Last month, Brockton Arts Gallery was transformed into a vibrant tapestry of colors, shapes, and emotions as it hosted “Art For The Heart,” a heartwarming showcase of artwork created by individuals of all ages and backgrounds. This captivating exhibition, presented by Art for the Heart, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing art classes and fostering creativity in the Massachusetts community, celebrated the power of art to uplift, inspire, and connect.

At the heart of Art for the Heart’s mission is the belief that art is for everyone, regardless of age or skill level. Through their dedicated efforts, they offer art classes in various locations throughout Massachusetts, providing accessible and inclusive opportunities for individuals to explore their creativity and express themselves through art.

One such location is Brockton Arts Gallery East, where every Sunday from 3pm to 6pm, eager participants gather under the guidance of accomplished artists and artist educators, Mimi Desir and John Adams. With their wealth of experience and passion for art, Desir and Adams create a nurturing and supportive environment where participants are encouraged to experiment, learn, and grow as artists.

The “Art For The Heart” exhibition showcased the fruits of this collaborative effort, featuring a diverse array of artworks ranging from paintings and drawings to sculptures and mixed media pieces. Each artwork told a unique story, reflecting the individual experiences, perspectives, and emotions of its creator.

From the vibrant strokes of a child’s painting to the intricate details of a senior’s sculpture, every piece radiated with authenticity and heartfelt expression. Visitors to the gallery were not only treated to a visual feast but also invited to experience the transformative power of art firsthand.

But “Art For The Heart” was more than just an exhibition; it was a celebration of community and connection. As attendees explored the gallery, they were greeted with smiles, laughter, and shared moments of admiration for the artwork on display. It was a reminder that art has the power to bridge divides, foster empathy, and unite us in our shared humanity.

As the sun set on “Art For The Heart,” it left behind a legacy of inspiration and creativity that continues to resonate within the community. Through the dedication of organizations like Art for the Heart and the commitment of individuals like Mimi Desir and John Adams, art continues to flourish as a force for good, enriching lives and bringing people together.

So, whether you’re a seasoned artist or a budding enthusiast, join us at Brockton Arts Gallery East and be part of the Art for the Heart community. Together, let’s explore the boundless possibilities of creativity and let our hearts speak through art.

Lights dim, anticipation rises, and the magic of cinema comes alive at Brockton Arts’ monthly movie night. In a vibrant collaboration between Brockton Arts, Massasoit Community College, and the Brockton Public Library, these cinematic evenings have become a staple for both film enthusiasts and community members alike.

At the heart of these events is Rolly Blanchette, the esteemed Curator of Gallery West, whose passion for film and experience as a film professor infuse each movie night with depth and insight. With his expertise, Blanchette not only selects compelling films but also offers a brief yet illuminating lecture before the screening, providing context and sparking thoughtful discussion among attendees.

Stepping into the art gallery, attendees are greeted with a cozy ambiance, where rows of chairs face a large screen surrounded by captivating artwork. As the movie begins, viewers are transported into different worlds, narratives, and emotions, creating a shared experience that transcends individual screens.

But movie night at Brockton Arts is more than just watching a film; it’s about fostering connections and building community. Behind the bar, attendees can enjoy a selection of refreshments, including snacks and drinks, adding to the convivial atmosphere. As the credits roll, the gallery transforms into a bustling cafe setting, where attendees have the opportunity to mingle, discuss the film, or simply unwind in each other’s company.

Each month brings a new cinematic journey, ranging from classic masterpieces to contemporary gems, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether it’s a thought-provoking drama, an exhilarating action flick, or a heartwarming comedy, movie night at Brockton Arts offers a diverse and enriching cinematic experience for all. 

Did I mention this is a free event? 

So, mark your calendars and join us for the next movie night at Brockton Arts. Immerse yourself in the magic of cinema, engage in stimulating conversations, and become part of our vibrant community. See you at the movies!

What is nature? According to Edward Munch “Nature is not only all that is visible to the eye… it also includes the inner pictures of the soul.” This quote chosen by curator, Jamaal Eversley, defines the exhibit as an expression of nature, the spiritual, and “the human tendency to reach for the light in the darkest of times.” This gallery brought together two artist, M.C. Mendez and Fritz Ducheine, a pair that could not be more fundamentally different, but both with bodies of work defined by the comfort of looking to nature to understand ourselves and an overarching message of empathy and hope.

