FRAMINGHAM – Recognizing a need for a visual arts institution between Worcester and Boston, a grass-roots group of passionate individuals established the Danforth Art Museum and School in Downtown Framingham in 1975. For the past 50 years, The Danforth has been an indispensable thread in the cultural fabric of the MetroWest region

We invite the community to celebrate the anniversary of the museum, which is now part of Framingham State University, with a special permanent collection exhibition “1975-2025: Celebrating 50 Years of Collecting” as well three new temporary exhibitions featuring talented artists from our region. 

“The Danforth Museum would not exist without the incredible support of our community,” says Museum Director and Curator, Dr. Jessica Roscio. “As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we invite members of the public to plan a visit and view some truly wonderful new exhibitions.”

The Spring Exhibitions – opening on February 15, 2025 – highlight the works by artists who are exploring their sense of self as well as how their circumstances have shaped their creative output.  Tina Feingold’s Wishful Thinking includes textured vibrant abstractions produced during the pandemic as well as more recent pieces, all of which convey an overall sense of being transported to another world.  Similarly, Tim McDonald’s The Diamond Sea installation taps into the poetic and meditative qualities of creating in isolation.  McDonald, who is a Professor of Art at Framingham State, created the paintings for the exhibition in 2020 when, “there seemed to be no escape from the constant pressure of the climate, both political and natural.”

Selfhood, including work by Alice Dillon, Scott Foster, Kathryn Geismar, Lisa Tang Liu, and Keith Morris Washington, explores how personal identity is expressed through figuration, symbols, and treasured objects. The works on view in this exhibition—including paintings, photographs, collages, and fiber—are identity portraits that focus on voices which have historically been threatened, silenced, and hidden. 

A special reception with the Danforth staff and the exhibiting artists is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 22nd, from 6 to 8 p.m., and will feature light refreshments and a cash bar. The reception is open to the public and you can register for the event here.

The Danforth Art Museum and School is located at 14 Vernon Street on the Framingham Centre Common. To learn more and plan your visit, go to danforth.framingham.edu.