Wandering the downtown area of South Kingstown’s Wakefield Village will take you past restaurants, boutiques, and plenty of scenery. There are also a few art galleries in the area, with perhaps the most notable being Hera Gallery on High Street.
Hera Gallery is unique because of the opportunities it provides for South County’s female artists through its exhibitions and membership benefits. This gallery puts the art first, providing local talent with the opportunity to show their work in a refined setting.
Here’s a look at everything you should know about Hera Gallery in Wakefield, Rhode Island.
The Gallery’s History
Hera Gallery first opened its doors in 1974 as one of the country’s first women’s cooperative art galleries. It was unique because, unlike other galleries focusing on female artists, it was situated outside of an urban setting.
The goal of Hera Gallery was to establish a place where women had equal opportunities to exhibit their artistic creations and it was incredibly successful from the beginning. The gallery has evolved dramatically from those early days when it only accepted female artists, though, and now welcomes the artwork of both men and women for its exhibitions.
Today, the venue aims to move away from the settings you’d see in larger cities where the art is highly commercialized. Instead, Hera Gallery provides those who might not have access to exhibits at more extravagant venues a place to display their artwork.
Membership Opportunities
Numerous local artists take advantage of the membership opportunities at Hera Gallery. The idea is that many of the facility’s rotating exhibitions feature works by these members, helping emerging artists show off their pieces.
There’s more to it than the exhibitions, though, as members are featured on the Hera Gallery website, in their e-newsletters, and in their mailings, exposing their work to thousands of people annually.
You can submit an artist’s membership application at any time throughout the year, and they are reviewed on a rolling basis. There are some responsibilities associated with becoming a Hera Gallery member, as the gallery’s leadership takes its position in the community seriously.
Keep in mind that nonmembers are occasionally welcomed to present exhibits at the gallery, as well, as they release the odd Call for Entry when they’re seeking something in particular for a curated show.
Exhibitions
Hera Gallery holds 11 exhibitions per year. Each exhibition runs for a few weeks, providing artists with plenty of time to show their works to interested visitors. The gallery is closed for all of January.
Member artists are frequently selected for these exhibitions, and the space is usually shared between two individuals at that time. The gallery holds the occasional themed curated show, too, where artists from outside of Rhode Island might come in and participate.
If you’re an artist, applying for membership is the best way to get involved. For art lovers, it’s a good idea to check the Hera Gallery website frequently for more information on upcoming exhibitions you might enjoy.
Community Programs
There’s more to Hera Gallery than art, as the facility frequently hosts community programs. One such example is The Green Stitch, which local expert Jaimee Roberts used to teach locals how to knit.
Another past event was Jeanine Silversmith and The Ripple Effect, where the head of the Rhode Island Environmental Education Association held talks about the dangers of climate change and gave tips on how ordinary people can make a difference.
David Gregg, director of the Rhode Island Natural History Survey, led walks around Saugatucket Park in cooperation with the art gallery, too, teaching interested people about Rhode Island’s unique biodiversity.
Hera Gallery is always organizing something, so check their website frequently for more information on what they have coming up next.
Part of Wakefield’s Fabric
Hera Gallery is far from the most extensive art gallery in South County but is offers one crucial thing to local artists: opportunity. The gallery is also committed to remaining as part of Wakefield’s future, as is evident by the programs it puts on for residents.
Admission to Hera Gallery is generally free, although contributions are accepted and encouraged. Some events have a minimum recommended donation you’ll want to put up as you walk through the doors, as well.
Spending a bit of time at Hera Gallery will provide insight into Wakefield’s vibrant art scene and is yet another way you can get to know your new community after buying a home in South County.