Fritz’s Ducheine’s work shows the connection he draws between men’s connection to nature and a peaceful world. In “Reincarnation of Queen Anakaona”, Ducheine had a vision of a haitian chieftess and poet Anakaona. In the land that pre-dates modern Haiti, men had an agricultural tribal lifestyle and according to Ducheine lived peacefully because “nature gave them everything they needed to be free. When we learn to live with nature, it will gently embrace us.” Like Ducheine, sometimes all we have is a vision, that the peace is in our minds but the pain around us keeps us from realizing it. The power is knowing within us, we hold the ability to be free. The artist says to reckon with our spirituality, we have to see the significance of the ant, to see how we are part of nature’s peaceful fullness. Ducheine’s uses these convictions to open his mind and when he closes his eyes he has visions. He sees great figures in history and passes down their message of peace. He sees the world inside of a tree, and the freedom of birds, and transmutes it onto canvas. 

Mendez too looks to nature for solace. In her work “Ladder Collage,” a figure is seen gazing through a window at the moon. Behind her is another curled in pain, writhing in confusion wrapped in a net. This piece is about the artist’s grappling with the pain and confusion throughout the healing of a head injury in a landscape of spiritual interim. She is compassionately viewing the process of going on and surviving by simply understanding the phases of growth by gazing at a full moon. The moon that guides all of nature and is a symbol to humanity of continuity and persistence. Mendez offers her figures a ladder, a symbolic gesture of climbing out. She inspires empathy by allowing her figures honest repose depicting the model’s natural expression of their naked back vulnerable facing the viewer. In inspiring empathy for her figures, she extends compassion for herself through processing her powerlessness and by extension, all the pain realized in others. 

Simple with her words, Mendez encapsulated the meaning with a short reading of ‘Lessons’ by Rosemerry Wahtola Trummer: “How could we ever forget?

As if soil could forget

it is here to feed the trees.

As if trees could forget

they are here to feed the soil.

How could anything

ever get in the way of generosity?

Sometimes, we can only guide people out of the darkness by pointing them to the light. 

Looking at both the artists’ work featured in this exhibit, you can see one similarity in composition, vivid color on a dark background. It almost gives their visions an ominous tone, but this stylistic choice is the actuality that color stands brighter against darkness. To hope in the darkest of times and reach for the light is the realization of our spirituality. 

Momo is an artist from Brenech Connecticut. Her debut show, House Of Momo will take place Sept. 2  in Brooklyn New York at We Are Here at 7pm and 8:30pm.  The theme of the work is genderless fashion: fashion for everybody.

Momo is committed to 0 waste fashion as a slow fashion designer.  She plays and creates, a dance that goes back and forth for a slow-artist. Making everything by hand, she saves scraps of her creations to add to the 0 waste puffers for the show,  stuffing the scraps inside. A cast of 15 NYC-based dancers will model the work for both showings. All pieces seen modeled in the show can be made for custom order.  When you enter the space you will notice artwork on the walls for sale. Artists from Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York created the work. Adding this open call to her show felt intuitive as she is passionate about bringing communities together. 

Momo’s artistic influences are her mom and brother, they are her influence and jumping-off points for creation as they ignite a spark of creativity within her. Her mom became a single mom at 15 and since then she started to help support her family and was always inspired creatively by her mother’s strength and determination to love. 

The body of work has been in development for over 3 years and almost feels like a novel. She sheds light on the physical, environmental, and psychological impact of the fast-paced fashion industry. Her practice is celebratory, intuitive, and organic. Slow fashion is hard because it isn’t how fashion has been operating for the last half a century. We also see the world as fast-paced and wanting instant gratification. Momo also highlights these issues in her work and also sheds light on the lack of consent in the industry. She gains consent from both the materials she uses and also towards the models that are wearing the work; valuing an honest relationship with her models. 

The show will be a sensory experience. All of the fine details have been planned and thought through: for example, there will not be any paper plates or plastic cups; only glassware. The music playlist has been curated for that specific night and moment. The experience will leave viewers to critically think about what they are seeing and interacting with. During my interview with Momo, she said  

“I have questions, and the work is based around asking questions and leading to more questions, not finding many answers.”

Check out Momo on Instagram @madebymomoo

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