“There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in......” - Leonard Cohen
All that glitters is gold ....and this year, Vernon Street Studios shines brightly as they celebrate their golden anniversary. In 1973, a select group of prolific local artists (that included the likes of Clara Wainwright and Maud Morgan) went to the Rogers Family to propose the idea of having artists share the spaces in the upper lofts of their building – and they said yes! The legacy of their vision continues today and is an amazing feat that merits both recognition and celebration.
In this exhibit, Vernon Street Artist and Somerville Arts Council LCC Visuals Arts 2024 Fellowship winner, Steven Cabral (curator of the exhibit), chose to showcase the wealth of talent of Vernon Street Artists both past and present for his community benefit project. We are honored to also have some of the founding members as a part of this collection.
Curator’s Statement
As we commemorate Vernon Street’s 50th anniversary, we embark on a celebration that not only marks a historical milestone, but also pays tribute to the vibrant and diverse array of artists who have enriched the Somerville community over the decades. This moment is not merely a reflection on the past; it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and creative legacy that Vernon Street embodies.
My vision for this celebration is grounded in an inclusive recognition of both past and present artists who have shaped Somerville’s cultural landscape. Through their work, these artists have woven themselves into the fabric of our community, fostering innovation, encouraging dialogue, and driving transformation.
This initiative highlights the essential role of artists beyond their aesthetic contributions. They catalyze economic vitality and entertainment, infusing our urban environment with dynamic energy and creativity. Through their artistry, they forge vital connections among residents, nurturing a shared sense of belonging and fostering continuous community dialogue. This retrospective collection of talent is designed to illuminate the indispensable relationship between Vernon Street and its community—a synergistic partnership that amplifies the voices of artists and resonates with the vivacious spirit of Somerville itself.
This exhibit was conceived as part of a LCC Visual Art Community Benefit Project, supported through a fellowship grant from the Somerville Arts Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
A Matter of Light, short documentary on Vernon Street Studios
A Matter of Light is a short film by Anne Continelli that uses the story of Vernon Street Studios to explore why community spaces, particularly those centered around the arts, are so critical to community cohesion and health. The story starts in 1973, w
hen an initial group of 13 artists moved in, taking away heaps of old furniture and heavy objects, making space and cleaning, until eventually the light shined through the windows and artmaking commenced. The artists interviewed for the film share stories of how Vernon Street Studios has impacted their lives and forged an artistic community, reminding us all why community art spaces are cultural beacons critical to society.
To see the trailer, go HERE
Participating Artists
Adele Travisano
Alison Drasner
Ariel Basson Freiberg
Faye Dupras
Hadis Karami
Heather Balchunas
Jane Sherrill
Jonathan Donahue
Karen Moss
Marjorie Zakaria
Michelle Carter
Monique McNally
Sam Manning
Steven Cabral
Suzanne Lubeck
About the Inside-Out Gallery
Initiated in 2009, The Inside-Out Gallery is located in the CVS Window in Davis Square, a unique space that allows the public to view an eclectic array of works from artists and local organizations each month. The mission of the Somerville Arts Council is to cultivate and celebrate the creative expressions of the Somerville community. Through innovative collaborations and quality programming we work to make the arts an integral part of life reflective of our diverse city.