Drawn together: Creative Hub kicks off monthly queer artist space

WORCESTER — Arts nonprofit Creative Hub launched its latest monthly program Thursday evening — Queer Artist/Maker Space, where members of Worcester’s LGBTQI+ community in the local art scene can find a welcoming and safe environment.

As someone who identifies as both LGBT and an artist, Creative Hub Co-Founder and Executive Director Laura Marotta could see that this unique subset was growing in Worcester, and needed a space to call its own.

Multiple tables are arranged throughout the brightly lit studio — each with a bowl of candy at center if anyone wants to boost the creative juices with some sugar — with paints neatly lined up at a large supply table at the front of the room.  The warm colors provide a sharp contrast to the chilly weather outside.

“I’ve always felt that it’s important to have safe spaces no matter what we’re doing,” said Marotta, noting how most often queer-friendly centers develop around restaurants and bars. “I just think it’s important to continue to expand options for folks in our community,” she said.

Space and access

Queer Artist/Maker Space night will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month at the Creative Hub building on 653 Main St. Participants are welcome to bring a project of their own to work on in a social studio space, or come try something completely new.

“Part of Creative Hub's philosophy is providing both space and access,” said Marotta. “If someone wants to learn how to do acrylic or watercolor or collage, those options are there.”

A variety of supplies, such as paints, brushes, paper and canvases are easily available, and Marotta, along with partner and fellow Creative Hub co-founder, Stacy Lord, will be on hand to offer guidance and tips.

“Being an art educator, I’m always encouraging people to create something,” said Lord. “It’s in my blood. They come up to me and say they’re not an artist and I say, 'Let's go. I’m going to prove you wrong.'”

Art for Marotta carries a broad definition of almost any creative endeavor, but the term “maker” was added to further emphasize this. “We’re totally open to whatever folks want to bring,” she said, referring to Creative Hub members with projects from knitting to textile and fashion design. “A creative person is a creative person,” she said. “The genre is just an outlet.”

Community building

“Having that shared identity when you come into a space is really critical,” said Joshua Croke (they/them), president of Love Your Labels, a Worcester based queer youth nonprofit. “This is very much about community building.”

Spaces like this are extremely powerful for those who move to the community to find resources, support and those with similar interests, they said.

Riley Pettit is a case in point, having moved to Worcester about a year ago. “I moved here largely due to there being more diversity and better queer spaces than middle-of-nowhere Minnesota, where I was,” he said. “I definitely enjoy going to places where I can meet new folks in the queer community.”

Those already plugged into the LGBTQI art community also find these designated events a welcome opportunity. “I see that the queer artist community (in Worcester) is growing, but feel that I’m often searching for it,” said musician Penelope Conley, who came to Creative Hub Thursday to reconnect with her visual arts side.

Legacy

Marotta actually had the idea for the space two years ago, but COVID and funding prevented it from materializing. A recent $5,000 grant from the Worcester Arts Council helped launch the project.

While Creative Hub has previously stayed open late for artists to use the studio space, Marotta said, this is the first time it has been formalized or catered to a specific group. “It takes more planning and resources to make it feel like a welcoming space,” she said. “It’s not as simple as just opening the door.”

While the evening was deemed a success, there was still someone missing - Michael J. Foley, prominent member of the Worcester arts community and Marotta’s friend, who died unexpectedly late last month. “I told Michael about this and he was very excited to attend,” she said, “so it’s very meaningful for me to put this on tonight.”

Foley, known for his charcoal and portrait work, “kind of discovered himself as an artist later in life,” said Marotta, which she said is a testament to how, when it comes to art, you're never too old to start. “We want to continue his legacy through programs like this.”

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Creative Hub in Worcester kicks off monthly queer artist space