Plan Your Culinary Adventure With Dine Out Lowell!
“We’re delighted to help promote Lowell’s many fine eating establishments with the Dine Out Lowell program,”
For immediate release
Plan Your Culinary Adventure With Dine Out Lowell!
The City of Lowell Celebrates Lowell’s Culinary Culture This Fall
Saturday, November 26th through Sunday, December 4th
LOWELL, MA - from Saturday, November 26th through Sunday, December 4th, the City of Lowell will celebrate Lowell’s culinary culture by showcasing the vast variety of eateries that our city is known for. Lowell’s cultural heritage and diversity makes for a full menu of inspiring cuisines by chefs who create unique and delicious dishes.
“We’re delighted to help promote Lowell’s many fine eating establishments with the Dine Out Lowell program,” said City Manager Kevin J. Murphy. “It’s a great opportunity to experience the variety of tastes that we have to offer, from diner fare to ethnic cuisine to gourmet meals and we invite everyone to experience all there is to like about Lowell’s culinary delights!”
With plenty of restaurants to choose from and nine days to experience this culinary extravaganza, it is the perfect time of year to explore new dining opportunities and revisit old time favorites. It is never too early to start creating your holiday list of must-visit eateries for Dine Out Lowell. Visit the Dine Out Lowell website at www.dineoutlowell.com and create your unique culinary roadmap!
With new eateries added weekly, there’s always something new to discover on dineoutlowell.com. Discover a participating eatery in one of Lowell’s districts or explore a new neighborhood. Sign up for the Dine Out Newsletter to receive exclusive specials from local restaurants throughout the holiday season.
So ditch the dirty dishes, hang up your apron and dine out with friends and fellow diners to celebrate Lowell's thriving culinary scene and to discover the gastronomic garden right here in your own backyard! Visit DineOutLowell.com for more information.
Tobias Marx - Cultural Affairs and Special Events
tmarx@lowellma.gov / 978.446.7462
Lowell: A melting pot of great tastes & diverse cultures
Imagine being able to live in a place where you can experience the world at your fingertips,
There's A Lot To Like about food and culture in Lowell. We have asked Timna Nwokeji, the voice behind Lowell's local lifestyle blog lifeasamaven.com to share with us where she thinks Lowell's diversity can be experienced in its culinary culture. So here is to a preview of what you can taste during Dine Out Lowell....Let's go...
Lowell, Massachusetts is a city thriving in culinary diversity. You could name a place and we more than likely would have cuisine from there. From Cambodia to Venezuela, Lowell has got it all. Lowell prides itself on creating a rich, cultural experience that is not only shown through its food but through its vibrant artists and lively city life. Imagine being able to live in a place where you can experience the world at your fingertips, Lowell does this and it thrives in this great environment that promotes and supports local businesses.
Highlighting the different cuisines of Lowell has always been one of my favorite things to do and in reading this post I hope you will feel as drawn to this city as I do. With this article, I introduce you to five local, vibrant restaurants and their chefs/owners; showcasing their work and passion both on a culinary level but also their passion for the city.
Mill City BBQ & Brew
Lowell, Back Central – Owner: Renay Wolterding / Sit down restaurant & catering
As soon as I met Renay, I could instantly tell she had a great passion for what she did and possessed a lot of charisma. Her infectious laughter, jovial attitude, and friendliness quickly drew me in as I learned more about her restaurant. Mill City BBQ is the only one of its kind in the area and it is good, I am talking real good. They smoke all their meats including brisket for twelve hours, pork for ten hours and soon they will be smoking the bacon for their breakfast menu.
Renay’s love for good cuisine and culinary innovation is also shared by her son who is also the restaurant’s general manager. Whether it is the delicious taste of her carefully prepared mac and cheese with collard greens and ribs or the soft and tasty smoked meats available in the menu, Mill City BBQ brings the height of southern comfort food to Lowell.
Gormley’s Cafe
Lowell Belvidere – Owners/ Chef Craig Furgal & Joann Gunby / Sit down breakfast & lunch and takeout
When asked to describe what inspires him about Lowell, Craig said, ” Lowell is five small towns, everything is different within those small towns and you can make so many connections here, that is what makes it so great”.
Craig started cooking as a teenager and went on to work, teach and cook in a myriad of settings all culminating in him and Joann, his wife opening up Gormley’s; a wonderful breakfast/lunch place where everything is housemade and original. He enjoys eating and preparing steak for himself but loves experimenting when it comes to preparing meals for his patrons. He said, “being a chef is about learning and always experimenting, if you say there is nothing left, then you’ve given up”. He brings this passion to his cooking, making everything from sandwiches to muffins without a hint of mediocrity.
