Spring into Local Art!

As the weather warms up, art galleries in Lowell are blooming with new colors, mediums, and creative expression. Throughout the spring, local museums and artist collectives are presenting everything from modern contemporary work to traditional fine art. Check out these new exhibits and get inspired by the beauty and history of Lowell’s bustling artist community.

Museums

The Whistler House Museum of Art is the birthplace of internationally famous artist James Mcneill Whistler, and houses a permanent collection of late 19th century and early 20th century artwork by established Merrimack Valley artists and beyond. The historic house has a fully restored décor from Whistler’s time period and is also deeply embedded in the history of Lowell, but also holds contemporary galleries and even multiple working studios, where current artists continue to create. In the contemporary Parker Gallery, “Visual Voices IX” runs to April 4 (with a reception on April 4, 2 – 4 pm). The Whistler House is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 11am-4pm, either for open tours or guided tours with one of their knowledgeable volunteers.

The New England Quilt Museum presents both traditional and modern quilts from established fabric artists. Their current exhibit, "Salvaged,” by fiber artist Jennifer Regan, will be on display through April 4. Her artworks intertwine the Italian Renaissance, Freudian psychology, pop culture, religion, quilt tradition and poetry to explore women’s role in society. Also on display is “Stories of West Africa,” by Hollis Chatelain, exploring West African culture, family, and heritage. Chatelain is an internationally recognized and award-winning artist specializing in textile painting, and her exhibit featuring the warmth of the West African community will be on display through April 25.

Contemporary Galleries

A few streets away, the Brush Art Gallery and Studios has a busy schedule of events that incorporate art, community, and nature. The Four by Four exhibit runs March 4 to March 14, and includes a variety of wildly different pieces, each painted on 4x4” canvases. An art raffle on March 14 will raise funds for a $1,000 Brush Scholarship for UMass Lowell and Special Perspectives programming, which brings art instruction to challenged adults.

The Brush is also presenting “Benefits of Lowell’s Urban Environment,” a series of outdoor activities designed to bring awareness of the urban environment to our community. The series began in August 2019 and continues through April 2020, and includes partnerships with the Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust, Lowell Cemetery, Lowell National Historical Park, and Lowell High School.

On Saturday, March 7 at 1-3:30 PM, Chez Claire Art Studio is hosting a step-by-step painting class for beginners and experts alike at the Brush Gallery. Claire Gagnon is an established artist working in Lowell and the surrounding areas, and shares her years of experience in fun, engaging classes across a variety of mediums. Gagnon also offers portrait drawing, acrylic, and watercolor classes for adults, each with materials provided. Her schedule is available online.

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation has a unique display running through April 10 titled “The Latin Dictionary Series–Evolution” by Lowell-based artist Maxine Farkas. Inspired by the urban landscape and her training as a geographer, her pieces combine medium, texture, and tone to create compelling works of modern art.

Gallery Z is hosting an artist’s reception for the provocative collection “Bodyscapes” on March 14, 4-6pm. The exhibit features representations of the human figure in all forms, styles, and mediums, and reflects both traditional and modern forms of figure drawing and painting. Later in the month, Gallery Z is welcoming spring with a Paint Nite with artist Donna Howard. On March 21 at 7pm, relax and learn to paint a unique sunflower composition with friends, family, and other artists in a unique and inspiring gallery space.

Artist Collectives

At the Arts League of Lowell, “Faces,” an exhibit on the art of portraiture, is on display until April 19. Also on display is a collection of works by the talented members of ALL. Check out local artists showcasing at the Cooperative Gallery, open Wednesday to Saturday 12-6pm and Sundays 12-4pm.

Western Avenue Studios is an artist collective that offers workspace and a vibrant community to both established artists and new members. Check out their beautiful space and the creativity of its occupants at the Open Studio from 12-5pm this Saturday, March 7, and see what the residents of Western Avenue Studios have been working on!

Also at Western Ave, The Loading Dock Gallery is proud to present their newest exhibit from a collection of established Merrimack Valley fiber artists. The group “Joined by a Stitch” makes fiber art ranging from realistic to traditional to abstract using a range of techniques and methods, and their show will be on display from March 4 through March 29. The gallery is open from 12-5:30pm Wednesday-Saturday (and 12-4pm on Sunday), so take a stroll down to Western Ave Studios and see their amazing exhibit!

At Ayer Lofts Art Gallery on March 7-29, emerging UMass Lowell artists are presenting a creative exhibit entitled “Inside & Out,” experimenting with different mediums, compositions, and textures to create an engaging and exciting collection of artwork. Come meet the artists and explore the Lofts at the artist reception on March 7, 5-8pm.