November 02, 2009 - Anything that people are passionate about can create common ground for interaction and friendship. With this perspective in mind, the Spaulding R. Aldrich Heritage Gallery brings a rotating selection of art to Northbridge.

“There’s always something going on here,” said Tom Saupe Alternatives Director of Community Outreach.

Alternatives offers a number of services to people with developmental and psychiatric disabilities. One of the goals of the organization is to reintroduce them back into the community, said Saupe. Cultural events and art are some of the areas where people can connect with each other based on common interests, he said.

“It’s an opportunity for the people we serve to rub elbows and hopefully start forming relationships with the community,” said Saupe. “It’s very much a part of the inclusion process.”

The gallery also serves as a way of giving back to the community. It offers art installations at a local venue. Recent shows have included underwater photography by National Geographic photographer Brian Skerry. Currently, the display area features photographs by Worcester resident Edward T. Bissell. An upcoming instillation will feature large outdoor sculptures from The “Y” Project which is currently in Provincetown.

“When we renovated the facility here it was always meant to have several cultural components,” said Saupe. Approximately six shows rotate through the gallery every year. Some shows are held longer in response to popular demand.

In addition to the exhibition, there is often a lecture from the artist themselves. The opening of a new show is always open to the public and the artist is usually present for the artist’s reception.

“Folks can come and meet artists and learn a little bit about what they are doing,” said Saupe.

The next opening will be in the beginning of December. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with weekend hours by appointment.