Bishop’s Legacy Restaurant
Lowell, Downtown – Owners/ Chef Chuck Saba & Joe Saba / Sit down restaurant & takeout
Bishop’s has a rich history, dating back to its early days in Lawrence, it is a family restaurant passed down from generation to generation. I have had both the opportunity and delight to eat here on several occasions and find it to be a staple of downtown of Lowell. I sat down with Joe, the cook over at Bishop’s to learn more about his personal history and what he loves about Lowell.
Joe is a comfort food person, not only does he love to make it but he enjoys eating it with friends and family. He also loves to cook braises of all kinds and incorporates them into his dishes when he can. As he put it, “I have always been cooking, always worked with other chefs and it was always in the family.” He is inspired by the people of Lowell that own, operate or are just working in Lowell, in his words “these people show what Lowell should be.” However the chief motivator that drives Joe is one that is just about to arrive soon. Joe and his wife are expecting their first child together and this new experience has added a great deal of motivaion for Joe. “What drives me is the want to provide a life filled with wonder, happiness, and ease! She is going to be my first child and just the though of her brings so much love and happiness to my heart!”
Simply Khmer Restaurant
Lowell, Highlands – Owners/ Chef Denise & Sam / Sit down restaurant, takeout & catering
A husband and wife duo, Denise and Sam had a vision of sharing their Khmer culture through their food. Sam is inspired by the sense of community in Lowell and how welcoming the city was to him when he arrived here as a young child. In speaking with the both of them, they both had similar outlooks on what their food meant to them and how they wanted to reach people; people of all different ethnic backgrounds and of all generations.
Sam has a high bar for quality and makes sure everything in his kitchen goes out to the customer the best way possible. He enjoyes cooking food in its original form and flavor and Denise enjoys making a hearty harvest soup called “Som Lau Ka Kow Khmer” filled with pumpkin, eggplant, roasted rice and more. With the rich quality of food, they share their culture vividly to their patrons and let them experience the colors, the flavors and the atmoshere that is Simply Khmer.
Flavor Grill
Lowell, Lower Belvidere – Owners/ Chef Kelvin Peralta & Argeo Lopez / Sit down restaurant, catering & takeout
New to the scene, Flavor Grill has kicked cuisine in Lowell up a notch. Chef Argeo spent over 20 years as a chef in the Dominican Republic and has created over 300 recipes. Thanks to this much experience, your palate wil be introduced to some of the best Carribean cuisine available in Lowell . Chef Argeo and Flavor Grill’s owner, Kelvin both believe that Lowell has incredible potential to grow and want to be part of this continued growth.
Argeo spoke of wanting his customers to feel like they were coming home to eat like they were “at their Abuelita’s (grandmother) house”. He wants families to come and enjoy both traditional dishes but also try some inventive flavors he has on the menu. He loves cooking all things in all different ways and is always experimenting. With a flair for flavor and inventive plating, Flavor Grill is all about providing its patrons with comfort, great food and a great time.
7 Signs you haven't really been to Lowell yet
7 Signs you haven't really been to Lowell yet
1. You haven't eaten a donut from the Donut Shack
Sure, there are plenty of donut places in Lowell. But we don't really consider you an insider until you have eaten a daily, made-from-scratch donut at The Donut Shack. This place is a true Lowell original as far as donuts go.
(photocredit: Lifeasamaven.com)
2. You think Marko is just another guy
One could say that Marko is the inventor of mobile food. Before Gyro was a thing, Marko was. Long before food trucks were hip and trendy, Marco was! Lowell's history is one of inventions and success and, Marko's Mediterranean Grill, home to the famous Monster Fries, is kind of the father of mobile food in Lowell.
3. You think of flour when you hear Mill No.5
Yes, there are a lot of mills in Lowell. No, none of them grind flour, although you can buy some at Mill No. 5, or pick up some local baked artisan bread when you visit. This mill, which was named a "safe haven for hipsters" by Boston Magazine is now home to more than 12 unique shops, pretty good coffee, an independent movie theater and a few of Lowell's hottest start-up companies. (Photo: Tory Germann) - Visit Mill No. 5's webpage here.
