MassLive recently asked readers to identify people they consider Black leaders in Massachusetts, working to make a difference in politics, education, business, the arts or another area of interest.
Profiles of these leaders will be published leading up to the Juneteenth holiday on June 19. These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.
Rosemary Woods
Age: 81
Community: Springfield
Her story: As the owner and operator of Art for the Soul Gallery in Springfield, Rosemary Woods has brought several powerful exhibits to the community that advocate for artists of color and artists with disabilities.
These exhibits have included “TANGO- Contemporary Art of Argentina,” “Radiant: Women of Color,” and “Ten Little N***** Girls: A Works-in-Progress, Open Studio Exhibition and the ensuing community conversations about race.”
The latter brought in record-breaking attendance to the gallery and marked a collaboration between local college and university art departments along with the Healing Racism Institute of the Pioneer Valley, according to Art for the Soul’s website.
“I believe art has true power,” Woods told MassLive. “These are just a few of the striking exhibitions I’ve brought to the community, all coupled with workshops, demonstrations, and/or artist panels that engage the community further.”
Growing up in Philadelphia and frequenting the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Woods never saw artists of color until she met the niece of Henry Ossawa Tanner, a prominent African American artist. This encounter inspired Woods to advocate for getting more artists of color into museum and galleries, including her own.
Working in Connecticut and living in Massachusetts, Woods got involved in the Massachusetts Cultural Council and was later appointed by Governor Deval Patrick to create galleries in downtown spaces.
Woods, who specializes in contemporary African American art and the art of the Harlem Renaissance, opened the Artist Square Group Gallery which later re-opened as Art for the Soul Gallery at 235 State St. She opened a second gallery location in downtown Springfield at Tower Square in late 2015.
As the gallery evolved, Woods recruited the help of Artistic Director and Chief Curator William “Billy” Myers. Through their collaboration, Woods and Myers have brought some of this country’s most renowned artists of color, especially African American artists, to Springfield art lovers.
“Between the two locations at Tower Square and the Classical Condominiums, I have brought art exhibitions and programs that highlight emerging and established artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines,” Woods said. “The projects involved with are ones that serve the community, in the capacity of paint parties, installation of murals, and encouraging everyone to create.”
In her words: “Pursue your dreams — work for passion, don’t work for money.”
We’re always open to hearing about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.