ArtWellesley Turns Vacant Storefronts Into Public Exhibits

WELLESLEY, MA — An art organization in Wellesley is using local artists work to beautify the vacant storefronts in Wellesley Square that fell victim to the COVID-19 pandemic closures.

ArtWellesley, a group that promotes visual arts in the community, is working with local property owners and the town to turn vacant storefronts into art exhibits. The installation is being done in two phases.

The first phase features artwork by members of Wellesley Women Artisans (WWA). ArtWellesley partnered with Linear Properties to install their work in the windows of the former Dunkin Donuts at 98 Central Street, and the former Florjin space at 90 Central Street.

“While Wellesley is ripe with creativity and discreet cohorts of makers, the storefront project offers a unique occasion to connect the entire art community in common purpose, to promote the arts in Wellesley,” explained Annie Newman, co-founder of ArtWellesley.

The second phase of the project consists of work by the Wellesley Society of Artists, work created by elementary school children enrolled in classes with D’Ann Hansen at the Wellesley Recreation Department, and work provided by a handful of local artists. This art is on view at 50 Central Street, the former Talbots space, thanks to a partnership with the property management firm Edens.

The storefront art project is supported in part through a Wellesley COVID-19 Relief Fund grant to the Wellesley Celebrations Committee, which coordinated the Salute to Veterans window displays last November.

“This project reflects our ongoing commitment to promoting the arts in town. While it’s a
response to a short-term crisis, we plan to continue our efforts long term,” said Laura
Robert, co-founder of ArtWellesley.