Photo Credit: Tory Germann courtesy of Mill No. 5
4. You're not expecting a lot of urban when you hear National Park
Let's be honest, when you hear National Park, you think nature. You know, mountains and all. But not after you have been to Lowell. Lowell is home to the first Urban National Park in the United States. From trolley rides to boat tours, exhibits to hands-on workshops, Lowell's National Park is visited by over half a million visitors annually and is lots of fun to explore.
5. You never had lunch next to a waterfall in the heart of the city
Nestled in the heart of the city, just where the Pawtucket Canal meets the Concord River is our favorite lunch spot. You'll forget you're even in the city when you sit down on the Lower Locks Plaza to eat your lunch. With the soothing sounds of falling water, what could be better?
(Photo: lowellheritagepartnership.org
6. You're not moved when you hear Art is the Handmaid of Human Good
In Lowell, Art is the Handmaid of Human Good. We take art seriously. So seriously actually that we made it part of our city seal! Who does that? We do!
And we're proud of it. Over 900 artists from a variety of disciplines call Lowell home, and Western Avenue Studios is home to the largest artist community in the Northeast. Not to mention plenty of galleries and art coops like The Brush Art Gallery and the Arts League of Lowell.
7. You seriously think 5.6 miles of canalways are boring
Lowell has been called the Venice of America. And rightfully so! There are plenty of places with canals, but 5.6 miles of them, still used today to generate hydro power? Well, there's only Lowell. And these days, with initiatives like the Waterways Vitality Plan, parts of our canals become hotspots for creative economic development, new events and spectacular art and light installations. - Learn More about this!
Photo Credit: OutInLowell
We Got A Park For You!
Lowell's unmatched natural beauty can be found in a lot of different places. Here is a list of a few of our favorite spots!
Lowell National Historical Park
Being a Downtown Lowell resident, I walk past, through, and IN the Lowell National Historical Park every day because it encompasses pretty much all of downtown, the surrounding canals, North and South Common, and the Lowell Heritage State Park along the Merrimack off of Pawtucket Blvd. You could easily tour this park all day, or even spend an entire weekend doing so. It's not just about the foot paths either. They offer canal tours by boat! I have the good fortune of living on the bottom floor of a mill building and seeing the canal tours go by. All. The. Time. They always look like they're having a good time. This is truly a great place to start when you’re looking to get the overview of Lowell’s past. The people at the welcome center are so nice! The first time I went in, they were about to close up. The man behind the front desk let me browse, and even invited me to watch their introductory video in their media room even though it was well past 5PM. It’s a must-see. Not to mention the feeling you get when you look up at the expansive brick walls, exposed beams…it really makes you feel like you’re stepping into a bit of history.
Mill City Grows Gardens
Not exactly a park, but it deserves attention. Mill City Grows is a non-profit organization here in Lowell that promotes sustainable, organic farming within the city. They have four community gardens nestled around Lowell for all to enjoy and participate in in various ways. North Commons is the home of 36 garden plots where community members and local organizations can actually grow their own gardens. They also have grow sites at the Rotary Club Park, Smith St., West Third St., and are always expanding and seeking new growing opportunities. Their website encourages those that want to see a grow site near them to reach out.
Mill City Grows is not just about community gardening. One of their gardens is located behind Mill No. 5, and grows up from what was once a building’s foundation. This urban “pop up” farm provides produce that they sell at community events all around the city throughout the year! I can attest to their quality as I have purchased carrots from some of their events to make one of the most delicious carrot soups! I also frequent Fuse, a great restaurant in the Canalway Cultural District, where they often feature Mill City Grows produce. To die for! I would strongly encourage you to check them out on MillCityGrows.org, and be sure to get a tour of the garden, and make it out to their next event!
Victorian Garden
I have visited this park on so many occasions. It's a perfect spot to take a posed picture with a backdrop of rhododendrons in spring, and to have a quiet conversation about life with an old friend. It started as part of a larger promenade with grass and trees that was commonly paired with Mill yards of its time. These “malls” were a place where the mill girls could walk and take in a bit of greenery, which was a sharp contrast to the backdrop of brick, wooden beams, and metal that surrounded them during their 60 or so hour work week. Even though this contrast was once considered important for the worker’s well-being, this small garden is all that remains after the rapid growth in Lowell in the late 1800s. After being dedicated to Mary Bacigalupo in 2005, it’s received a well-deserved, Victorian-style face lift. It’s a great spot to sit with a coffee and read on your tablet. Lots of trees block the sun, so if you love paper-backs, there is a bench for you right on the outside of the garden. Otherwise, I would stick to an eBook!
