Wet Paint! Issue #005

In the past week, a couple readers have told me they’re interested in residencies, grants, and similar opportunities, so let’s mix it up and start there! Upcoming events and creative experiences are still included, you just gotta scroll a little further.

Know of something I missed, or need a hand getting an application together? Drop me a note - Nikki@EASELsupport.com.

Without further ado: here’s what’s on my Worcester-based visual arts radar September 11-29, 2025, in 5 minutes or less.

Opportunities

Grants, residencies, calls for art, and more.

Last call to submit for Creepin’ It Real at Hunchback Gallery! Submit your spooky, weird, witchy, or otherwise haunted works through the webform today. Free to apply, no restrictions on size or medium.

The Hayama Artist Residency introduces visual artists to Japanese culture through a 4-week residency in a small costal town, culminating in a gallery show. Apps close 9/30 and it’s $95 to apply, but if selected they cover your flights, lodging, and give you weekly stipend.

Live out your WALL•E dreams closer to home: from a construction and demo waste site in Philadelphia, RAIR (Recycled Artist in Residency) is challenging waste culture through art, industry, and community. They’ve got 2 kinds of residencies, apps close 9/30.

“The Barn” rests in a secluded knoll in Montauk, Long Island (NY), offering writers and visual artists a peaceful, communal atmosphere for creative residencies (+ $2,500). If you can meet their requirements - talent and need - get your app in by 10/13.

The Small Stones Festival of the Arts in Grafton, MA is accepting submissions for their week-long show in 2026 until 10/15.

Applications are open through 10/16 for MCC/LCC/Worcester Arts Council (WAC) grants! I’ve been hearing some great ideas so far, and have a couple of my own cooking as well. Need some help with your project and/or fellowship app? Send me a note and let’s get you sorted! 

The art call for Small Works at ArtsWorcester closes 10/15 (on view Nov-Dec). As the title implies there are size restrictions, and this call is for ArtsWorcester members only.

If you apply for any of the above opps, you can probably repurpose those app materials for the MCC’s Grants for Creative Individuals! Artists; culture bearers, and creatives can apply 9/13-10/24 for a chance to receive $5k in unrestricted funding. 

The Poets’ Cauldron has an open art call for the upcoming A Message To The Gods exhibit, planned for Indigenous Peoples Month (November). All mediums welcome, apply by 10/25.

Mass MoCA is accepting apps for 2026 Studio Residencies until 11/1 for visual artists and writers. Financial aid is limited for the 2 or 4 week residencies, which can cost up to $450/week, but that gets you studio space and housing in North Adams, plus professional development and several other perks.

Events

Exhibit receptions, gallery shows, markets, and the like.

The Worcester Art Museum (WAM) presents an after hours preview of Lee Mingwei: Our Peaceable Kingdom from 6-8p 9/12. Ticket holders can explore the immersive installation with music, drinks, the artists, and more before it opens to the public 9/13-2/1/26.

Whatcha doin this Saturday? The local arts scene has several options for you:

• 11-3p: Artist Jane Campion is running an art supply swap during the Open Art Studio Social at CC Lowell. At Peace Park (a 2 minute walk), the Pleasant Street Maker’s Market will have handmade goods, music, vendors, food, and more.

• 12-5p: stop by The Village at 4 King Street for their Marketplace featuring pop ups from several vendors, artists, and makers. Insider tip: take the time to say hi and share a kind word with Sha-Asia and/or Parlee, it might be the best return on social investment you can make.

• 12-6p: Open Studios at 75 Webster St! Want an order for this too? FINE. Start with Tim Doyle’s studio on the 3rd floor, visit Matt Burgos’ and Abu Mwenye’s at the far end of the 2nd floor, then wrap up at Hunchback Gallery to see me (and Florilegia, on view through 9/27)!

At the JMAC, the Two Bridges Art Academy Student Show is on view through 9/14. With a reception 9/28, Mark Flanagan: No TV, Just a Radio and Beautiful Artwork is on display 9/24-10/5. Mark is renowned for his vibrant and colorful art, which helps him cope with schizophrenia.

I also have an order of operations for Vincent’s Backyard Gallery: (1) grab a drink, (2) peruse the art, (3) consider what to buy over a meatball sandwich, (4) wash my hands, (5) buy art. Try my system out yourself 1-6p 9/21.

Artists Rachel Gloria Adams and Ryan Adams transformed the heart of WAM with their mural The More I Wonder, The More I Love. The pair share their process and inspirations in an Artist Talk 9/21, 2-3p.

Louie Despres: Don’t Stop Now is on view at WCUW’s Harold Stevens Gallery until 9/22. The exhibit covers 25 years of his photography, ranging from self portraiture to manufacturing and beyond.

The Worcester Center for Crafts presents works by Lisa Barthelson, Carrie Crane, John Hyden, John Pagano, Kat O’Connor, Emmanuel Manu Opoku, and Robin Reynolds in Colors through 9/27.

During the past year, 7 artists have been making use of grants they received for supplies to create new works. So, what did they come up with? Find out for yourself at ArtsWorcester - Material Needs 2025 is on view until 10/19.

The Blackstone Valley Arts Association is made up of artists working in a range of mediums. Check out some of their works during the BVAA Annual Fall Show at ValleyCAST’s Heritage Gallery in Whitinsville through 10/23.

At the Cantor Gallery through 12/19, The Vietnamese Áo Dài in a Time of War highlights the contributions of Vietnamese women to politics, society, and culture through Vietnam’s national costume: the áo dài.

Paint Pants

Dress at your own risk: this section has options for channeling your own creativity.

I’m interested in checking out Lights Planner Action at Manchaug Mills in Sutton. They handmake creative paper products for organization, connection, and documenting, and have interesting workshops like DIY Junk Journals (9/13), Swatch-A-Thon (9/20), and a Crafty Meetup (9/27).

Join Travis (and I) at Hunchback Gallery 7-9p Wednesday 9/17 for the next session of Doodle Buddies! Don’t let the concept of “doodling” mislead you - bring your painting, cross stitch, journal, or whatever you’re working on - and create in a low-stress environment. Free and open, donations welcome.

Technocopia hosts free creative hangouts throughout the month: Open Hacks are open to all mediums 7-9p Thursdays, Stitch ‘N Bitch sessions are focused on textiles (knitting, embroidery, etc) - 7-9p on the 1st + 3rd Mondays. Need a lesson or special tools? Check out upcoming classes or schedule a tour online.

That’s it for this week. If you enjoyed this newsletter, your support can help me keep it going - consider making a donation here!

Thanks for reading, stay creative Worcester!