Polly Becker

Polly Becker is a Boston-based illustrator and artist. Her work has appeared in countless magazines and newspapers and has been honored with numerous awards from such juried competitions as Communication Arts Illustration Annual, American Illustration, The Society of Publication Designers and The Society of Illustrators. Her work has been published worldwide and exhibited in solo and group shows in the US, Europe and the Middle East. She received a BFA from Rhode Island School of Design where she is currently teaching, along with Massachusetts College of Art & Design. Polly lives in Boston with her husband, two sons, and Pearl, a miniature greyhound.

Michela Davidson

Michela Davidson is from Boston and has been attending Gateway Arts since 2021. Davidson grew up surrounded by artists and has been creating since a young age. She enjoys working with a wide variety of materials but has a particular fondness for collage and embroidery. She loves vintage fashion and often draws inspiration from old photographs and objects. Davidson’s work has been shown at the Fort Point Artists’ Community.

Hyphen Artists

The eight residents of 525 South Street exhibit their collage works in our annex gallery. 

about hyphen

1 in 5 people in the United States have learning or thinking differences. With a shared-purpose and vision, we break down barriers and create community where everyone is included and our differences are celebrated. Hyphen is where people of all abilities join together to demonstrate what creativity and inclusion truly means. Located on Cape Cod in the HyArts district of Hyannis, we are a community of multi-talented artists, performers, designers, makers, teachers, students, and friends who embrace what connects us all. Get involved and add your voice to our movement.

q & a with susan battista, creator-curator

q: Why the name Hyphen?

a: Quite literally, Hyphen is a sign used to join two words or thoughts together to create a new or enhanced meaning—it’s a connection. Hyphen is based on the premise that by joining together, we create something greater than ourselves. Hyphen is a community of multi-talented, differently-thinking, high-spirited people who are changing how differences are viewed. (We are located in Hyannis so there’s that connection to our name too.)

q: Why is Hyphen here?

a: The proverb “it takes a village” is especially meaningful to me and our decision to locate in Hyannis. All of us benefit from positivity, encouragement, and mentorship to reach our fullest potential in life. Hyphen is here in Hyannis to harness the power of this community which is welcoming, supportive, and inclusive.

q: What would you like people to know about Hyphen?

a: What started as a vision has grown into a community of believers. Hyphen will continually build friendship, partnership, and mentorship for our community of extraordinary individuals.

q: What’s next for Hyphen

a: Hyphen is always looking ahead and moving forward. We have no preconceived notions of where Hyphen may go and what Hyphen may do—anything is possible.