WORCESTER—Worcester’s cherished Denholm Building soon celebrates its storied past through an art exhibit blending fashion, culture, and history. “The Heart of Fashion and Art: Celebrating the Spirit of the Denholm through a Contemporary Lens,” an exhibit paying homage to the iconic Denholm’s department store, opens at the Jean McDonough Arts Center on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 6 p.m.
Organized by the City of Worcester’s Cultural Development Division, Worcester Cultural Coalition, and Worcester Redevelopment Authority, the exhibit reimagines the building’s historic display windows in a new public art installation.
The Denholm Building at 484 Main St., once home to the largest department store in Massachusetts outside Boston, became a staple of Worcester’s identity during its 103-year run. Now, nine artists have created window installations inspired by this legacy, merging the past with the present in a tribute to Denholm’s cultural significance.
The exhibit, curated by Melissa Mattson, features installations by Molly McGrath of Grime, LeighAnn Soucy of The Thicket, Julia Csekö, Ernie Kwame Solo Jubin, Emmanuella Saforo, Xiang Li, Livi Faulkner, and Emmanuel Qlynton Carboo. Each artist interpreted Denholm’s legacy through unique designs, re-activating the windows that once drew shoppers to the storefront. In a nod to Denholm’s original displays, the first window will pay tribute to a classic Denholm scene, setting the tone for the exhibit.
Mattson expressed her admiration for the artists’ efforts, highlighting the layers of “storytelling, history, culture, and heart” reflected in each installation. “Each of the nine selected designers brought a unique perspective, putting a piece of their own hearts on display,” she noted in a press release.
Each piece includes a hidden heart or heart motif, a symbolic reminder of Worcester’s moniker as the “Heart of the Commonwealth.” This theme also pays tribute to Denholm’s longstanding role in the community and celebrates the timeless passion for fashion that made it an icon.
Cultural Development Officer Fabian Barracks emphasized the importance of revitalizing the Denholm Building as a space for artistic expression. “This project not only revives the iconic Denholm Building as a cultural landmark but also empowers local artists, fashioning our city’s vibrant identity through art in each window,” said Barracks. He added that the exhibit fulfills the Worcester Cultural Plan’s mission to elevate creativity as a “cornerstone of our community.”
The exhibit, part of the Worcester Windows program, will run through Oct. 31, 2025. The opening reception on Nov. 12 is open to the public at the Jean McDonough Arts Center, located at 20B Franklin St., and offers a chance for the community to connect with the artists behind this tribute to Worcester’s cultural legacy.
In this unique fusion of contemporary art and local history, the spirit of Denholm’s legacy endures, celebrating Worcester’s collective creativity and highlighting the essential role of art in defining community identity.
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