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.

Curtains are Rising on Upcoming Lowell Production

Not only does Lowell have a bustling artist community and a vibrant music scene, it also happens to be an epicenter for innovative and original theatrical performance, both from emerging groups and established theater companies throughout the city. In March, exciting productions are taking center stage at the Merrimack Repertory Theatre and the Lowell Memorial Auditorium, as well as other smaller venues. Don’t miss these original works from talented thespians exploring Lowell’s history and culture through theater, poetry, and expression.

Merrimack Repertory Theatre

Emerging group The Free Soil Arts Collective strives to illuminate underrepresented populations from the Merrimack Valley and beyond by telling their stories, in their own voices. In March, The Free Soil Arts Collective is partnering with the Merrimack Repertory Theatre for a production of Nina Simone: Four Women, a show about women, black history, and social protest. It’s a powerful tribute to the activist and singer Nina Simone, as well as a meditative story about different African American perspectives through the eyes of four very different women. Catch it on stage now through March 8, and use the code FREESOIL at online checkout to receive $10 off the price of general admission.

Also at the MRT this month is the premiere of a Lowell-based original play, produced by Genevra Gallo-Bayiates and directed by Jessica Hutchinson. The Lowell Offering was the world’s first magazine written solely by women, and was born out of the Mill Girl culture of Lowell’s famous cotton mills. The play The Lowell Offering is the story of the magazine, the mills, and the women behind its success and, ultimately, the fall of the mills and its community. It’s a unique perspective into historic Lowell, as well as a meditation on friendship, women’s rights, and the Mill Girl spirit. The Lowell Offering will be running March 18 through April 12, so be sure to book your tickets on the MRT website soon.

Lowell Memorial Auditorium

Sometimes, cheesy movies are so bad that they’re good. This month, the beloved television series Mystery Science Theater 3000 brings their uniquely cheesy take on comedy to the Lowell Memorial Auditorium on Wednesday, March 4 at 7 p.m. Watch original creator Joel and his robot friends crack witty remarks at the world’s worst movies; it’s a cross between theater and comedy, and is a blast for both kids and kids-at-heart.  Tickets are available online at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium website.

Poetry Readings

On March 12 at 7 p.m in the Pollard Memorial Library, Women and Work is presenting a sneak-peak of the original play The Lowell Offering in conjunction with an original poetry reading for a night of historic and contemporary thought. This mini-production will feature Kate Hanson Foster, Sarah Sousa, and Cindy Veach with cast members of The Lowell Offering, and is free and open to the public.

Emerging Student Performances

Talented students from Lowell schools are ending the month with an array of exciting performances. The students at the Collegiate Charter School of Lowell will be presenting a play at the Hellenic American Academy this weekend (February 28 at 7pm and February 29 at 3pm), directed by Free Soil Arts founder Christa Brown. Their original play touches on themes of black history, diversity, and identity, and is a great way to support emerging artists and the community. The event is free and open to the public. 

At the college level, UMass Lowell’s talented comedy troupe Comedically Induced Improv will be presenting the “Sorry We Didn’t Do a Show in December” Improv Showcase at Fox Commons on February 28 from 7-9pm. The comedy captains are inviting anyone with a bit of a funny bone to join them on stage and laugh both with them AND at them, so get ready for a world of puns, gags, and an all-around good time.

For both theater-lovers and those new to the art, Lowell productions are a great way to spend an evening immersed in the culture and heritage of the city. For more events, upcoming plays and performances, and even more live shows, visit http://www.likelowell.com/

Start Warming Up for Winterfest!

February starts tomorrow, which means that Lowell’s annual winter celebration Winterfest is coming up fast! On Friday, February 21 from 5-10pm and Saturday, February 22 from 11am-10pm, Lowell’s downtown will become a bustling center for wintry activities (or, if the weather remains the same, spring-like activities). This year’s Winterfest will be a mixture of old traditions and soon-to-be favorites for the whole family.

Returning Food Picks

Just like last year, culinary masters from around Lowell will showcase a variety of foods for all taste buds. Winterfest's Richard Rourke Memorial Soup Bowl Contest returns on Saturday, February 22, with new soup entries, all battling for the title of best soup, and there are some real strong contenders:

• Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell

• YouthBuild Lowell Culinary

• Chowder Factory

• Nennie's Cafe

• Purple Carrot Bread Co.

