Worcester 'Balloons & Bad Advice' Aims To Highlight Downtown Area

WORCESTER, MA — An art installation will take over several sites in downtown Worcester in November, an intentional effort to lead visitors through the neighborhood.

Here's more from a Worcester Cultural Coalition press release:

The Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC), in collaboration with Creative Hub Worcester, announce "Balloons and Bad Advice." This multi-gallery installation series is a collaboration between Massachusetts-based artist Hank von Hellion and Los Angeles-based artist Balloonski, and will be on display Nov. 13 to 27.

Using the context of an irreverent collection of art and experiences, "Balloons and Bad Advice" aims to inspire continued exploration of Worcester’s diverse downtown and tie seemingly disparate neighborhoods together through the shared experience of site-specific art. The main exhibits will be on display at the Worcester PopUp at the JMAC and the Creative Hub gallery at the Aurora, with immersive micro-installations at C.C. Lowell, ArtReach Worcester, a Downtown Worcester BID storefront, and other locations to be confirmed.

On Nov. 13, the opening reception for "Balloons and Bad Advice" will feature interactive sculptural work, balloon installations, resin works, choreographed lighting, two live DJs, and an art crawl. By hosting the opening at two venues, the artists encourage attendees to experience the city in a way they might not get to in a single-venue event.

"At 5pm, the opening begins at the PopUp with drinks and conversation," said von Hellion. "At 7:30 p.m. we close down the PopUp and usher everyone over to the Aurora to continue the festivities. We hope the six-minute walk will show the value and ease of walking between destinations, as opposed to driving."

A percentage of proceeds from artwork sold will be used to fund a free creative workshop, led by Balloonski and von Hellion.

"We are excited to help support access to creative expression for all communities, especially those that have been historically underserved," noted Balloonski.

Von Hellion said he sees Downtown Worcester as, "representative of Worcester’s socio-economic makeup: a melting pot of business, politics, and art, as well as a mix of young professionals and vibrant BIPOC culture. We hope that areas like the Main South neighborhood are highlighted and can regularly be included in Worcester’s ongoing economic growth."

Balloonski added that this collaborative effort is, "a contribution to building a better city, one space at a time."

"Art brings people together, and exhibits like Balloons and Bad Advice support the vibrancy and development of the city as a whole, encouraging engagement with local businesses and community in the process," noted Laura Marotta, Executive Director of the Creative Hub.

Venues interested in hosting a micro-installation of Balloons and Bad Advice can email the media contact. For more on "Balloons and Bad Advice" see the Facebook event page.

Balloons and Bad Advice will be on display at the following locations:

• Creative Hub Gallery at the Aurora: 600 Main St
• Worcester PopUp at the JMAC: 20 Franklin St.
• C.C. Lowell Art Supply Co: 455 Pleasant St.
• ArtReach Worcester: 322 West Boylston St.
• Downtown Worcester BID storefront: TBA

The artists wish to thank the following organizations for their support: Creative Hub Worcester, C.C. Lowell, Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District, ArtReach Worcester, the Easterseals Massachusetts, and the Worcester Cultural Coalition.