Welcome to WAM Updates

WAM Updates are short, informal posts that put the spotlight on small, but exciting, Museum-related projects, such as the addition of a new painting or sculpture to a gallery. They also serve as updates on staff, new services or programs, and other WAM news.

We hope you like reading the Updates! If you are interested in learning about something specific, or have a suggestion for a WAM Update, please update us at wamupdates@worcesterart.org

Friday, April 29, 2016

WPI Student Project: The Art of Combat



Hello, we’re five students from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and we’ve spent the last seven weeks conducting research in collaboration with WAM's Arms and Armor Curator, Jeffrey Forgeng. You may have seen us surveying in the [remastered] or Knights! gallery lately—we've been researching how to make the technology in these exhibits as user-friendly and enticing as possible. You’ll be able to see our work on the iPads in the upcoming The Art of Combat exhibition, opening May 28. You can also learn a few things about the The Art of Combat (in a rather less serious setting) from the video we developed, with our personal touch, about WAM's plans for arms and armor.



Learn more about Jeppson Idea Lab: The Art of Combat

- Ian Converse, Kevin O’Hara, Patrick Long, Anthony Ratte, Julia Szemiot

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Join us for these great upcoming tours!


Have you ever been on one of the museum’s Public Tours? A public tour is a great introduction to the museum and a great way to learn more about the Museum, if you have never been before. Our amazing volunteer docents spend a lot of time researching and preparing for their tours and are excited to share what they have learned with the public.

There are a variety of public tours depending on your schedule or your interest.

Tour of the Month


First & Third Saturday of each month at 2pm
If you’re in the mood for a more in depth tour, consider one of our Tours of the Month. 

Each month, a Museum Docent picks a topic of special interest and creates a tour through the Museum based on that subject matter. This is an opportunity for visitors to glean more in depth knowledge about the collection. Don't miss out! Free with Museum admission.

Our docents are leading the following interesting tours over the next few months:

May 7 and 21 at 2pm – Precolumbian Art
Worcester’s wonderful collection of Precolumbian art is the result of Stephen Salisbury III’s keen interest in the Mesoamerican cultures long before he founded the Worcester Art Museum. Join us to learn about Worcester’s fascinating connection to the area and to view our Ballgame sculpture, one of only a few in existence.

June 4 and 18, 2pm - Man’s Best Friend: The Cat
Cats have a special place in people’s hearts, and that special relationship has been depicted in art for centuries. This tour will delight and tickle the whiskers of art and cat lovers alike, focusing on cats in the permanent collection and in the special exhibition, Meow.

July 2nd and 16, 2pm – The Evolution of Modern Art
This tour will trace the major developments in art, starting with Classical Art, through Modern Art movements and ending with Postmodern Art. We will cover Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, Expressionism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, and Pop Art, following changes in the use of color, forms and subjects to understand the evolution of art.

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Kneeling Bench



The next time you are in the Museum, check out the kneeling bench, now on display in the 14th-15th century gallery. Part of ongoing experiments with seating, this kneeling bench offers a way to experience the spiritual dimension of art in this gallery. The kneeling bench was loaned to the museum by the United Congregational Church, UCC. It dates from the early twentieth century and was used by couples kneeling for a blessing at the end of their wedding ceremony. The kneeler is similar to a traditional prie dieu, which is used for personal prayer and devotions. We invite you to try the kneeler yourself to experience how viewers/worshipers in centuries past may have experienced this powerful art.

Browse European Art in our Collection Highlights

- Marcia Lagerwey, Curator of Education

Friday, April 15, 2016

NEW! Kids + Families Web Page



You are never too young or too old to discover the joy of art! Visit our new Kids + Families Web Page to discover everything the Museum has to offer you. WAM provides a safe and comfortable environment to explore art as a family on your own or by participating in one of our many family activities—from art carts to arms and armor demonstrations. You can find out what’s happening Today at WAM, meet our mascot Helmutt, come to a Family Day, or peruse tips on how to look at art together in our galleries. Come with your kids and grandkids, nieces and nephews, and let them fall in love with art when they’re young, enriching their lives forever. Families of all kinds can join and enjoy FREE admission every day.

Check out the NEW Kids + Families Web Page—discover what WAM has in store for you and your family today and EVERY day!

- Marcia Lagerwey, Curator of Education

Recent WAM Updates