtsWorcester’s door. No appointments are required, but only five individuals may visit the North Corridor at one time. All visitors to ArtsWorcester must wear masks. ArtsWorcester gallery hours run Thursdays through Sundays, 12:00 to 5:00 PM. This exhibition will be on view August 14 through September 13, 2020.