BOSTON– The Bulfinch Companies, Inc. announced a partnership with Art Wellesley and Wellesley College to beautify storefronts of downtown Wellesley.
As part of the third phase of Art Wellesley’s ongoing Storefront Project, artworks from students at Wellesley College have been installed in the storefronts of several Bulfinch retail properties on Central Street in the heart of downtown Wellesley. The Storefront Project is supported by the Wellesley Select Board, Wellesley Celebrations Committee, and Wellesley COVID-19 Relief Fund.
Art Wellesley was formed in 2021 by Annie Newman, Laura Robert, and Julie Vari as a resource for local artists, art groups and town residents to connect with one another and provide new opportunities to enjoy art. Since early March, Art Wellesley has worked with several building owners and landlords, including Bulfinch, along with Wellesley Women Artisans, Wellesley Society of Artists, Wellesley Recreation, and Wellesley College to install works in storefronts all throughout downtown Wellesley.
“The Storefront Project is fantastic way to revitalize empty windows in downtown Wellesley to showcase the creativity of local artists and to create bright spots throughout the day for residents and visitors,” says Annie Newman of Art Wellesley. “What started as a response to a short-term crisis is rapidly evolving into a long-term commitment for Art Wellesley and we’re thankful that our partners, such as Bulfinch, continue to join us in this effort.”
The installation of artwork from Wellesley College students includes a rotating art show series at Bulfinch’s 97 and 99 Central Street properties. Installed at the end of April, the rotating series will feature works by Wellesley College students currently enrolled in courses with Daniela Rivera, a Barbara Morris Caspersen Associate Professor of Humanities and Art and Phyllis McGibbon, an Elizabeth Christy Kopf Professor of Art. The pop-up galleries will showcase a range of artistic expressions from students, including paintings, designs prints, photography, and videography.
“Bulfinch is rooted in the ‘sense of community’ philosophy, which includes creating environments and experiences that bring people together, and what better way to do that than through the creativity of locals,” says Kate Shoss, SVP, Director of Marketing at Bulfinch. “When we heard of Art Wellesley’s Storefront Project, we immediately jumped at the opportunity to help bring attention and celebrate the incredible work of local artists and female art students.”
Bulfinch was excited to collaborate with Wellesley College to offer students the opportunity to showcase their work when many events in the past year have been canceled due to the pandemic. The partnership builds on Bulfinch’s existing relationship with Wellesley College including Bulfinch’s presentation to Wellesley’s Women in Business student group about opportunities for women in Commercial Real Estate last year. The collaboration further supports Bulfinch’s commitment to providing more opportunities for women and diverse groups through enhanced diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in communities across Massachusetts.
