Artist Josh Simpson demonstrates his glass blowing process.
WESTFIELD – “The Megaplanet Promenade: The Josh Simpson Art Walk” kicks off a city-wide celebration of the creative arts, Saturday, June 28 from 5-8 p.m. in downtown Westfield.
Coordinated by Westfield on Weekends, (WOW), the city’s non-profit producer of community events, “Megaplanet Promenade” is the first event of “The Universe According to Josh Simpson,” a 15-week calendar of events centered on the work of glass artist Josh Simpson.
The free art walk will include the opening of three gallery exhibits dedicated to the work of glass artist Josh Simpson, as well as musical performances, art demonstrations, and a pizza contest.
Three exhibits of Simpson’s work will appear at three locations: “A Galaxy of Glass: The Luminous World of Josh Simpson” at Westfield State University’s Downtown Art Gallery on 105 Elm Street, “Earth, Sea and Sky Scapes: the Elements of Josh Simpson” at the Jasper Rand Gallery of the Westfield Athenaeum on 6 Elm Street and “Through the Lens of Mike Rossi: Josh Simpson Revealed” at Pilgrim Candle Marketplace at 16 Union Avenue.
According to WOW President Bob Plasse, Josh Simpson was chosen as the first honoree because his body of work represents the “confluence of commerce, science, and art and the talents” of Western Massachusetts artists. Simpson is a resident of Shelburne Falls.
“While maintaining a high standard of excellence, Simpson has been both commercially and artistically successful,” Plasse said. “Josh’s work ranges from luminous glass spheres encasing kaleidoscopic landscapes, which he calls ‘planets’ and ‘megaplanets’ to exquisite goblets, bowls, platters, and vases.”
“His community involvement has endeared him to generations of art lovers and buyers, whether he is exhibiting, conducting workshops in schools and libraries, or encouraging children to discover their own creative spirit,” Plasse continued.
Working with Simpson, the project’s steering committee is comprised of representatives of Westfield State, the Westfield Athenaeum, the Westfield Business District, the Westfield Chamber of Commerce, Westfield on Weekends, Inc. and various departments of the city, including Community Development, the Westfield Cultural Council and VIPS- Volunteers in Public Schools. Together, the committee has developed a calendar of multi-disciplinary events and activities which explore the breadth of his work, his philosophy, and the glass-blowing medium.
“The Universe According to Josh Simpson” also celebrates Mr. Simpson’s collaboration with other professional artists and his wife, Catherine “Cady” Coleman, NASA’s most senior active astronaut, whose work in space and as a flutist inspires her husband.
From late June through mid- October, the “Universe” calendar will encompass exhibitions, workshops, family activities, stargazing, a film series, demonstrations, and lectures.
Additionally, several pub and restaurants will feature special “Universe” drinks and specials, while large posters of Simpson’s work together with thought-provoking quotes and facts about the wonder of the universe will adorn store wall and windows.
The calendar of events also features several opportunities for children to demonstrate their creativity. Numerous community organizations and the Volunteers in Public School (VIPS) will sponsor “Infinity Project” contests for area youngsters. Participants at the Boys and Girls Club, The Boys and Girls Library, the Amelia Park Children’s Museum, the YMCA, and in Westfield schools will be asked to write essays as to where they would plant a Simpson infinity planet or to create something artistic that reflects the wonder of the universe.
“Infinity Project” winners will be announced at the “Megaplanetpalooza: The Josh Simpson Street Festival” on Saturday, September 20 in the city center. This day-long street celebration will spotlight the creative economy, the arts community of the region with musical performances by a wide array of musicians, Warchild, a Jethro Tull tribute band from New York City.
Funding for “The Universe According to Josh Simpson” is provided by The Kiwanis Club of Greater Westfield, Shurtleff Children’s Services, Inc.,The United Bank Foundation, the Westfield Cultural Council, a local program of the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Westfield Bank Future Fund program with in-kind assistance provided by Westfield State University, the Westfield Business Improvement District, and the City of Westfield.
For more information, visit the event’s website at joshsimpsonuniverse.com or at www.westfieldonweekends.com.
