Hera Gallery debuts new space, new possibilities

July 17, 2012

WAKEFIELD - The Hera Art Gallery’s new display space– just blocks from its former location on Main Street– held a grand opening on the evening of Saturday, July 7. Located at 10 High Street, the new showroom housed New Ground, the aptly entitled visual art exhibition featuring works by Hera’s veteran members as well as the art of newcomer Paul Forte and the gallery’s first student member, Emily Humphrey.

“It’s such an exciting experience for all of us to be in such a beautiful new space,” said Alexandra Broches, the President of Hera’s Board of Directors. “The decision [to move] was made last fall and we moved out at the end of February.” Regarding future plans for Hera and the new exhibition hall, Broches added that the gallery will continue its traditions of hosting a yearly curated multimedia show and a national juried exhibition. Though the New Ground exhibition is composed strictly of member-produced visual art, Broches stated the gallery will soon host events such as poetry readings and “do some art exchanges with other galleries.” Before assuming her role as President, Alexandra Broches contributed artistically to the Hera Gallery as both a painter and landscape photographer.

Equally excited about the future of Hera is its newly appointed director Dora Szekely. Eager to expand Hera’s roster of artists with the gallery’s recently instituted student membership program, Szekely said there are many new opportunities for kids and schools like URI and RISD.

“Now that we have a student membership [Hera] will offer younger artists a chance to be exhibited in a real art gallery, which is a huge advantage,” said Szekely, who will replace former gallery director Islay Taylor who is stepping down this year.

Hera’s New Ground exhibit will continue until July 21st at their new location at 10 High Street in Wakefield. For more information visit www.heragallery.blogspot.com or read The History of Hera: A Women’s Art Cooperative, 1974-1989 by Valerie Yow, available free of charge at the gallery.