Bancroft's new visual arts chair, William Chambers, is an active participant in the Worcester art community, and he is bringing his students along in that venture. Complementing his role at Bancroft, he is currently an artist in residence at Clark University, where his solo exhibition "Engage" is part of the Common Pursuits/Public Good series. Engage includes a highly participatory installation called "Repairs," in which Chambers sets up an old-fashioned street-cart repair shop (pictured here) and invites the audience to present items to be repaired or transformed on the spot. Chambers explains that he uses objects and installations to create a space for a deep conversation and interaction. “When we can break down barriers that exist between us, even for a moment, we have the chance to really listen, understand better, and even make a difference in each other’s lives, art is a powerful tool,” he says. Chambers has invited Upper School visual arts students to be repairers during the public displays of Repairs at 920 Main St., Worcester, on three upcoming Saturdays: 10/21, 11/4, and 11/18 from 2–6 p.m. All are invited to bring items (of any kind) to be transformed.
In addition to Repairs, another of Chambers’s fascinating interactive installation, Service Station, is on display at Clark’s Higgins Center until November 21. He will also be giving an artist talk on October 18 at noon, and a symposium lecture on November 8 at 7 p.m. Bancroft is thrilled to have William helping us build stronger connections within the Worcester and Central Massachusetts arts community.
- Learn more about the Common Pursuits/Public Good series
- Learn more about William Chambers the artist