From the Director

On December 2, we officially opened our new Lancaster Plaza entrance with a special ribbon cutting ceremony. The joy felt by those in attendance, standing on the elegant granite and steel staircase designed by WHY Architects, was palpable. That moment of celebration was the result of countless hours of work and coordination by our Facilities Committee, chaired during this project by both Lisa McDonough and George Tetler; staff; and contractors—most of it during a pandemic. Adjacent to the stairs, a new elevator now provides accessibility to all floors of the Museum’s Higgins Education Wing (HEW)—and makes every entrance fully accessible. The Lancaster Plaza is just one of several capital improvements we have been working on. This winter and spring, the HEW windows will be replaced by energy-efficient units—making our building much more environmentally sustainable. Additionally, plans are underway for the former sculpture studio in the HEW to be transformed into a modern library to house our extensive collection of art history publications. This new space will provide improved access for the local college community, researchers, and WAM docents and staff. When the library collection has been fully moved into its new home at the end of 2022, construction can then begin on a state-of-the-art arms and armor gallery, the capstone project for the full integration of the Higgins Armory Collection. The new gallery will add a dynamic dimension to the Worcester Art Museum and draw families, arms and armor enthusiasts, and historians from around the country and the world. These projects are physical signs of the many ways that WAM’s Board, staff, and donors are ensuring the Museum's continued strength and service to the community. Much was also achieved during the past year that is not as visible, but just as important. In September, the Board approved “Foundations for the Future,” the Museum’s Strategic Plan 2022 – 2027. The result of months of hard work, this plan provides a solid framework that will guide us for the next five years. The plan’s cornerstone is newly created Mission, Vision, and Values statements for our organization—continuing the guiding principles set out by our founder, Stephen Salisbury III. These statements will serve as a guide for every decision we make.* None of this work would be possible without the dedication and support of our generous Members, Trustees, donors, and volunteers. Thank you to all who have contributed your time, talents, and financial gifts over the past year. Together we are the Worcester Art Museum and together we will continue its transformative mission. Please enjoy this latest issue of access magazine—and the articles about our exhibitions, programs, and initiatives. I hope to see you here at WAM during the coming months! Stay safe!

Matthias Waschek Jean and Myles McDonough Director

*The Mission, Vision, and Values statements, as well as a summary of the Strategic Plan 2022-2027, can be found at worcesterart.org/about. WORCESTER ART MUSEUM

Board of Trustees 2022

Dorothy Chen-Courtin, President Mark W. Fuller, Vice President Douglas S. Brown, Vice President Sarah G. Berry, Treasurer Susan M. Bassick, Clerk

Lawrence H. Curtis Jennifer Davis Carey James C. Donnelly, Jr. Jennifer C. Glowik-Adams Karen M. Keane Sohail Masood Margaret McEvoy-Ball Thomas P. McGregor Philip R. Morgan Malcolm A. Rogers Jonathan R. Sigel Anne-Marie Soullière Cynthia L. Strauss George W. Tetler III Christina Villena Valerie Zolezzi-Wyndham

Ex Officio – Matthias Waschek Jean and Myles McDonough Director