Art Exhibit Opening

The JCA Art Gallery Presents a new Exhibit: Growth, Hope, and Glitter with local artist

**Amherst, Massachusetts-** The Jewish Community of Amherst Art Gallery is excited to announce the opening of a new exhibit, *Growth, Hope, and Glitter*, by local artist, Rachael Brooke Goren on Wednesday, March 5, from 5-7pm.

The JCA Visual Arts Committee is committed to enhancing the artistic life of the community and is proud to highlight the work of Amherst resident, Rachael Brooke Goren, with an exhibit that is inspired by growth, change, and a little sparkle. 

“I put together this exhibit during *Tu B’shvat*, the Jewish holiday that celebrates trees, with ice and snow covering the earth, and yet knowing that despite the freezing temperatures, a concerning political landscape, and the darkness that seems to envelope us in this wintry moment– growth is still occurring under it all. Perhaps it is my relentless optimism and hope, but I continue to believe in our abilities to grow, improve, dig deeper, shine brighter, sparkle more, and connect to love, joy, and truth.”

The art work includes a collection of trees and images from nature, abstracts, and faces, on canvas and glass, with a mixture of mediums including acrylic paint, repurposed jewelry, and her favorite, glitter. 

“Creating is a messy and sometimes emotional process, with ups and downs and glitter everywhere. Courage is necessary for creativity- with a combination of vulnerability and strength, and space to play, laugh, cry, emote, and be present in the process.”

Goren is a clinical psychologist and co-owner of Learning Solutions, an assessment practice in Northampton, where she serves as the director of training and conducts neuropsychological assessments. She weaves her work into her art and describes “hope is fundamental to me in creating- hope that we can make a better world and that just because something is broken does not mean it cannot be made into something more valuable, beautiful, and meaningful.”

The exhibit is up from March 5 - April 25, 2025 at the JCA, 742 Main Street, Amherst. Gallery hours are Tuesdays through Fridays, 10am-3pm; Saturdays 10am-1pm and extended hours until 6pm on Wednesdays and most Fridays. Feel free to call the JCA office to confirm open hours: 413-256-0160. More of Goren’s work can be seen on her website: www.eclecticjudaica.com.