• Panela Restaurant

• Fuse Bistro

• Life Alive

• Coffee and Cotton

• Cobblestones Restaurant

Food trucks like Empanada Dada, Shuck food truck, Chez Rafiki’s, The “Pig Rig,”Chicks and Dogs, and Souped Up will also be street-side, so there’s always a chance to warm up with some great food. Of course, no Winterfest would be complete without dessert. The all-you-can-eat chocolate festival will return on Saturday, February 22 from 11 am to 4 pm at St. Anne's Episcopal Church.

Family-Friendly Fun

Besides food, there are lots of activities for all members of the family to enjoy. The fan-favorite carousel will be back to take the young and the young-at-heart for a ride. A real horse-drawn wagon will also take families for a ride at Lucy Larcom Park, and the ice rink at JFK Plaza will be back for festival-goers to show off their skating skills. Performers will showcase their amazing talents at Winterfest. Cirque de Light’s stilt walkers and fire dancers will provide great free entertainment for the whole family on Friday and Saturday, while Vince the Bubble Guy will appear on Saturday from 3-5pm to delight all with bubble magic.

New Music

This year’s music will bring something new to Winterfest. The group Lux will perform at Winterfest for the first time, delivering “ funky / jazzy / quirky / entertaining / engaging” tunes well into the evening. Also joining the lineup this year will be the Boston-based band The 1999, performing a variety of hits across all decades that are sure to get everyone dancing. Down on Farragut, a trio of local musicians, will play classic rock and favorites.

Winter Market

Every year, the winter market showcases local makers and food vendors, and every year Lowell’s creative artisans bring something new and unique to the table. For those looking for one-of-a-kind fashion accessories or maybe just some sturdy mittens for the winter chill, the winter market is the perfect place to find something fun while supporting local artists.

Regardless of how you spend your Winterfest, what’s most exciting about the upcoming event is the opportunity for people of all ages to explore amazing events, have fun with each other, and find something new to enjoy. Whether it’s a recurring favorite activity or a new find, it’s worth bracing for the winter chill and heading to downtown Lowell to be a part of the fun.

For more information and a schedule of events, go to https://www.lowellwinterfest.com/

Holiday Happenings Coming in December

The City of Lights Parade and Celebration has sparked the holiday season, and as we move into December there are plenty of festive entertainment and shopping opportunities coming up to keep you in the holiday spirit.

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Courtesy of Boston Pops

Entertainment

On December 16th Keith Lockhart conducts the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra in a performance of their beloved Holiday Pops concert at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium from 2:30 – 4:30 PM. Audience members can expect to hear some holiday classics, several new arrangements of seasonal favorites and their signature rendition of Sleigh Ride. With holiday music, sing-a-longs, and an appearance from Santa Claus himself, the Holiday Pops concert is sure to leave you feeling merry.

The Lowell Memorial Auditorium is bringing their musical adaptation of the holiday TV classic, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to their stage on December 2nd at 3 PM. See all of your favorite characters from the original special including Santa, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster and of course Rudolph, as they come to life for a very entertaining holiday musical!

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From now until December 23rd, The Merrimack Repertory Theatre presents Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, a holiday play featuring several characters from Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice. This warm-hearted and witty show written by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon involves love letters being delivered to the wrong person and unexpected engagements being announced. Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley is holiday treat for Jane Austen fans and the entire family alike.

On December 1st and 2nd Middlesex Community College launches their new Donahue Family Academic Arts Center theater with their inaugural production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet! There will be shows at 2 PM and 7 PM both nights, so if you’re looking for a break from holiday shopping or just want to get out of the house, come see a classic love story at Middlesex Community College.

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One of the best parts about December is watching our favorite holiday movies, and the Luna Theater has us covered with several classic holiday films playing throughout the month. Upcoming shows include The Polar Express on December 1st and 2nd, White Christmas on December 2nd, A Christmas Story on December 8th and 9th, and It’s a Wonderful Life on December 15th and 16th. Enjoy these classics on the big screen!