Boarding House Park
Named after the boarding house where the mill girls once lived, this is where locals go to see ALL OF THE CONCERTS!! In fact, people from all around catch great shows here. This place is amazing, especially in the summer months. I have to admit that I have never been to see a show there, but I have stood on the sidewalk right across the street with my dog and listened to Pat Benetar, the B-52s, and so many others. Going into Boston, however fun, can be quite a schlep. Boarding House Park offers people that reside within a 2 hour radius the Boston alternative to concert-going. If you are thinking about seeing a show here, DO IT! The parking is pretty easily accessible, and the Lowell nightlife in the Canalway Cultural District can be fun for and after the show. If you’re like me and can’t seem to get it together to learn about these events early enough to get a ticket, be sure to check out the park on any given day for a picnic. There is a ton of space to spread out, bring the kids, and play with your dog.
Kerouac Park
Jack Kerouac, an iconic novelist and poet, began his life and career right here in Lowell, MA. Kerouac Park was dedicated in 1988 to celebrate his life and work, which often touched back upon his Lowell roots and upbringing. Standing among the granite pillars with excerpts of his writings, all you need to do is turn around and see Lowell’s history. This is a great place to stop if you’re heading to Boarding House Park, or for a walk along the Merrimack. The Hamilton Canal is right behind you, Arthur’s Paradise Diner is across the street, and the Boot Mills are just steps away. This spot is a calm retreat from the arduous day of walking from one historical backdrop to another.
Rogers Fort Hill Park
This park’s history goes way back past the raising of the textile mills! It got its name when the local Pawtucket Indian Tribe’s Chief, Wannalancit, created a fort there. Zadock Rogers then purchased the 300 acre parcel in 1805 to create the Fort Hill Zoo, only to leave it to his daughters who later sold most of it for both development and to the city to form Rogers Fort Hill Park. Over the years, there has been both highs and lows for this park. It followed the city’s path of prosperity and decline. In the past 20 years, reinvestment has brought about improvements, better security, and more visitors putting it back on the map. Rogers Fort Hill Park has been the scenic backdrop for engagement and family pictures, music videos, and even a movie about the creator of Wonder Woman, William Moulton Marston, according to the Fort Hill Park Facebook page. With 11 acres of fields and 23 acres of forest, there is all the room anyone could want to spend a day. Running, mount biking, and even just taking pictures of the sunset are all feature past times at this great spot.
Lowell Memorial Cemetery
This may sound creepy, but coming into Halloween and all, I hope you hear me out. This place is beautiful, holds events for the public throughout the year, and celebrates a piece of history unlike that which you can find in any of the mills. In 1998, this cemetery was entered into the National Register of Historic Places. These picturesque grounds are a respite for those looking to connect with this history of influential Lowell leaders, or simply seeking a quiet backdrop to take in some nature. Definitely an easy walking trail for you walking enthusiasts. A must-see this fall.
Shedd Park
Granted by prominent Lowell leader, Freeman Ballard Shedd and right next to the Lowell Memorial Cemetery and Fort Hill Park, Shedd Park is the largest green space in Greater Lowell. A great spot for the entire family, Shedd Park has play grounds, water park-style play areas, covered areas for social gathers, a baseball and softball diamonds, and all the space you need to do anything you want! It’s an easy spot to park and spend a few hours.
Lowell Heritage State Park
This has been one of my favorite spots since I was in High School. Lowell Heritage State Park has everything anyone needs for a good time outside. There is a long scenic walking/running trail right along the Merrimack River. Like Boarding House Park, there is a stage where you can catch a show in the summer months. If you have a boat, you can drop it! If you want to swim, well, you can do that too! If you’re more of a ‘watch and see’ type person, go across the street to Heritage Ice Cream and sit on one of the many benches and listen to the water and watch a sunset. Friendship Field is also right across the way, so if there’s a festival going on, you are at the right place. When I was a kid, my friends and I would walk along the river while there was a show going on and talk about going to UMASS Lowell, which is the backdrop of the boathouse. A nostalgic stop for me, and I’d bet for plenty of other people.
Written by Melissa Consalvo
Photography by David Blad, Tobias Marx, GM
9 Reasons to visit Lowell this fall
The leaves are changing and the days are getting shorter. Fall is upon us and so are lots of great things to do in Lowell. Here are our 9 top picks why you should visit Lowell this seasons. There's A Lot To Like in the city!
