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Artists Menu
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| History,
Mission, and Programs |
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History
As a small,
non-profit arts organization founded in 1974 in Wakefield, Rhode
Island, Hera Gallery/ Hera Educational Foundation has been a pioneer
in the genesis of artist-run exhibition spaces.
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Originally
conceptualized as a venue for women artists, often under-represented
at the time in commercial galleries, 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.
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Today, Hera
is the place to go to see innovative contemporary art in Rhode
Island. Hera features eleven months of programming, with gallery
artist exhibitions as well as topical exhibitions featuring outside
artists.
Over the years,
Hera has shifted its programs to reflect the cultural climate. Because
of its flexibility and commitment to presenting exhibitions with
artistic merit and integrity despite a shoe-string budget, Hera
has won numerous grants for its exhibitions, programs, and operating
expenses.
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Recent programs
have been supported by various grants from Rhode Island 2000,
Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, Rhode Island Commission
on the Humanities, and the Rhode Island Foundation.
For
more detailed information on Hera's history, please contact us about
purchasing The
History of Hera: A Women's Artist Cooperative. |
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Mission
Throughout its
rich and variegated history, Hera's mission has remained a constant.
Simply stated, Hera's mission is to promote a professional artistic
presence to benefit South County and the larger community through
collaboration, education, and involvement.
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."
Programs
Through eleven
months of exhibition programming per year and numerous programs
such as lectures, talks, and symposia held in conjunction with these
exhibitions, Hera develops diverse programming and provides a forum
for innovative artwork exploring contemporary aesthetic, social,
and cultural issues.
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About half
of our exhibtions are curated, invitational, or juried exhibitions
which are topical. Often artists outside the Hera community are
invited to participate in or curate these exhibitions.
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About half
of our exhibitions are dedicated to showing the works of Hera
artist members, either in solo or small group exhibitions. All
Hera artists participate in an annual anniversary exhibition
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