Project Art

Project Art was established in 2006 by gallerist Leslie Ferrin and artist Sergei Isupov as a live-work center for ceramic art. The expansive fully renovated 19th century mill building provides fully equipped private and teaching studios for Isupov and partner Kadri Parnamets. A public gallery, library and all programming is managed by Ferrin Contemporary. Located in rural Massachusetts, the building on Main Street is central to the state designated Cummington Cultural District. The 8000 square foot building is surrounded by gardens created by Leslie’s mother June Ferrin who passed away in 2023. The site overlooks the East Branch of the Westfield River and is adjacent to June’s House where visitors, guests and short term residents can stay to complete projects and research ceramics. 

Ferrin Contemporary maintains a comprehensive library, the gallery archives and manages the public gallery in support of all that takes place in the building. The gallery features recent works by resident and visiting artists and presents selected works from their curated and touring exhibitions. 

Project Art offers community classes, studio space, workshops, and short term residencies for emerging and professional artists, writers, curators, and critics focused on ceramics. We offer support for the completion of research, preparation for exhibitions. Grant funding from the Cummington Cultural District and Massachusetts Cultural Council continues to support our programs and public sculpture visible to all from on Main Street. 

Ferrin Contemporary is open to the public by appointment, select weekends and during programmed events. Project Art’s community classes, master level workshops, artist lectures and demonstrations by resident and visiting artists take place throughout the year. We encourage visitors from throughout the world to suggest an itinerary to visit Project Art and explore the many professional ceramic studios in the Hilltowns and nearby areas. 

Working together, Ferrin Contemporary and Project Art invite the local community and wider public to enjoy shared interests in ceramic art, learn from the artists and provide support for their practice through participation in programs, funding support and collecting ceramic art.