“In creating the Art Stops program, we didn’t simply focus on artistic quality, but rather, weighed innovation heavily in placement,” said Morgan Drewniary, Executive Director of the Springfield Central Cultural District (SCCD).  “Marcus’ work exemplifies this spirit – he is a young artist looking internally for inspiration, and then reaching for a bevy of materials to express his vision, weaving gold, leather, and silk into his paintings. The product is something accessible, but intensely personal, that appeals to a very wide audience.”

While Hickley’s art will be showcased at the UMass Center through the end of September, four other artists’ works will be displayed at 1550 Main Street, New England Public Radio (NEPR), the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM), and the TD Bank Building.  In NEPR will be Lynn Sisler, with mixed-media pieces inspired by the natural world. 1550 Main will feature Frank Carter, a well-known painter out of Indian Orchard Mills, displaying large, colorful paintings.  Amanda Tobin, a recent graduate working with acrylic and unusual items like sand, will show in CFWM. The TD Bank Building will display the photography of Joanne Bell, featuring local shots.