Higgins Education Wing Exhibitions

2023/2024 Schedule

General admission is not required to view exhibitions in the Higgins Education Wing.

Looking Back: The History of Art Education at the Worcester Art Museum (Downstairs Gallery)

October 21–November 26, 2023

The Worcester Art Museum has had education at its heart since it was founded. When the Museum opened its doors in 1898, drawing and painting classes soon followed. This exhibition covers the last 125 years of art education at WAM through images, artwork, and stories.

Looking Forward: The Future of Art Education (Upstairs Gallery)

October 14–November 26, 2023

A counterpart to the “Looking Back” exhibit, this interactive exhibit invites community members to submit what they think art education in museums should, or could, look like in the future.

All in the Family: Artwork by WAM’s Staff, Faculty, and Volunteers (Downstairs Gallery)

December 2, 2023–January 7, 2024

Opening December 7 at 12 pm

The Worcester Art Museum is much more than a building and the objects within it—get a peek into the creative minds and roles behind its many exhibitions, programs, classes, and projects!

IMPACT: Adult Student Exhibition (Downstairs Gallery)

January 11–February 25, 2024

This exhibition highlights works by adult students of the Worcester Art Museum. From painting to printmaking, collage to calligraphy, watercolor to writing, sample a bit of what WAM students can accomplish! Learn more about our Adult Art Classes.

Youth Art Month: MAEA Central Massachusetts Exhibit (Downstairs Gallery)

March 1–31, 2024

Closing March 31, 12–2pm

The Museum is proud to host this annual exhibition, organized by the Massachusetts Art Education Association. Works from elementary, middle, and secondary school students from across Central Massachusetts are selected by their art teachers and displayed in this celebration of creativity. Learn more about Youth Art Month.

Teen Council: Teen Exhibit (Downstairs Gallery)

April 7–May 5, 2024

Closing May 5, 12–2pm

Spearheaded by the Museum’s Teen Council, this open-call exhibition, title TBD by the teens, features artwork from teens ages 13–19 years old from across Worcester County.

NEW!! Worcester Public School Senior Arts Show

May 11–June 8, 2024

Meet the Artist Night TBD

For the first time, the Worcester Art Museum will be hosting the WPS Senior art exhibit. Held in South High for the last few years, it is exciting to be able to highlight the graduating artists’ works in a publicly accessible gallery. We also host the WPS Senior in the Arts Awards—so a perfect fit!

AP Art History Capstone Exhibition (Downstairs Gallery)

June 11–July 7, 2024

All school year, about 25 Worcester Public High School students from across the city come to the Museum twice a week to attend an Advanced Placement class program, exploring art history through a combination of gallery visits, presentations, and hands-on studio time. This is their capstone exhibition. Learn more about the AP Art History course.

Arts Alternative Exhibition (Upstairs Gallery)

June 11–July 7, 2024

Working with the local juvenile justice department, the Worcester Art Museum offers visual arts programming for young adults to express themselves creatively, sharing their voices, thoughts and stories. This show encapsulates the artistic endeavors of the Arts Alternative youth from their monthly visits to the Museum galleries and hands-on art making activity in the studios.

Almost There: Student Works-in-Process

July 17–August 11, 2024

Adult and Teen students can submit works-in-process for the public to view and to offer comments and encouragement via in-person and online platforms.