This year marks the 14th iteration of FAM’s annual Call and Response collaboration with ArtsWorcester. The exhibition features ten works by ArtsWorcester artists, created in response to ten from FAM’s permanent collection. This year’s theme is Kindred and features ArtWorcester artists:

Cynthia Dorsey, Claudio Eshun, AKA Don Claude, Lisa Hayden, Jack Keough, Kathy Murray, Amanda Oakleaf, Deborah Santoro, Mari Saxon, May Lee Tom, and Liang Yuan.

The term, “kindred,” reflects the various ways people feel connected to one another. The most common definition of kinship is family. Families can be biologically connected, sharing ancestral lineage and rich traditions that span generations. Families can also be found and forged in love and friendship. In fact, sometimes the deepest connections are formed through mutual experiences or shared beliefs. Queer communities celebrate shared identities and create spaces where people can authentically be themselves. Joint pursuits such as shared interests, hobbies, or passions are fertile ground to establish strong relationships. People are united in common goals through careers, school, or clubs, which all foster natural camaraderie. The ArtsWorcester selections, in combination with FAM’s permanent collection, are representative of all types of kinship.

Call and Response: Kindred is on view until September 13, 2026. This exhibition was organized by FAM’s Terry and Eva Herndon Assistant Curator Sarah Harper.