Stroke by Stroke: The Art of Bill Griffiths is a comprehensive look at the many lives Griffiths has lived through his art.
Bill Griffiths has lived, taught, and created in Worcester for over 50 years. A technical master of color, light, and the human form, Griffiths influenced generations of artists during his 40-plus years as an educator at the Worcester Art Museum (WAM).
The exhibition title “Stroke by Stroke” carries a triple meaning: noting the many individual marks needed to complete each piece, the role art has played in Bill’s physical recovery from multiple strokes, and a dose of Bill’s signature cheeky humor. The show will feature selections from Bill’s many chapters, from advertisements to studies in color and form, and from historical mythology to deeply personal works - some of which have never been shown publicly, including:
The Salvador Series: A poignant tribute to his former lover and muse who died of AIDS in the 1980s.
Gems: Bill’s most recent series, serving as the visual manifestation of his recovery from a series of strokes as he relearned hand-eye coordination through practice.
Lewdie Nudies: a selection of Bill’s erotic works. To ensure the artist’s work remains uncensored while providing viewers the choice to engage with adult content, these pieces will be presented in a separate room next to the main gallery.
Opening Reception: Friday, March 27, 2026 6-9pm. In addition to mingling and light refreshments, brief remarks from the show producers are planned for 7pm. Free to attend, though donations to the Gallery are graciously accepted.
Gallery Hours: Fridays 4-8pm, Saturdays 12-6pm. Private viewings available by appointment.
Stroke by Stroke will be on view at Hunchback Gallery through April 25, 2026. Hunchback Gallery is on the 2nd floor of 75 Webster Street. Free parking is available in the lot across the street (behind 78 Webster Street).
Accessibility: Please be advised that due to a recent utility disruption in a neighboring building, the Gallery is currently operating on generator power. As a result, the freight elevator is temporarily out of service, and the Gallery is currently accessible only by stairs. Building management are working to restore full power and elevator access, but as of this writing it is unknown when this will be resolved. Guests with mobility concerns are encouraged to contact the Gallery directly with any questions.