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Artists Menubutton
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History
Founded in Wakefield, Rhode Island in 1974, Hera Gallery/Hera Educational
Foundation was a pioneer in the development of alternative exhibition
spaces across the country in the 70s. Hera Gallery was one of the earliest
women’s cooperative galleries in the US and is unusual in having been
established in a non-urban setting. Although many of these galleries no
longer exist, Hera is proud to have not only continued but also expanded
our programs, exhibitions, and events.

Besides seeking a place where women have an equal opportunity to exhibit
their work and exchange ideas and information, the founding members were
committed to increasing the community’s awareness and exposure to art
not readily available in Rhode Island. Since Hera’s opening, community
members have played an important and dynamic role in the gallery, as artists,
supporters, and Board members.
Originally conceptualized as a venue for women artists, under-represented
at the time in commercial galleries and museum collections, Hera has broadened
its mission to include the work of regionally and nationally recognized
visual artists of both genders who are at all stages of their careers.
In 1995 Hera was invited to participate in the Non-Governmental
Forum on Women of the Fourth United Nations World Conference in Beijing
and is referenced in two textbooks used in art history and women’s studies
programs: Expanding Circles: Women, Art & Community and The Power
of Feminist Art.
Today, Hera Gallery is a vital setting in which to view
innovative contemporary art in Rhode Island. Hera features eleven months
of programming, including gallery artist exhibitions as well as curated,
thematic exhibitions featuring regional and national artists. Over the
years, Hera has designed its programs to reflect the cultural climate.
Because of its flexibility and commitment to presenting exhibitions with
artistic merit and integrity Hera has been awarded numerous grants for
its exhibitions and programs including grants from Rhode Island State
Council on the Arts, Rhode Island Council on the Humanities, Rhode Island
Foundation, and the Puffin Foundation.
For more detailed information on Hera's history, please
contact us about purchasing
“The History of Hera: A Women's Art Cooperative 1979-1989”. In 2011 Hera
will publish “Hera 2010”, a catalog of the work of gallery artists with
an essay by Katherine Veneman, Curator of Education at the Blaffer Museum,
University of Houston.
Mission
Throughout its rich history, Hera's mission has remained constant. Simply
stated: “Hera Educational Foundation promotes a professional artistic
presence that enhances the community through education, collaboration
and involvement. Hera Gallery encourages artists and their audiences to
explore contemporary cultural, social and aesthetic issues.”
According to a recent RISCA grant reviewer, "The gallery has been
true to its unique mission. Hera's exemplary arts programming is both
risk taking and exciting. The quality of exhibitions has been consistent
from conception to execution."
Vision
Our vision is to erase all barriers to artists, broaden public interest
in artistic expression, and enhance our community’s exposure to local,
regional and nationally recognized artists. We strive to fulfill our mission
and meet community needs by offering exhibits and programs designed to
engage targeted populations and interests that might not otherwise be
served in southern Rhode Island. We are committed to exhibiting the work
of established and emerging artists and to encouraging ethnic and cultural
diversity in both audience and program development. In addition to exhibitions
dedicated to showing the works of Hera artist members, about half of Hera’s
exhibitions are curated, invitational, or juried shows.

Click
here or on any image on this page to see the slideshow Hera Photo Archive
1974 - 1989.
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