Stepping into the Worcester Center for Crafts’ Gallery, I was immediately interested in all of the posters and old artifacts they had at the entrance of the building. The gallery was showcasing some incredible artwork from WPS teachers including pieces by Mary Abbot, Ben Adwetewa-Badu, Keri Anderson, Hagop Aprahamian, Laurie Atchue, Debra Bianculli, Crystal Buckley, Jessie Carleton, Joe Digrigorio, Kate Egnaczak, Lizzie Fortin, Toby Irving, Timmary Leary, Carter Lee, Juli Leighton, Colleen O’Hara, Kaylee O’Neal, Katie Rice, Ellen Salin, Kabilgangai Surya, Gennaro Varriale Gonzalez, Ann Villarreal, Yihong Zhou, and of course Doherty Memorial High School’s very own art teacher, Ms. DeWeese!
…The atmosphere of the place was very welcoming, with free business cards, magazines, brochures, and kind employees showing me the way towards Ms. DeWeese’s beautiful artwork. She perfectly captured the waves of the sea, with splashes here and there, and a couple of cliffs in the far distance under some grey and white clouds. From afar, it seems almost like a blurry photograph, but once you step closer to the painting, you’ll be able to see the delicate and dramatic brush strokes she made on the 36 x 48in canvas. Now, you may be wondering: What exactly inspired her to make this piece? What does this painting represent? Why was it displayed at the Worcester Center for Crafts? If so, pay close attention to what Ms. DeWeese has to share regarding Exhale…
Q: Tell me more about Exhale. What’s the story behind this painting?
This was inspired by the pink coves in Aruba, a small inset section of the island only accessible by trail. I painted this during the summer and fall while my Dad was going through chemo treatments for a rare intestinal cancer. He passed away September 22nd, 2024. Painting this helped me capture both the trauma and beauty of the experience. The ocean can be intense and powerful at times, but then transform into utter peace and a renewed sense of hope. It reminds me of the beauty of life, to breathe, and to bask in the sun while it is present. – Ms. DeWeese.
Q: How long did this take to paint?
Several hours over a couple of months. – Ms. DeWeese.
Q: Why did you choose to display it at the Worcester Center for Crafts?
The amazing art teachers of the Worcester Public Schools participate in this art show every year. We feel it is important as art educators to share our art making experiences with the community and our students: hence the show title mentors as makers. – Ms. DeWeese.
Q: Do you have anything else you want to share?
Thanks for featuring the arts! The show will run from Wednesday, 3/12 – Saturday, 3/22. Tues-Sat. 10-5. – Ms. DeWeese.
…After learning the story behind Exhale, do you think educators, just like Ms. DeWeese, sharing their own artwork can help influence other people’s endeavors? Do you believe expressing your emotions and struggles through art is an effective outlet? Do you agree that painting can be more than just a hobby, but a form of therapy? Thank you for following along, and do not forget to click the comment button on the right-hand side to share your opinions and critiques on this matter! Tune in for more articles.
