Union Square art gallery to reopen as artist exchange and showcase for special needs artists

Artists at the Walnut Street Center: From left to right, Alex Everett, Flora Rosati (teacher), Eric Wheeler, Mary Houghton, Bob Carr and Betty Leahy(teacher) ~Photo by Julia Fairclough By Julia Fairclough The "It's a Gift" gallery in Union Square will reopen next month under a revamped model; this time around as a combined classroom, retail art gallery and artist exchange for local artists. The Walnut Street Center (WSC), Somerville's agency that provides support services for those with developmental disabilities (www.wscinc.org), has run "It's a Gift" since 2002; comprised of a a work space in the rear of the 500-square-foot space for WSC artists and a retail space up front. It's a Gift, at 29A Union Square across from the Citizen's Bank, was created to showcase the work of WSC's artists. But several months ago, the WSC decided to do more with the shop, with its motto in mind-"sharing in the arts"-by interacting more with the Somerville artist community. Anyahlee Cañas, WSC's art program coordinator and teacher will run the gallery, along with Flora Rosati, the store supervisor. By the way, WSC is also contemplating renaming the gallery. Right now staff is busy repainting and sprucing up the interior, and will reopen in April. A grand opening party will be held in May. The biggest change will be to have visiting artists sell their work on consignment in exchange for leading a workshop for WSC artists.. WSC artists will continue to sell their jewelry, acrylics, watercolors, and other pieces of art. The new space will focus more on fine art than accessories and crafts, Rosati said. The artwork will sell at reasonable prices to make it accessible to everyone. WSC will also hold classes in the space and fundraisers inviting local musicians. Cañas and Rosati would also welcome poetry and book readings, considering there are so many writers in Somerville. Anyone interested in holding an art event can email [email protected] WSC clients create the multi-faceted artwork in the spacious pale blue-walled art room in the WSC facility on Charlestown Street. Cañas was recently hired to teach art part-time; prior to that a teacher came in for eight hours per week. Cañas is a mural artist and sculptor. It was through helping to lead the mural project on the WSC building a couple years ago that Cañas was asked to enhance the art program. Rosati, a painter and photographer, has been at WSC since 1991 in a variety of capacities, including running art groups. Both Rosati and Cañas agree that bolstering the arts program is integral to making the WSC clients feel like a part of society. They are artists in their own rights and take great pride in their work. "You get a different feeling from our artists," said Jim Cotter, WSC's director of day supports. "There is something special about their work, and the stigma goes away really quick." The group will also set up a T-shirt machine in the back of the store and incorporate an employment group there. It's A Gift was originally created with three goals in mind. First, to foster the creative development and artistic expression of its clients. Second, to increase the presence of the WSC in the local community. Artists have joined in community events such as the Windows Art Project, Somerville Open Studios, and ArtBeat. The third goal is to offer vocational training to adults who have developmental disabilities. Individuals who work at It's A Gift learn valuable skills in the areas of customer service, production and store maintenance.