Be A Villen: Somerville Arts Exhibit Opens Tonight

Be A Villen
Nave Gallery
155 Powder House Blvd., Somerville
Artist Reception, Friday, January 18, 6-9pm
Runs through February 9

Somerville's gots problems. In a 2007 survey of Somerville middle school students, 34% of students reported having had a family member or loved one die in the past year. Heroin use is on the rise in Somerville. Teens have encountered violence at alarming rates. And several teens have died tragic deaths--sometimes related to drug and alcohol use, sometimes not--in the past few years. What's a city to do?

In addition to a Teen Empowerment program and coalitions to reduce substance abuse, Somerville is seeking solace in the arts. ARTSomerville memorializes the past and builds hope for the future in a new art exhibit called "Be A Villen." A group of young Somerville residents have deemed themselves "villens" in an expression of solidarity in the face of tragedy. Rather than engaging in traditional villainy, these villens are attempting to promote unity in a sometimes heavily divided city, and working to make Somerville a better place to live for both young and old.

The artwork of many young villens is on display at "Be A Villen," which opens tonight at the Nave Gallery on Powder House Boulevard. Participating artists include Jessica Almeida, Clarence Bryan IV, Joe Capuano, Robbie Cartmill, Mike Curtis, Brian Liberatore, Scotty Liberatore, Greg Mayala, Danny McLaughlin, Mark McLaughlin, Steve Morris, Eric O’Reagan, Zadak Rice, and Brianne Sullivan. 20% all sales will be donated to the Brian M. Liberatore Somerville High School Scholarship Fund, which benefits Somerville students interested in art, music and hockey.

The "most compelling" piece from the show will be selected for display at the upcoming Somerville Youth Peace Conference in April.

If you miss the opening night, the Nave is open Fridays from 5-8pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 1-5pm. "Be A Villen" runs through February 9.

Exhibit image from http://www.artsomerville.org/