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Westfield State honors promise to aid downtown revitalization

Westfield State College President Evan Dobelle (second from right) cut the ribbon, signifying the grand opening of the college's Elm Street art gallery on Oct. 1. Reminder Publications photo by Katelyn Gendron
By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



WESTFIELD Residents saw one less empty downtown storefront last week when Westfield State College (WSC) officially opened their temporary art gallery in the Rinnova Building at 105 Elm St.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for the college to embrace the community and to offer a variety of cultural events throughout the year," WSC President Evan Dobelle said. "It is our hope that the public will visit the gallery regularly, as well as become more involved in campus events."

Brent Bean, director of government and community relations for WSC, explained that the location was chosen for two reasons: WSC needed a gallery space for approximately 18 months while the Arno Maris Gallery is renovated; and the location serves as a representation of the college's commitment to play an active role in revitalizing downtown.

Mayor Michael Boulanger told Reminder Publications that he hopes this will be the first of many WSC facilities to open downtown in an effort to increase student and resident foot traffic in this area of the city.

Dobelle noted that the college is also working toward the establishment of a 1,000-room dormitory downtown.

Barry Maloney, vice president of advancement and college relations at WSC, said the gallery's grand opening solidifies the college's promise to help the city revitalize downtown, while quieting "skeptics" who did not believe in the college's commitment to revitalization.

Bean explained that $25,000 from the WSC Foundation was used to upgrade the Rinnova Building, including handicapped accessible amenities, paint, carpeting and lighting.

The gallery is currently exhibiting "Past Presence," which features works of photography, oil and tempera paintings from WSC alumni, including Springfield-born Nevartte Bedrossian.

"Nevartte Bedrossian is an icon of the abstract expressionist movement," Faith Lund, curator of the Arno Maris Gallery and member of the WSC Art Department faculty, said. "We're fortunate to be able to display her work, along with the work of other accomplished [WSC] alumni artists."

Other artists featured in the exhibit include award-winning Laura Jennings, tempera painter Diane Savino and Indian Orchard native Roberta Wilson.

An artist reception will take place on Oct. 18 at 5:30 p.m.

The WSC Downtown Art Gallery will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m.