1. City Of lights
Ring in the holidays in Lowell and join us for this year's City of Lights Parade and Holiday Celebration, Saturday, November 26, from 12 - 7PM. ! Take the afternoon to stroll the city streets and enjoy live performances, holiday shopping, photos with Santa, AND the crowd favorite, our Annual Hot Chocolate Competition! The daytime fun leads to the nighttime extravaganza -- The City of Lights Parade and City Hall Lighting -- which marks the City's official start to the holiday season!
2. Dine Out Lowell
There is no question that Lowell is the cultural hub of the Merrimack Valley. This Fall, Dine Out Lowell is your opportunity to experience Lowell's culinary culture. From November 26 to December 4, 2016 come and experience the vast variety of restaurants and menus. From casual to fine dining, there's something for everyone. Take advantage of "Happy Hour Parking" in the Joseph M. Downes Garage in the Canalway Cultural District.
3. Monster Bash & Halloween Stroll
Celebrate the Halloween season in Lowell at the Annual Monster Bash & Halloween Stroll, Saturday, October 29, from 12 - 3PM. Enjoy downtown trick-or-treating, costume contests, kids games, and get spooked at Monster Bash's all ages annual haunted house!
Image by Tory German
4. Mill No. 5
Mill No. 5 is the perfect destination for shopping and entertainment. You can find unique gifts and items in one of the 11 eclectic shops, or shop for locally and artisan food, cheese, wine and more. Different markets happen weekly, and between the café, lounge and movie theater there is always something going on. Mill No. 5 is located in Lowell's Hamilton Canal District, with conveniently located parking in the Edward J. Early Garage.
5. Western Avenue Studios - Open Studios
So much to see at First Saturday Open Studios at Western Avenue Studios! - Every month artists open their doors to the public from 12 - 5PM, so that you can come browse their latest works - you'll be amazed at what you find. Talk to artists about their work and what inspires them. It'll take you more than one visit to check out all the art you'll find at Western Avenue.
6. Take a walk along the Greenway
Reserve your spot for this popular Merrimack River Hike & Picnic, Saturday, November 19, from 9AM - 2pm. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy this fantastic 8 mile hike along the Merrimack River. More info >>>
7. Angkor Dance Troup Event
Angkor Dance Troupe is collaborating with Merrimack Repertory Theatre to produce an original piece first performed during a Cultural Exchange at the Royal University of Fine Arts in Cambodia called Pin Panhchapor (The Harp and Five Colors of Harmony). The production will take place November 18 and 19, 2016. Tickets are available here.
8. Fall Foliage in Lowell
Fall could easily be renamed to "Instagram Season" here in Lowell. Fall foliage is one of Lowell's many hidden secrets. Lowell's foliage season usually begins mid to late-September and extends into late October. The 'peak' foliage can be found at many different times and places as the season unfolds. The best places to experience fall foliage in Lowell include Lowell Heritage Sate Park, Dracut-Tyngsboro-Lowell State Forest, The Concord Greenway, Fort Hill Park, And the Canalway and Riverwalks. We suggest you book your stay at one of Lowell's Hotels and plan your trip early!
9. The Canalway Cultural District
The Canalway Cultural District is home to many of Lowell's top attractions. With more than a dozen public art installations, public parks, over 14 annual festivals and events, countless concerts along with performances that range from intimate gallery openings to mayor athletic events year-round. There's A Lot To Like for everyone. Did you know that the Canalway Cultural District offers a wide variety of dining options to satisfy your personal tastes and budget? The district is home to more than 40 restaurants and coffee shops in walking distance to many attractions. Enjoying a relaxing meal before a show or cap off the evening with cocktails and dessert add to a pleasurable experience in the Canalway Cultural District.
The Comeback of Public Art
Public art is making a comeback in Lowell, which is one of the creative hot spots in the state.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 9/29/2016
The Comeback of Public Art
Public art is making a comeback in Lowell, which is one of the creative hot spots in the state.
Lowell, MA, 9/29/2016 – The City of Lowell's Cultural Affairs and Special Events Office (CASE) is excited to announce three major projects that are enlivening the streetscape: a restored building-sized mural downtown, a major work of fabric art in a mill relic, and a kinetic steel sculpture where the Concord River and Pawtucket Canal meet.
After “Veils of Color for Lowell, the Venice of America”, an art installation by Lowell Artist Barbara Poole was installed along the Lower Pawtucket Canal in July of 2016, artist Michio Ihara and his team have begun restoration on his art piece: Pawtucket Prism, originally installed in the 1980’s. The Dutton Street Mural, a work of Lowell artist Leo Panas, one of the last of the murals honoring the immigrant heritage of Lowell workers, was revealed on its original location at 167 Dutton Street after a complete restoration.
