In a city like Worcester where arts and culture flourish, you don’t have to look far to find the people who make this possible. There is one organization in particular that is looking for interested artists in the community to showcase their work and promote the arts in Worcester in a new and unique style. ANT! (arts’n’things) was started early last year by Doug Chapel and Cheryl Krylowicz, and since its inception Doug has worked with local groups and organizations like the Worcester Artists Group to promote local talent.
“ANT! was created initially so that Cheryl and I could start our own arts events in Worcester,” Doug explains. “Now it’s evolved into an organization that not only puts on events, but also looks for opportunities for artists as well as constant improvement of artists’ self-promotion. ANT! is constantly evolving.”
Doug Chapel is a Worcester resident who attended Wachusett Regional High School and attended both the Massachusetts College of Art and Assumption College before interning at Worcester Magazine, where he currently has his cartoon Action Geek published bi-weekly.
Cheryl Krylowicz creates a variety of home products in her vast factory studio including light switch plates, lamps, and custom toilet seats. ANT!’s presence in the community has really begun to make itself known. Most recently, in conjunction with stART in the Streets, DC-FIY (Don’t Complain — Do It Yourself), and the Worcester Cultural Coalition, Spring Arts at the Station was held in March at Union Station to promote the work of local artists and was well received.
In addition to all of his work with ANT!, Doug is also the co-founder of the Diner City Scooter Club, a group of people who meet and greet patrons at diners and bars in and around the Worcester area.
Upcoming events: On Saturday, May 14 at Union Station, as part of Wake Up to Worcester Week, there will be a day full of FREE family activities including artist studio tours, artist banner projects, and more. The Diner City Scooter Club is inviting everyone with a scooter, motorcycle, moped, or bicycle to join them on Saturday, July 2 at 1:00pm at Ralph’s Diner on Grove Street for Summer Scoot ’05. On Sunday, September 25 from noon until 5:00pm, join ANT! for ANT! Farm on Harlow Street. There will also be live music and performers all day long.
For more information or to get involved, contact Doug Chapel at doug@dsquared.org.