Spotlight Shines on Cushing Artists

Cushing artists are getting their moments in the spotlight, thanks to several projects and exhibits in the South Shore and Greater Boston communities featuring their work. 

“Having spent over 30 years in the classroom teaching art, this was something I always envisioned, having Cushing art out in the larger community,” said Randy Wiskow, Cushing’s manager of art enrichment and community engagement.

From Oct. 28 to Nov. 1, Cushing students’ artwork will be featured at the Massachusetts State House. Wiskow said students are working on 24 panels to be displayed, the invitation coming from State Rep. David DeCoste.

“I talked to him at Hanover Day — we had a table selling artwork and items from our café — and he was very kind and generous, and ended up getting us into the State House,” said Wiskow.

Over the summer, the North River Arts Society featured a month-long exhibit of Cushing participants’ work, titled “Joyful Expressions.” The exhibit showcased more than 120 pieces, created by Cushing students and adults. At the opening reception in July, Cushing students passed around food that had been prepared at the Cushing Café, and artists were in attendance to talk about their work. 

“Most pieces were for sale, and there was an amazing number of purchases,” said Wiskow. “It was incredible. We were blown away.” 

“The main goal was to show everyone this is what we can do,” Wiskow added. “It was about exposure and awareness around how talented our artists are.” 

Cushing artists also contributed to Hanover Crossing’s new mural, which was dedicated in June. The community-based project, organized by the North and South River Watershed Association, was designed to raise awareness around rivers and habitats. 

“We jumped at the opportunity to participate,” said Wiskow. “It was just great because the artists who designed it talked through the original sketch, and our students were able to paint the fish on the North River. It was a lot of fun. The students loved it.” 

Cushing students have also shown their work at Hanover Four Corners Winter Festival, and they had an art show at Kennedy’s Country Gardens in February.

“The manager had been donating plants to our greenhouse for a winter project and we talked about doing a show in their greenhouse, open to the public,” said Wiskow. “It was a great venue. All of these collaborations have been a lot of fun, and our goal is to do more.”