Westfield on Weekends (WOW) will celebrate nationally known artist, sculptor, poet, and storyteller Don Blanton with the opening of “Journey Stories: The World of Don Blanton” on Thursday, February 5 at the WOW Center, 105 Elm Street in Westfield’s Downtown Cultural District. The exhibit and its complementary programming will run through March 25.
A native of Richmond, Indiana, and a longtime Springfield resident, Blanton has built a distinctive body of work across multiple mediums—painting, sculpture, wearable art and murals. His signature “Featherstone” technique creates the illusion of stained glass or marble on wood, stone, or shells. He is equally celebrated for his insightful poetry and storytelling, which reflect his life in Hollywood and in corporate America; his service as a Vietnam War veteran and as a cancer survivor, as well as his journey as an independent Black artist with showings throughout America.
Blanton’s expansive career includes coordinating arts programs for schools, hospitals, retirement communities, and youth organizations. A member of the Springfield Cultural Council, he has served on the teaching faculty of the George Walter Vincent Smith Museum and has lectured at Harvard and other colleges and universities nationwide.
“WOW is thrilled to have begun a collaboration with Don Blanton,” said Kathi Bradford, WOW Center Director. “His work and his journey story offer a powerful narrative of resilience, creativity, and lived experience—perfect for Black History Month and beyond.”
WOW has planned a full schedule of complementary events at the WOW Center and throughout the community to celebrate Blanton’s life and artistry.
Thursdays & Fridays: 6–8 pm; Saturdays: 1–4 pm; Weekdays and Sundays: Open as docent availability allows.
Look for the “Open” sign, check WOW’s Facebook page or call the Center at 413‑579‑5967.
Special group tours and individual showings with the artist may also be arranged upon request.
Saturday, February 7, 1–3 PM
A free public reception will be held on Saturday, February 7, from 1 to 3 pm, with Don Blanton in attendance. Light refreshments and music will be provided.
Week of February 27 • Date to be determined
At the Greater Westfield Boys & Girls Club (Day and Time TBA)
Don Blanton will lead a free creative workshop for Boys & Girls Club members and their parents/guardians during February School Vacation Week at the Greater Westfield Boys & Girls Club on South Broad Street. Participants will explore hands‑on artmaking inspired by Blanton’s techniques and storytelling traditions.
Saturday, March 7, 1–3 PM
at the WOW Center
Visitors are invited to watch Don Blanton at work on his newest large‑scale sculpture, “The Cradle of Civilization,” carved from a five‑foot piece of wood. Guests may observe, ask questions, and experience the creative process up close. Admission is free.
Sunday, March 15, 2 PM
at the WOW Center
To honor Blanton’s love of classical, jazz, and world music, performers from WOW’s “Up Close and Musical” series will present a special cabaret featuring selections that have shaped and accompanied the artist’s life. Admission is free.
Wednesday, March 19, 1 PM
at the WOW Center
“Don Blanton: A Life Well‑Lived” will feature a lively, wide‑ranging conversation with the artist, moderated by Bob Plasse, WOW President, co‑curator, and local TV/radio personality. Audience members will be invited to join the discussion, and light refreshments will be served.
The program will be recorded for future broadcast on WSFD Community Television and archived on YouTube.
For more information, call 413‑579‑5967.
The “Journey Stories” programming of Westfield on Weekends is funded in part by grants from the Westfield Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the sponsorship of Lisa Olesak Sullivan of Coldwell Banker Realty, former Mayor/City Councilor Richard K. Sullivan Jr., and Attorney Richard “Kick” Sullivan III with in‑kind support from Reminder Publications.
Westfield on Weekends is a 501(c)(3) volunteer nonprofit dedicated to enhancing community life through accessible and affordable programming that celebrates the diversity of life in Westfield.
