Current Exhibits
In the Shaira Ali Gallery
Welcome Home
Curated by Kenny Mascary, Interim Chief of Arts and Culture, City of Boston
On View: January 16 - March 19, 2025
Opening Reception + Curator-led Tour: Thur, Jan 30, 6-8pm
Arlington Center for the Arts is pleased to be presenting Welcome Home, a powerful and moving exhibition that brings together the stories of first generation and new Americans, capturing their unique journeys towards becoming part of the fabric of our culture. This collection celebrates the diverse experiences, struggles, and triumphs that come with finding a new sense of belonging in an unfamiliar land.
The exhibition features a rich array of artworks, including photography, paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations. The artworks portray themes of hope, resilience, identity, and community, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the American immigrant experience.
Welcome Home curator and Interim Chief of Arts and Culture, City of Boston, Kenny Mascary says “As the curator, I have been deeply inspired by the stories behind each artwork, which are shared with the viewers of this exhibition. My hope is that visitors will find their own reflections in these stories, gaining a deeper appreciation for the contributions of immigrants to the tapestry of American life. Welcome to OUR home.”
This exhibition is made possible in part by support from the Arlington Human Rights Commission and the Grants Committee of the Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture. Welcome Home is presented as part of the Arlington250: Untold Stories of Menotomy Celebration happening through 2026 throughout Arlington, MA.
Exhibiting Artists:
Valeria Ayala | Kolika Chatterjee | Zhining Chen | Farah Joan Fard
Anna Kristina Goransson | Hana Horiuchi | Yiren Jing | Lidia Kenig Scher
Zhonghe (Elena) Li | Chin Lin | Sophie Lucas | Ricardo Maldonado
Caroline McLaughlin | Yi Mei | Markus Yaroslav Nechay | Atilla Ozkefeli
Ponnapa Prakkamakul | Monica Raymond | Minna Rothman | Naomi Soto
Suresh Sundaram | Anna Thai | Hao Wu | Wendy Ming Xu | Ally Zhu
About the Curator | Kenny Mascary
Originally from Haiti, Kenny Mascary (pronouns: he/him) first arrived in Boston for college in 2004. Kenny then cut his teeth at mission-driven organizations like the West End House Boys and Girls Club, Cambridge Youth Programs, the Cambridge Public Library and more recently, Now + There, before joining the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture as Chief of Staff.
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As a DJ, therapeutic mentor, film photographer, board certified basketball referee, and plant dad, Kenny is passionate about connecting with communities and individuals that share a passion and excitement around conversations and experiences that open minds and help co-create spaces to celebrate the creative diversity of Boston’s dynamic and ever-changing cultural fabric.
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FREE Chinese Paper Cutting Workshop
Thursday, March 13, 6:30-8pm in the Shaira Ali Gallery
Join artist Zhonghe (Elena) Li for a papercutting workshop inspired by her short animation film Coming Home, featured in Welcome Home. Using the intricate art of papercutting, participants will explore themes of belonging, memory, and transformation.
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Elena’s film tells a deeply personal story of a lifelong search for home—spanning childhood, migration, and the changes brought by time. Through her journey, she found that art and creativity became the ultimate means to reclaim a sense of home, bridging the past and present.
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In this hands-on workshop, Elena will guide you in using papercutting as a tool for storytelling and connection. Discover the power of art to create bonds within ourselves, our communities, and with the natural world. This workshop is open to participants of all skill levels who wish to experience the transformative potential of art-making.
In the Hallway Gallery
ArtLinks Arlington 5th Annual Exhibit
As We Turn 250: Arlington 250 - The Untold Stories
On View: February 1-28, 2025
Opening Reception: Wednesday, February 5 @ 7pm
The year 2025 will mark the 250th anniversary of the beginning of the American Revolution and commemorates the events related to the founding of our country. ArtLinks Arlington presents an exhibition of Arlington’s untold stories, now told by their artist members. Our rich local history was critical to the development of our country. Themes of independence, liberty, patriotism, sacrifice, freedom and community partnership are explored.
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Featured artwork: Kate Dreams by Marilyn Downs
Gallery Information
Gallery Hours:
Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
(Evening and weekend visits may be possible by appointment. Please email info@acarts.org to inquire.)
Purchasing Artwork:
To inquire on purchasing artwork exhibited in this show, please email ACA's Education and Programs Director Delia Tharnish at delia@acarts.org