For times and to purchase tickets visit http://www.lunalowell.com/calendar/action~agenda/request_format~json/

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Holiday Shops and Markets

If you’re looking for unique gifts for family and friends this month be sure to explore the 6th annual Totally Bazaar holiday market at Mill No. 5 on December 1st. From 12 – 5 PM there will be two floors of vendors selling a wide variety of vintage, handmade and artisanal holiday gifts. On December 8th Mill No. 5 also presents their Holiday Oddity Marketplace.  From 12 – 5 PM you can find even more uncommon and unusual items that make perfect holiday gifts. Pass on the socks and ties this year, and explore the Holiday Oddity Market to find something memorable!

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When shopping for holiday presents this season be sure to visit the Lowell National Historical Park Gift Shop for national park novelties, Lowell apparel, books about the city and children’s gifts like park ranger hats and stuffed animals. The New England Quilt Museum also has a wonderful gift shop with a variety of handcrafted quilts and handbags, jewelry and unique toys.

Holiday Open Studios comes to Western Ave Studios this December with four days of art exploration and shopping fun! On December 1st, 2nd, 8th and 9th from 12 – 5 PM you can browse the open art studios, chat with artists, shop for unique gifts for all budgets, watch art demonstrations and enjoy lunch and a craft beer from the Navigation Brewing Company.

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On December 14th, Brush Art Gallery & Studio’s Soup and Shop Lunch Holiday Marketplace offers complimentary homemade soups while you do some holiday shopping in a gallery environment! Studio Artists are offering a 10% discount on artwork from the studios during this event, and Gift Certificates are available as well.

The following day, December 15th, the gallery hosts their Sugar and Spice Weekend Holiday Marketplace. Try some homemade cookies and explore the vibrant Studio Gift Shop for that perfect gift you’ve been searching for. There will also be Brush Studio artists on site who would love to talk to visitors about their techniques and inspirations for their creative works.

Explore Your Creative Side: Classes and Workshops to Try This Fall

By Dorian Taylor - Everyone has a creative side, it's just a matter of finding the outlet that's right for you! Fall is a good time of the year to go out and try something new while we're still feeling productive and the snowy winter has not yet arrived to send us into hibernation. With a thriving art scene, Lowell offers plenty of opportunities to not only discover professional art and music, but to create something artistic as well! Whether you're an experienced artist or a complete beginner, here’s how to get creative this fall.

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Art Classes

Many locals probably know about Western Avenue Studios unique art events and their hundreds of art studios, but many might not know that there are a dozen WAS artists who give art lessons in a variety of styles. From traditional art forms like painting, drawing and sculpting, to more modern styles like photography and mixed media, there is something for everyone to try at WAS. These classes can be altered for experienced artists or absolute beginners alike, so don't be afraid to jump in and try something new!

Arts League of Lowell also offers a stress-free, introductory class on palette knife painting November 3rd and December 1st, as well as weekly classes on drawing, painting and watercolor running November through January. Crose Nest, the home, body and spirit shop at Mill No. 5 also offers a unique painting workshop for painters of all skill levels to create watercolor, botanical paintings based on the plants in the shop!

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The Pottery Mill is a ceramic studio in downtown Lowell where beginners can try creating pottery for their first time or return to hone their craft. They offer both hand-building and pottery wheel workshops with classes held multiple times throughout the week. The class sizes are intentionally kept small to ensure that beginners have enough instruction to understand what they're doing and have a great time! The Whistler House Museum of Art and The Brush Gallery and Studios also offer art classes and workshops that will help you find your inner artist.

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Courtesy of Delicious Glass Fusing Studio

At Delicious Glass Fusing Studio you can join a small class to learn to make your own fused glass! Under the supervision of studio owner and artist Erica Noymer, the glass will be heated to at least 1,400 °F and molded into decorative plates, bowls, or whatever else your imagination can come up with!

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Writing and Music

Children and teens (grades 7-12) interested in writing can join the Pollard Memorial Library's Writers' Club. The group meets every other Friday to share their work and ideas, provide feedback to others and strengthen their writing skills. Writers working on novels, short stories, poems and memoirs are all welcomed to the meetings and no sign up is needed.

