WORCESTER—This summer, two of Worcester’s most prominent museums are offering a slew of events and exhibits suitable for all ages. Whether you are a resident looking for something to do on a “staycation,” or a visitor to the area, the Worcester Art Museum and EcoTarium provide viable alternatives to counterparts such as Boston or New York City.
WAM, bam, here’s your plan
“The Worcester Art Museum is a local gem where you can experience a great collection of art from all over the world, from ancient to contemporary,” said Aileen Novick, manager of School, Tour, & Public Programs. “There’s easy access, a lot of improvements and something of interest for everyone.”
Open Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on weekends at 1 p.m., visitors can take one-hour guided public tours that showcase highlights of the museum. Or, if they prefer, they can walk around galleries of interest at their own pace. Seating is available as are wheelchairs and walkers on loan.
“Our goal is to have (people) take a longer look at things,” Novick said.
Other features of the venue include a café, gift shop, a rare collection library, interactive demonstrations and a landscape hall.
A summer beer and wine garden opens on Thursdays in July, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Stoddard Garden Courtyard and Lancaster Room that features locally brewed beer, wine and snacks for purchase and music and art amidst flowers and houseplants from Sparkle on Park.
Another option this month is an Arms and Armor Demonstration, where people can watch and learn about the history and techniques of the Samurai Warrior. Free with admission, the event takes place on Saturday, July 13 starting at 11:30 and 2 p.m. in the Conference Room. The presentation is given by Gordon Fisher and students.
If knights in shining armor and swordplay spark your interest, another offering is Medieval Men at Arms on July 27, at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., also in the Conference Room.
Novick explained that in partnership with ArtsWorcester, the museum awards the Sally Bishop Prize, which earns the winner a cash prize and solo exhibition. The paintings of the 2023 recipient, Jakob Fioole, is on exhibit through Sept. 1.
Fioole was born in the Netherlands and currently lives and works in Berlin, MA. His work is said to “blend figuration and abstraction to create immersive scenes.”
Also this summer, Novick added, there is a huge camp-style program of studio art classes. The next session of youth classes runs from July 15-19 and has topics including ancient arts, clay play, wild art for ages five to seven; postcard prints, wild art and drawing people for eight to 10-year-olds; and creature masks, drawing people and print making explorations for ages 11 to 13.
Overall, Novick said the Worcester Art Museum’s collection comprises nearly 40,000 works of art, ranging from ancient mosaics to impressionism and abstract expressionism.
“There’s a lot for everyone to see.”
Where: 55 Salisbury Street
Tickets: Adults-$18, Students/Seniors-$14, Children under 17-free, members and institutional partners-free. Discounts year round are available.
More information: 508-799-4406, www.worcesterart.org
Ecology in our back yard; the EcoTarium brings it
Set on a 45-acre campus, the regional science and nature center EcoTarium offers both indoor and outdoor exploration – with three floors of interactive exhibits as well as a zoo, trails, meadows and ponds.
It is an exciting time for the EcoTarium, leading up to its 200th anniversary in 2025.
This summer, the center is featuring Wild Kratts: Ocean Adventure. The traveling exhibit focuses on cultivating skills in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math, known as STEM.
With this “adventure,” children will be able to explore oceans around the globe and the animal habitats within them.
“This exhibit really fits well with our overall mission of inspiring a passion for science and nature,” said President and CEO Noreen Johnson Smith, noting it is aimed at kids ages three to nine and ties in with the museum’s permanent shell and fossil collections.
Keeping with the ocean theme, July 16-21, aquatic-related blockbuster movies will be shown in the planetarium. On July 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the new exhibit, “Whales in Motion,” takes place with two sessions for low vision or blind audiences in the morning and as a drop-in activity from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for a general audience.
Presented by Sound Explorations, a series of 3-D sculpture models by artist Emilie Grossman are used to illustrate the locomotion and foraging behavior of Humpback and North Atlantic Right whales based on data obtained by NOAA researchers.
Participants run their hands across the models to experience the whale’s behaviors accompanied by New Bedford Symphony Orchestra musicians who will keep the same pace as the participant’s hand.
Like “Whales in Motion,” the EcoTarium’s vast offerings are enjoyed by people of all ages, Smith said, including the zoo, comprised of native New England wildlife that has been rescued, completely rehabilitated and are non-releasable, according to the CEO.
In addition to several native bird species, owls, turtles and bald eagles, attendees can check out the new Wild Cat Station featuring two mountain lions. Water creature fans can join Slydell and Daisy at “Breakfast with Otters,” on July 13, Aug. 4 and Aug. 17.
A good way to see the museum grounds is via a 12-minute train ride on a replica steam engine, which Smith noted is especially popular with children.
Other attractions this summer include “Jazz on the Sundial” featuring outdoor jazz with the Carlos Odria Trio and Ron Smith of the G Notes on July 12 (bring your own chairs) from 5: 30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Food and alcohol will be available for purchase.
Upcoming events also include Rocket Day on July 27 and Dinosaur Day on Aug. 17.
Additionally, the Summer Workshop schedule is as follows: Birding Walk – July 20 and July 24; Plant Pressing – July 20 and Aug. 6; Ponding – Aug. 3 and Aug. 21; and Vermiculture (Worm Compost) Workshop – Aug. 24
A hot spot in the Ecotarium is its Alden Planetarium with three or four shows available as well as “Live Astronomy,” an educational guided tour of the universe complete with telescope.
Moving into the second Saturdays of September at 5 p.m., Smith calls the astrophysics speaker series “the best ticket in Worcester.” It features local experts discussing their research and work in the aerospace field and is geared to adults.
Open Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and some Monday holidays, Smith said newcomers to the EcoTarium can expect to spend three to four hours there, while some visitors come as often as daily or weekly, she said.
The center is handicapped accessible and motorized scooters and wheelchairs are available on loan. There is free parking available on the EcoTarium campus.
“We are a part of Worcester County and we have a tremendous amount to offer the local community and beyond,” Smith said. “In terms of programs and interactive exhibits, the EcoTarium provides a full day adventure for families and has (features) you can’t find in Boston… without the hassle of traffic and finding expensive parking ”
Where: 222 Harrington Way
Tickets: Adults-$19, Students-$14, Seniors-$15, Members and Infants under 2-free. Discounts available.
More information: 508-929-2700, www.ecotarium.org
Susan Gonsalves is currently editor-in-chief of a mental health trade journal and a freelance writer/editor specializing in education, medical/health and business. She previously worked at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and has contributed to publications at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and College of the Holy Cross. At the Worcester Telegram, she covered the town of Leicester and wrote for Business Matters. She can be reached at smgedit@comcast.net
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