The 'Room of Wonders: A Worcester Wunderkammer' exhibition has opened at the Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Art Gallery at the Priory Arts Center, College of the Holy Cross. Curated by Birgit Straehle, the show features works by artists including Abu Mwenye, Caelum Lam, Jose Vicente Criollo, and Madeleine Lord, with sculptures such as Criollo's 'Night Owl' (2025) and 'Fish' (2023), and Lord's 'Old Friends' (2022) and 'Saint Recyclus' (2024). The opening reception took place on June 6, 2025, drawing local arts organizer Tina Zlody and Holy Cross staff member Casey Denis.
This exhibition matters because it transforms the college gallery into a contemporary 'cabinet of curiosities,' connecting historical Wunderkammer traditions with local Worcester artists and recycled-metal sculpture. It highlights the role of academic art spaces in fostering community engagement and showcasing regional talent, reinforcing Holy Cross's commitment to arts programming and inclusive dialogue through events like the opening reception.