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If you've ever wanted to learn to play an instrument or if you're an experienced player looking to take your playing to the next level, The Tone Loft at Mill No. 5 sells all of the musical equipment you need and provides lessons for guitar, bass guitar, percussion, vocals, ukulele and piano. Also located at Mill No. 5 is Root Note Studio where you can find classes on songwriting and recording production.

Once you feel comfortable enough with your instrument, there are plenty of ways to play what you've learned in front of an encouraging audience. Open Mic Nights are held on Tuesdays at the Hearing Room, Thursday's at Warp & Weft and once a month at Coffee & Cotton. Also, the Hearing Room hosts an acoustic jam and sing-along every Thursday where all genres of music, all ages and all skill levels are welcomed.

Explore Lowell Before Summer’s End

Editor’s Note:  With school back in session, September marks the unofficial end of summer and start of the fall season.  With this change comes a change in our intern staff.  We wish Michelle, our summer intern, the best as she moves on to a new position and we welcome Dorian Taylor, a senior majoring in English at UMass Lowell.  Welcome, Dorian!

With summer coming to an end, it’s time to take advantage of the last few weeks of warm weather and check out some of Lowell’s family-friendly outdoor events happening throughout September.

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Image courtesy of NPS_David Byers

On Saturday, September 8, the 38th Annual Banjo and Fiddle Contest takes place at Boarding House Park from 10 AM to 6 PM. There will be music workshops, jam sessions, the contest itself, and a special performance by Sarangi Master Shyam Nepali at 2:30 PM. The contest is free for any local banjo and fiddle players to enter, and folk and bluegrass fans can attend for free as well.

If you’re looking to get out on the water one last time before the chill of fall sets in, the Lowell National Historical Park is offering free 90-minute boat tours of the Merrimack River on September 8th and the 16th. On this ranger-led boat ride, visitors will learn about how the Merrimack became a major power source for Lowell’s booming textile industry in the early 1800’s. The tours begin at 1 PM both days at the UMass Lowell Bellegarde Boathouse.

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If you enjoy walking, exploring and eating, Off the Beaten Path's guided food tours of the Canalway Cultural District may just be perfect for you! Taste and discover the amazing diversity of Lowell's food scene and enjoy the beautiful downtown with it's distinctive canals and historic architecture. The tours begin on Saturday, September 8, and will continue every Saturday through September.

For more information visit: www.offthebeatenpathfoodtours.com 

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On September 14th, Enterprise Bank is sponsoring a free outdoor art exhibit at their Merrimack Street location. The exhibit will include pieces that have been created by local youth, and depict a welcoming community here in Lowell. Take a stroll down Merrimack Street and check out the artwork that some of Lowell’s young creatives have to offer.

For more information visit: www.facebook.com/WelcomingWeekLowell/

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From 1 PM to 2 PM on Sunday September 8th, join UMass Lowell professor Bob Forrant on a scenic walk through downtown Lowell and learn about the city’s labor history. The tour is free and will explore the many fascinating stories of men and women from Lowell who worked valiantly to fight for the rights of workers. From early “mill girls” to 20th century immigrants, the story of labor in Lowell spans almost 200 years. The walk will start at the National Park Visitors’ Center, and there will be free parking available in the National Park lot at 304 Dutton Street.

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Photo courtesy of LNHP

 PARK(ing) Day returns to downtown Lowell on September 21st with this year's theme being "LoWELLness". Local artists Chummeng Soun and Mary Hart will transform selected sidewalk parking spaces into artistic projects and miniature parks with messages of health, fitness, and mindfulness. The event begins at 9 AM Friday, September 21st, and the art installations can be seen on Merrimack Street and Market Street.
 

The Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race is back for its 3rd year! Contestants create all-terrain, cycle-powered sculptures capable of traveling through streets, water, mud and sand, and race against one another in a very entertaining race through downtown Lowell and the Merrimack river. The race will take place on September 22nd from 8:30 AM - 5 PM at the intersection of Market Street and Palmer Street and all throughout Lowell. An after party and award ceremony at the Cobblestones Restaurant.