Weathered Shapes, Wooden Quilts
Often given as gifts, or passed down through generations, quilts provide reminders of the past and people we love. What if that quilt was made from salvaged, reclaimed, and discarded materials like worn wooden planks, split doors, cracked cabinets, and warped boards, their history visible in the chipped colors, weathered shapes, and speckled nail holes? Quilts can also be a source of inspiration, as the maker can express creativity and artisanship in the unique designs of the quilt. It is often a patchwork of many different fabrics, colors, and textures, sometimes representing different aspects of the maker’s life and can serve as a reminder of the power of love and kindness.
Born in Philadelphia and raised in New Jersey, Laura now lives on the Northshore of Boston with her husband, two dogs, and cat. She earned an MS in Fashion Design from Drexel University and an MFA in Studio Arts from Moore College of Art and Design. She has been teaching as an elementary-level art teacher for more than 15 years, as well as presenting lectures and workshops to adults. Click here for additional information about Laura.
Come experience the new Gallery exhibition and meet the artist, Laura Petrovich-Cheney, on Sunday, March 19 from 2:00-3:00pm.
Menagerie of Movement
Bernie Zubrowski
October 13, 2024–April 27, 2025
The Art of Being Green
June 1 –September 1, 2025
The Art of Being Green is an exploration of color and self through the eyes of teen artists from Artists for Humanity (AFH). The title plays on two meanings of “green”—both the literal color and the idea of being “green” or new to something.
The exhibition celebrates the hopefulness and vibrancy of youth, and the endless possibilities for creative growth. It provides a space for these young artists to share their evolving voices and ideas, creating a sense of pride and purpose. The exhibition also aims to inspire other young people on their own creative journeys. The path to artistic excellence begins with the courage to start and the openness to explore.
About Artists for Humanity
Artists for Humanity (AFH) harnesses the power of mentorship and paid professional experiences to inspire teens to build their future. AFH teens transcend economic, racial and social divisions to transform communities through creative expression.
During their time at AFH, teens share their voice in public art, where their creativity is valued. With corporate partnerships, AFH teens develop an understanding of business and entrepreneurship for potential career pathways. Through mentorship, the next generation of artists and leaders gain confidence in their own abilities. AFH also supports teens with 1:1 tutoring, professional development and college/career readiness so they make a positive impact on their communities and the world.
Past Shows
Menagerie of Movement
By Bernie Zubrowski
October 13 – April 27, 2025
Perspective Play
By Drew Katz
April 14 – September 15, 2024
Slate Lines
By Sarah E. Jenkins
September 24, 2023 – March 24, 2024
Weathered Shapes, Wooden Quilts
By Laura Petrovich-Cheney
September 4, 2023
Small Stories: Vignettes in Blue
By Renee Romero
November 14, 2022 – February 26, 2023
Love and Maya
By Sneha Shrestha
August 6, 2022 – November 13, 2022
Protect Trans Dreams: A Portrait Project
By Noah Grigni
April 13, 2022-July 24, 2022
Future Shows
Sneha Shreshta, also known as IMAGINE
August – December
April 13, 2022-July 24, 2022
Protect Trans Dreams: A Portrait Project
by Noah Grigni
Protect Trans Dreams: A Portrait Project, features a series of large-scale acrylic portraits by artist Noah Grigni (they/them).These portraits, displayed alongside Grigni’s original watercolor illustrations from the children’s book It Feels Good To Be Yourself by Theresa Thorn, celebrate transgender (trans) kids and their visions for the future.
The paintings portray each child on their own terms, in the fantasies they imagined. Some are silly and playful, others earnest and serious. To create these portraits, Grigni connected with 7 trans kids across New England, ranging in ages from 6 to 12 and interviewed them about their dreams. The paintings illustrate the ideas they described, including visions that range from making music and writing stories, to intricate scenes of fallen angels crying tears of joy, and celestial wolves circling in the sky. The scenes depicted in these portraits, painted using soft and vibrant jewel tones, are connected by motifs of stars and flowers, and by simple circles reminiscent of halos framing each child’s head. The halos serve as a reminder that the dreams of trans children—just like the dreams of all children—are sacred, and deserve to be nurtured and celebrated.
The portraits are displayed alongside watercolor illustrations by Noah from the book It Feels Good To Be Yourself by Theresa Thorn. The book was created to introduce and celebrate the concept of gender identity for young readers. The exhibition also features a cozy book nook with drawing prompts focusing on identity and dreams, inviting museum visitors to read, write, and create their own masterpieces highlighting their dreams.