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Heart, Courage, and Sweat: A Show by Young Artists Inspired by the Marathon

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April 18 – May 18 at HCA Gallery
Free reception for the artists and the public
Saturday, May 6 from 1:30 to 3:00

“It’s More Than a Dream…It’s a Life”
Eve Kazanjian, age 8, in her portrait of an ecstatic female runner
breaking the finish line tape.

These striking quotes are taken verbatim from works by Madelyn and Eve in Heart, Courage, and Sweat, now at the HCA Gallery, a remarkable project and show that has encouraged Hopkinton students aged 6 to 17 to look both outward at the runners’ world and also inward to their own experiences of pushing toward a goal.

As Hopkinton Center for the Arts co-director Kris Waldman put it, “Although we are celebrating the marathon, the theme goes beyond running. It’s about effort, tenacity, and conquering your fears.”

“I was one of the only kids who could not do the monkey bars. Courage
I worked so hard. Sometimes I worked into the night. Sweat
SUCCESS! Heart”
Lainey Valutkevich, age 9, in her triumphant four-panel self-portrait.

Works by 26 young artists comprise the exhibition and tackle its themes from 26 directions. Clara Vanguri, who is 6, shows sumptuous hanging vines, a radiant sun, and a swaying palm beneath which sailboats spread from “start” to “finish.” Sadie Wein, also 6, shows a surprisingly happy runner passing the sign ”finish line 15 miles” wearing a wide and dazzling smile. Sasha Hagan, 17, shows her black-and-white photograph of a young woman in a leotard executing a complex stretch, her left hand and right foot joined above her head.
“I am Hope Hebert, and I think every person no matter what age, should be what they want, and I believe that any person is unique and valuable.”
Hope Hebert, age 8, in her self-portrait at a podium, flanked by American flags.

Organized by Kris Waldman, the 26.2 Foundation, and the artists’ group Creative Circles, the exhibition is sponsored by Guaranteed Rate Mortgage. The artists’ work has been framed for them as a gift for their participation.

“I AM INSPIRED…ONE DAY EACH YEAR, PEOPLE FROM MANY NATIONS SHARE AND COMPETE IN A 26.2 MILE GOAL TOGETHER, PEACEFULLY!”
Molaigh Flannery, age 8, in her depiction of planet Earth, around which runners and a wheelchair participant race, each hoisting a national flag.
For more information about the exhibition, the HCA Gallery, or the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, contact Kris Waldman at kris@hopartscenter.org or 508.589.4409.