WESTFIELD – Westfield on Weekends Creative Arts Center is honoring the work of nationally recognized local artist Don Blanton until March 25.
As a way to honor its mission and enrich the Westfield community with creativity and accessible artistic events, WOW will celebrate Blanton through a running exhibit named “Journey Stories: The World of Don Blanton” and a variety of public events.
The exhibit opened on Feb. 5.
Blanton is a sculptor, poet, and storyteller who offers a perspective of his own multilayered life as a veteran, cancer survivor and an independent Black artist living in America.
“To have a national artist in a gallery like this is really important for a town because in order to see art of this quality, you have to go to New York, the Springfield Museums, maybe to Williamstown or wherever. But to have it right here on our Elm Street, it’s a gift to our city and a gift to anyone who appreciates qualities — art of exceptionally wonderful storytelling through art,” said Bob Plasse, president of WOW.
Plasse emphasized that Blanton’s work carries even greater weight in today’s world, saying, “Now, at this time, it is so important in a world that is kind of … that is fractured, that has to learn the value of difference, to learn that compassion and empathy are central in our approach. We have to celebrate the history of America. The true history of America, the honest history of America, and as a Black artist, Don’s work represents that in ways that are, well, they make you think. And they make you remember more than anything.”
Blanton’s exhibit displays pieces that invite the onlooker into his world, his past and his journey.
Carefully carved stone and wood sculptures tower, and vibrant displays of African faces gleam, their surfaces alive with bold color and intricate detail. Some of the works are finished using Blanton’s signature “Featherstone” technique, a method he developed after years of research that creates the illusion of stained glass or polished marble on natural materials such as wood and stone.
However, this innovation reflects a long-standing commitment to self-directed learning, Blanton explained.
“I’ve taught myself a lot. I’ve taught myself how to sculpt. A lot of the paintings,” he said. “I’ve gone to school and been educated, but a lot of it was so basic. My brother and I both, it was almost a joke … we were asked to help with class.”
That spirit of independence and lifelong learning is central to the exhibit, which Blanton described as a reflection of his life’s journey and artistic evolution. The show is designed not only to highlight his technical achievements, but also to inspire those who experience it.
The exhibit is designed to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Blanton said he hopes attendees walk away with a renewed sense of possibility and belonging.
“I want people to leave here understanding that we all can contribute, and we all can be smart — very smart. Man or woman,” he said. “And conversely, I would love people to leave here with the sense that the WOW Center is a place that is accessible and has programming that appeals to everyone. And I especially want families to consider bringing their children, exposing them early to quality art, and to teach them that art tells a wonderful journey story.”
Although the exhibit is dedicated to the journey of Blanton, his journey is far from over.
“So, the journey doesn’t just mean now, in 2026, because some of the work represents things that happened in life. My journey brought me right here, and we will continue from here. And we’re not sure of where it’s gonna continue, where we’ll go from here, but we will,” Blanton said.
Throughout the months of February and March, the WOW Center will hold events open to the public, including a classical jazz performance, a children’s workshop, an artist at work reception, and more. Both Blanton and Plasse mentioned their personal excitement for the Artist At Work reception, where Blanton will carve a large log that his neighbor had given to him.
“A neighbor of mine across the street was cutting down a tree, and I went over and told him, ‘D, don’t cut that part. Leave it. I’m sculpting from that,” Blanton said.
Plasse said, “Don makes himself available to his community, and I’m so grateful that Westfield is his community . . . The title of the piece is, ‘The Cradle of Civilization.’ I’ll be very interested to see it at the end.”
The Artist At Work reception will take place on March 7 from 1-3 p.m.
Through sculpture, storytelling and live demonstration, “Journey Stories” offers visitors a chance to reflect on history, identity and shared humanity — themes that both the artist and the WOW Center say remain as urgent as ever. The WOW Creative Arts Center can be found at 105 Elm St., and the building’s hours vary.
The exhibition’s hours are 6-8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and 1-4 p.m. on Saturdays. Special group tours and individual showings with the artist may also be arranged upon request.
