SPRINGFIELD — The Art for the Soul Gallery is exhibiting work by nine women and femme-identifying artists from across Massachusetts on the second floor of Tower Square.
“The Power of She” highlights artists from Easthampton to Dorchester. Works on display range from paintings to sculptures, along with other mixed media.
“This show is just packed full of so much talent,” said Sierra Myers, executive director of the Art for the Soul Gallery, in an interview with The Republican. “It’s one of those shows where the work truly speaks for itself.”
Artists featured in “The Power of She” are Malaika Ross, of Easthampton; Donnabelle Casis, of Easthampton; Louise LaPlante, of Easthampton; Rosa Ibarra, of Northampton; Eva Lin Fahey, of Florence; Aura Pan, of Amherst; Nora Valdez, of Dorchester; Angela Ales, of Lowell; and Lily Nimmer, of Boston, but based in the Adirondacks.
The exhibit, on display through Jan. 25, reflects the mission of the nonprofit gallery founded by Rosemary Tracy Woods in 2011. It was originally called the Artist Square Group Gallery.
“Our mission is to truly represent underserved communities and underrepresented artists,” Myers said. “We’re in pretty divisive times and women tend to be looked over in a variety of different career paths and industries, and art is definitely one of them.”
The exhibit also marks Woods’ retirement and her official transition to founding director emeritus.
“[Rosemary] built Art For The Soul Gallery from a vision into a cultural institution that has shaped countless artists, affirmed community identity and expanded what creative opportunity looks like in Springfield,” Myers said of the gallery’s founder.
“As executive director, I see my work as an extension of that legacy. I want to honor what Rosemary created while also guiding the gallery into its next chapter, one that increases access, strengthens partnerships and expands the ways we show up for artists and our community. My goal is to preserve the values she instilled: excellence, cultural pride, inclusion, and a deep belief in the transformative power of art to change lives.”
Running alongside the exhibit is “MRKT,” a boutique shopping experience inside of the Art for the Soul gallery selling work by women, femme and nonbinary artists and crafters from across Western Massachusetts.
Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, from noon to 4 p.m.
There is no cost to enter the gallery, and all are welcome.
An artist talk will be held at the gallery Jan. 17 from noon-3 p.m. featuring three of the artists — Ross, Casis and Fahey. That is also free to attend.
“It’s one of those things that is truly making art accessible, especially in Springfield,” Myers said. “It’s the community that we serve and the community that we try to highlight through lived experiences.”
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