Expanding Artistry: Cirque DuNoir and Sprinkler Factory's Collaboration Grows

WORCESTER, MA -- An event that started as a Halloween party, outgrew a restaurant, and expanded into a gallery is about to get bigger.

For several years, artist Michelle May held a Halloween party at her house, drawing lots of talented artist and musician friends. It got a little out of control for a house.

In 2008, May decided that she and her friends should take Halloween to the streets, literally.

“I had been living in Worcester my whole life and was looking for more to do as I got older,” said May. “I was looking for some NYC type of experience, but Worcester had little to offer.”

Pulling from the idea of a costume party, and mixing it with the “upscale and sexy idea” of all-black attire, she thought it would encourage Worcester area people to get out and experience something new.

They did. Calling her effort Cirque duNoir, she made the first event a fundraiser, and Bocado agreed to host it.

“The party was the main attraction and the donations were simply a byproduct created out of the spirit of the event,” she said. “A magical formula. If I was having this need to have more sophisticated events in the city, just maybe other people were, too.”

Bocado hosted Cirque duNoir for years, contributing their space and supporting most of the expenses.

“We could not have done it without them and the help of Worcester Magazine, who quickly covered the story for us,” said May.

Realizing the event was mushrooming beyond the space of Bocado, organizers approached the Sprinkler Factory, and together they formed a collaboration with a joint mission.

“Both entities were established to promote and build the creative community,” May told Patch.

In two years of hosting, Cirque has raised nearly $10,000 and work has begun on the expansion of the gallery space at 38 Harlow St., the home of nonprofit, The Artist Group of the Sprinkler Factory.

“In recent years a lot has changed there,” said May. “The space will just about double. This means that two shows can be held simultaneously and there will be a space developed for lectures, meetings and performances. “

The space will ultimately span 2,000 square feet, and will be completed by May of this year.

“The vision, devotion and work that Luis Antonio Fraire and Birgit Straehle have dedicated to the arts community is staggering,” said May. ”The contributors to the Sprinkler Factory work on purely a volunteer basis, out of passion for building a creative community.”

May adds that the fit and collaboration has been a fantastic catalyst for growth.

“We really needed a partner that had the same commitment to the mission of sharing and bringing diverse groups together to celebrate creativity,” she said. “The space has become know for community far beyond being a gallery space. The openings are filled with many different people from all over the city. People come for the art and stay to socialize. To me and my family, it has really become a home away from home. It is a wonderful place for my daughter to be surrounded by creative life and people. There is a new show every month.”

The next show, Cirque-Mstantial Evidence Show, opens on Feb. 6 and continues through Feb. 27, hosted by Cirque duNoir.

“For eight years, people donated their art, talents and ideas for Cirque,” said May, “so this year we are hosting the show for the month to celebrate and give back to all of them. The show features such a talented selection of the Worcester’s top artists. Some of our artists show around the world and it is such a treat to have their original art hanging on the walls of The Sprinkler Factory.”

The opening reception takes place from 6-9 p.m., with gallery hours on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the month from 1-4 p.m. A closing reception is also planned for Feb. 27 from 6-9 p.m.

Attendees, said May, should feel free to “get their black on” and wear something festive to the event this Saturday.

There will be body painting by award winning Magdalena O’Connor, of Boston Body Paints, a video presentation by Worcester designer and musician Duncan Arsenault. Other events are planned for the month.

The Facebook page is updated with artist information and related stories, such as how Johnny Depp recently made a purchase from Worcester artist Scott Holloway.

Cirque duNoir is an all black attire or creative black attire celebration of the culture of Worcester. Art, Music, Photography, Food, Technology and Dance were included last year. There is a juried silent auction, a live art fusion, live music and new surprises every year.

Photos: Michelle May