The Mary Cosgrove Dolphin Gallery, located on the first floor of the Ghosh Science and Technology building, is a center to display the creative works of local artists and students. The gallery showcases three to four exhibits yearly, each with eclectic themes and their own abstract concepts.
Formally established by Don Vescio, Micheal Hachey, Sandy Olsen, and David Caruso, the gallery was named after the late Worcester State art professor and artist Mary Cosgrove Dolphin.
The gallery stands as an academic scene for visual arts. Initially created as a computer lab, the space was later marked for the gallery when students began to bring their own laptops. “We realized that we had way too many labs at that point,” said Vescio. “So, one of my goals was to reduce the number of labs and then use those savings to address other student/faculty techniques [needs].” Now, the gallery is a bright, open space to welcome any visitors from on, or off, campus.
An exhibit showcased for the majority of March, leading into April, was the “Step Right Up: Brad Chapman Solo Show.” Chapman is the gallery curator and an art professor at Worcester State. He spoke on past shows, such as the “Interconnected: Fiber Show,” focusing on fiber arts, in early 2023. Chapman said, “The diversity in that work was unbelievable,” and continued to gush about the gallery, later adding that it has the ability to “push the question of what has the capacity to be art; to be fine art.”
As of right now, the gallery is putting together a showcase of student work called “Currents 24.” The exhibit is set to hit the ground running with live music on May 2 from 4-7 p.m. Students who have taken any art classes at Worcester State within the past two years were encouraged to send in a maximum of five pieces that they would like to have shown to the public.
When visiting the exhibits, if there’s a price listed and you’re interested in supporting artists, the gallery will refer you to the artist directly to arrange a purchase.
The gallery is a sanctuary for local artists looking to make connections and to be involved in the local art scene. Here you can meet artists with diverse backgrounds and stories to tell. If you’re looking for a place to step into the minds of others and feel connected to your community, The Mary Cosgrove Dolphin Gallery is the place for you.
