Arts & Entertainment

508 Day Will Feature 'I Am Worcester' Photo Exhibit

During Saturday's 508 Day, locals will get to see the results of the photo project that began one year ago at the start of the pandemic.

508 Day on May 8 will feature photos highlighting the diversity of local residents.
508 Day on May 8 will feature photos highlighting the diversity of local residents. (Neal McNamara/Patch)

WORCESTER, MA — After more than a year under the weight of the coronavirus pandemic, Worcester will hold the first 508 Day since 2019, and unveil a year-long photo project aimed at documenting the faces and stories of local residents.

On Saturday, the "I Am Worcester" photo exhibit will be on display at the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC), 20 Franklin St., and the I-290 Exit 15 ramp at Shrewsbury Street. The exhibit will feature photos of residents taken over the last year by local photographers, and each photo will feature a story about that person.

"I Am Worcester" kicked off at the beginning of March 2020, and several in-person photo shoots have been held since. During 508 Day, Worcester photographer Matt Wright will be offering free portraits near the JMAC (pre-registration required). And residents can share their personal story to go along with photos here.

Find out what's happening in Worcesterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The first 508 Day was held in 2019 and was intended to highlight local arts and culture — and the people and places that make Worcester unique, be it Burnside Fountain or a local diner.

After Saturday, the "I Am Worcester" exhibit will be on display at the JMAC through May 20. If you can't make it to the JMAC on Saturday, over 160 large posters featuring photos will be up along the exit 15 ramp.

Find out what's happening in Worcesterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Worcester