A new public art project celebrating the women who have helped shape Worcester’s past and present is beginning to take form on the side of the YWCA Central Massachusetts.
Artists last week began painting the Worcester Wall of Women, a large-scale mural on the organization’s exterior wall along Francis McGrath Boulevard. When it’s done, the installation going to feature hand-painted portraits and stories highlighting 40 women whose contributions have left a lasting mark on the city.
According to organizers, the mural is intended to transform the YWCA’s exterior into an outdoor gallery recognizing women from a wide range of backgrounds, including elected officials, educators, artists, advocates and community leaders.
Among those being honored are former Lt. Gov. Harriette Chandler, abolitionist Abby Kelley Foster, mental health reformer Dorothea Dix, former U.S. Labor Secretary Frances Perkins, former state Sen. Linda Cavaioli, YWCA Central Massachusetts CEO Deborah Hall, state Sen. Robyn Kennedy, City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj, civil rights advocate Donna Red Wing, children’s author Esther Forbes, artist Barbara Carroll and longtime educator Edna Spencer, along with dozens of other women selected for the inaugural mural.
The first 40 honorees were chosen through what Hall described as a collaborative community process. Hall told The Worcester Guardian that a diverse group of 10 to 12 women from across Worcester worked together to identify women whose contributions had a lasting impact on the city. Part of the list was inspired by public historian Ann Marie Murphy’s “Women in History Coloring Book,” while other selections recognize women whose leadership helped shape the YWCA itself.
“The Wall of Women tells not only the story of Worcester, but also the story of the YWCA and the women whose dedication has strengthened both the organization and the community,” Hall said.
She acknowledged that narrowing the list proved difficult because of the many women who have helped shape Worcester over the years.
“Worcester has been shaped by countless women whose achievements and service deserve recognition, and there are many more who could have been included,” Hall said.
The mural is being created by local artists Sharinna Travieso and Jennessa Burks, with organizers hoping to complete the work by mid-August, weather permitting.
Hall said organizers intentionally selected the YWCA’s highly visible wall along Francis McGrath Boulevard after considering ways to refresh the existing mural that had occupied the space.
“The wall’s visibility also made it an ideal location,” Hall said. “Situated in a highly visible area, it provides an opportunity for thousands of people to experience the mural, learn about the women it honors, and reflect on their contributions to our community.”
The idea is to transform the YWCA wall into “a vibrant outdoor gallery honoring women who have made significant contributions to Worcester.” The announcement states that the portraits will celebrate “leaders, advocates, educators, artists, and changemakers whose stories have helped shape the city.”
The project comes as Worcester and communities across the country continue broader efforts to recognize women’s contributions to local and national history.
“As Worcester and the nation reflect on the contributions of women throughout history, the mural creates a lasting public space to recognize and preserve their legacies,” the announcement states.
While the current mural recognizes 40 women, Hall said organizers already envision expanding the project.
“This is the first iteration of the Worcester Wall of Women, and it is our hope that the project will continue to grow over time,” she said.
According to Hall, community members have already begun suggesting additional women for future recognition.
“The response from the community has been incredibly inspiring,” Hall said. “Many people have been deeply moved by the project and have already shared the names of women they believe should be considered for future recognition.”
When future expansions become possible, she said, organizers plan to convene another diverse community committee to select additional honorees.
“This wall is not just about representation, it is about preserving and sharing our history,” Hall said. “We hope it inspires people to learn more about the women who helped shape our community, and we encourage others to create public art that tells the rich and diverse history of our city.”
Painting is expected to continue over the coming weeks, with the YWCA inviting the public and media to visit the site as the artwork progresses. Organizers say the mural is intended to be a community-driven project that educates, empowers and celebrates the women whose work has influenced Worcester across generations.
The project is supported in part through a grant from the Worcester Arts Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, as well as local foundations and individual donors. Additional community support remains available through the YWCA’s fundraising campaign.
