November’s arrival foreshadows the holiday season, bringing new opportunities to explore and shop for arts and crafts that are unique to Lowell. These handmade items serve as gifts for friends and family, others as festive decorations for the upcoming holidays.
Western Avenue Studios
Western Avenue Studio’s (WAS) November open studios this Saturday, November 2nd, begins the holiday season. Open Studio provides opportunities to examine WAS Artists’ distinctive art styles and gives attendees insight into each artist’s inspiration and creativity. Every Saturday, until the end of November, from noon – 5 p.m. the studio will have art on display for viewing and purchasing, providing locally handmade gifts, alongside gift-able art classes. This Saturday, Wretched Hive Creations will have a few highly detailed projects on display, such as “The Bith Hands,” that show the ability to make art as detailed as possible.
If you need a break from WAS browsing and shopping, checkout Navigation Brewing. The brewery, a part of WAS, provides a taproom for specialty, rotating ales and seasonal brews. Opening at 2 p.m. every day, the taproom is often accompanied by a food truck providing local eats.
Mill No. 5
Coffee and Cotton, Mill No. 5’s café, provides locals with coffee, espresso, lattes, and an open mic for those interested in a warm drink and some live entertainment. Every first Saturday of the month, Santi C performs on stage at the café, providing entertaining covers of hit songs by pop artists. Every second Saturday of the month, the same mic opens for LGBTQ+ talent giving professionals and amateur performers a chance to share their poetry, dancing, and songwriting.
A Little Bazaar continues to open pop-ups of unique hand-crafted goods, clothing, and treats. The Makers Market, opening Saturday November 9th at noon, supports the best local designers who provide high-quality apparel, jewelry, ceramics and more.
Return to Mill No.5 the following Saturday, November 16th, for the opening of the Hibernate Marketplace & Caturday. With support by the Lowell Humane Society, this marketplace helps celebrate all things cozy and comfy.
Gallery Z
Gallery Z begins their holiday season with a holiday gift market on Saturday November 9th. This marketplace includes handmade crafts, paintings, pottery, jewelry, and floral arrangements. The market supports local businesses while giving locals the chance to stock up on decorations and gifts for friends and family. The artist co-operative sells paintings by New England artists, using different genres and mediums, providing options for unique interests.
Brush Art Gallery and Studios
The Brush Art Gallery continues to provide museum quality exhibits, educational programs, and shopping opportunities for Lowell. With the goal of keeping visual arts alive, the gallery demonstrates the diverse culture and skills of local artists, making it a destination for everyone to enjoy. Open each day, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Brush features nine different studios and shops that create and sell paintings, jewelry, quilts, cards, ceramics, and other gifts in time for the holiday spirit.
New England Quilt Museum Shop and ALL Gallery
For more creative shopping, visit the New England Quilt Museum (NEQM) for an array of fabrics transformed into sculptures, quilts, and clothing. The gallery has preserved more than 400 antique and contemporary quilts along with sewing machines, clothing, bags, cards, and other items. The quilts are spread over two floors, varying in size, color, and shape, creating detailed story-telling art rather than bed pieces. The NEQM shop offers a variety of options including jewelry, books, plushies, bags, and much more
The ALL Gallery also has artwork for sale for those looking for special gifts by local artists. Just next door to the gallery, Van Gogh’s Gear provides art and drawing supplies for the artist on your list. Offering quality brushes, paper, paints, and canvases, Van Gogh’s supplies carries essential tools for painters, drawers, and crafters of every skill level.