Gloria Hall, 'Art in the Park' win annual Harvey Ball Smile AwardGloria Hall, 'Art in the Park' win annual Harvey Ball Smile Award

Gloria Hall, "Art in the Park" wins annual Harvey Ball Smile Award

WORCESTER, Mass. – Gloria Hall and the “Art in the Park” team are the recipients of this year’s Harvey Ball Smile Award.

The annual award, presented by the Worcester Historical Museum, honors the memory of Harvey Ball and his world-famous creation, the smiley face. It’s given to to an individual, organization, or group of people whose commitments made a difference in Worcester.

“Art in the Park” is a public art exhibit presenting large-scale sculptures in Elm Park.

Historical museum executive director Bill Wallace said “Art in the Park” was chosen for this year’s award because it has brought culture to the Worcester community and Elm Park for a decade.

“What better opportunity for people to smile than to enjoy “Art in the Park” in this historic park in Worcester,” Wallace said. “Elm Park is celebrating its 170th year. It was the decision of the city council in 1853 to purchase Elm Park, although the deed is 1854. But this is also, it's the 10th anniversary of Art in the Park’s installation and the 15th anniversary of their existence here in the city.”

Hall and the team will receive the award at the 22nd annual Harvey Ball at the St. Spyridon Cultural Center on World Smile Day in October, which is also celebrating 25 years in 2023.