WWHP Women in “No Evil Project” Exhibit at the Hanover Theatre

“Old news” is “good news” when reporting about the December 5, 2011, opening reception for the “No Evil Project” banners at the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts. Several WWHP Steering Committee members are pictured on the banners and some were on hand for the opening reception, including Jeana Edmonds, Beth Harding, her daughter Megan, Dianne Bruce and WWHP past President, Fran Langille (pictured in photo below).

The exhibit is the “brain child” of Troy B. Thompson, photographer, owner of Daedal Creations and creator of the Social Web. Troy has assisted many local non-profits in designing and updating their websites, including WWHP’s. Now he’s blended his creativity, computer skills and photography to create the “No Evil Project” and launched his first exhibit at the Hanover Theatre! “Why not start out big”, says Troy, and indeed he has, with three banners, one 13’ 8” wide x 19’ 6” high and two at 5’ 8” wide x 19’ 6” high!!

The Hanover Theatre seems a most fitting location for the premiere of this unique exhibit. The Hanover was re-opened in 2008 after being restored to its former glory at a cost of $31 million. The original Franklin Square Theatre, built in 1904 as a vaudeville house, was redesigned in 1926 in the “grand tradition of the most ornate film theaters of the day” by architect Thomas Lamb (He later designed the Boston Opera House.). It became known as the “Poli Palace.” On the second level lobby of the theatre, Lamb created the “promenade” and installed mirrors on the opposite wall to reflect the images of those attending the theatre. It has been said that when asked why there were mirrors instead of windows looking out over the city Lamb responded that the people are the city and he wanted them to view their reflections as they walk along the promenade.

In like fashion, the “No Evil Project” is a reflection of people of the city and in its own unique way celebrates their diversity. Troy is quoted in an article in “Pulse Magazine” as saying: “The collection is a positive message that shows a variety of people doing good in their community.”

The exhibit contains sets of 250 people and includes an interactive 23-inch touchscreen kiosk which allows visitors to learn more about the people in the exhibit. See the “No Evil Project” at www.noevilproject.com.

“I don't believe the majority of people out there are evil or that they think others are. I believe a variety of ideas and experiences leads to stronger, more vibrant communities and better solutions to the problems we face. We should be proud of our differences and how we contribute to soci-ety, rather than trying to blend in.” —Troy B. Thompson

This premiere exhibit was partially funded by the Greater Worcester Community Foundation. Donations (tax-deductible) are still accepted and may be made through the Hanover Theatre to fund and expand the project at www.noevilproject.com/how-help/donations.

The WWHP women in the display are Fran Langille, Mary Plummer, Regina Edmonds, Louise Gleason, Charlene Martin, Maureen Ryan Doyle, Hanna Solska, Dianne Bruce & Nancy Avila.