Worcester artists featured in the state Senate

BOSTON — Inside the Senate, the walls are lined with art. Different senators get to bring in art from their districts. And when it was Sen. Robyn Kennedy’s (D-First Worcester) turns, she knew exactly what she wanted to display.

“Catch the Fire,” a curated collection of art from Black artists in the Worcester area, now hangs in the Senate. 

“It really speaks to the history of this building of our Commonwealth. And when you look at some of this artwork, it really reflects the best of our community,” said Kennedy. 

For artist Jennessa Burks, this art represents what she experiences as a Black woman in the world and what her daughter is now experiencing. 

“She started asking me all these questions about, like, ‘why are people treated differently based on what they look like?’ And she was really grappling with that. And in that moment, I knew some of her innocence was leaving. And it was hard as a mom to watch that. But at the same time, I knew that it was like the birth of an activist happening in that moment.”

Burks’ daughter is now four years older than when the piece was originally created. Several pieces of Jenessa’s art are being displayed in the Senate, but what she’s most proud of is the young woman she’s raising. 

“I remember reflecting afterwards and thinking like, ‘I have no idea where she’s going to go,’” Burks said. “I trust that it’s a good place because she just has the heart of an activist and a kind soul.”

The art will hang in the Senate until early September and all who come to the State House can come and see it.