Public Art is a big part of the Lowell landscape, and each of these installations included partnerships across various community organizations and the City of Lowell.
“Public art is much needed in the city,” says Andrew Jacobson, chairman of the Cultural Organization of Lowell. “It helps promote a city and allows it to become more vibrant and exciting. Barbara Poole's Veils of Color along the canal behind Lowell Community Health Center, is a perfect example.” "It's exciting to see the resurgence of public art activity in the city, especially the restoration of both the Irish-themed mural of the 1970s and ‘Pawtucket Prism’ by Michio Ihara from the mid-80s," said Paul Marion, president of the Lowell Heritage Partnership. "Barbara Poole's wonderful colored veils project at Appleton Mills shows us how we can see old places in a new way."
For more information on these installations and more public arts attractions in Lowell, please visit likelowell.com.
LikeLowell.com is the official webpage for the Office of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (CASE) at the City of Lowell, MA. We’re here to tell everyone that There’s A Lot To Like about Lowell.
Contact Information:
Office of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
50 Arcand Drive, Lowell, MA
+1-978-674-4260
LikeLowell.com
A very public comeback of public art
I admit it, Public Art has been something I kind of always took for granted. More or less it certainly existed everywhere I have lived before.
I admit it, public art has been something I kind of always took for granted. More or less it certainly existed everywhere I have lived before.
This really didn’t change a lot after moving to Lowell. I recall a conversation with a friend just a few month ago in which he shared his sheer fascination with the public art collections of Lowell. I felt I had no idea, yet it made me curious, and this conversation caused me to pay more attention to the city I love and call home and the art I [didn’t] see.
I remember taking my kids for a walk to the Concord River Greenway, having no idea that Lowell’s Riverfest Carp is “not” just one piece in a rich Lowell Public Art collection. Suddenly, every time I walked down Market Street I would see Homage to Women through a very different lens, and this once (by me) ignored piece of art did what public art has the power to do: it made me pause, wonder, celebrate, admire, appreciate, be inspired and remember.
There are certainly many people in Lowell who can tell and share more about public art than I would ever try to do. But what I have learned is that public art is important, creates experiences and contributes to everyone’s quality of life. We don’t have to be “into the arts” to appreciate the beauty of public art maybe, just maybe, public art has the power to introduce art to each of us through its different mediums and our individual perceptions.
The last few months have been a comeback of sorts for public art in Lowell. Explore Lowell like a local and find one (or all) of Lowell’s amazing public art pieces. Start here.
The Dutton Street Mural
This week I was able to attend the official reveal of the Dutton Street Mural which was originally created in the late 1970’s by Leo Panas. The Irish-Acre mural is most likely one of the last of its kind and was original designed as part of a larger project of murals in different locations celebrating the immigrant heritage of Lowell.
Veils of Color
Veils of Color for Lowell, the Venice of America by Barbara Poole is a public art installation inside the remaining walls of an old mill along the lower Pawtucket Canal. The installation pays tribute to the textile history of Lowell and in a visually stunning way honors Lowell’s former textile manufacturing industry.
Picture Credit Lowell Cultural Council
Pawtucket Prism
A very exciting comeback is the beginning with the restoration of the Pawtucket Prism. Artist Michio Ihara designed and built the Pawtucket Prism in 1987. After years of disrepair, Michio started restoration of this impressive twenty foot high sculpture that captures the essence of flowing water with sunlight and sound. Originally designed for water to flow through steel tubes moving 40 metal cubes, the redesigned installation will include 32 metal cubes.
Picture credit Michio Ihario
These new and old public art installations are yet another reason to explore Lowell like a local to see all the great things to do and find out what so many people already know: There's A Lot To like here in Lowell
Acknowledgements:
Other more recent public art installations and places include: Decatur Way, The Lowell Public Art Collection, Temporary Instalations included: #LightUpTheLocks, Downtown First Thursdays Light along canal, Human Powered Machines, and many others...
5 Things to do in Lowell before the end of September
As we say around here: There's a lot to like in Lowell every day. There's a lot to do as well. Here are 5 great things to do you don't want to miss before September ends.
As we say around here: There's a Lot To Like in Lowell every day. There's a lot to do as well. Here are 5 great things to do that you don't want to miss before September ends.
1. Lowell Kinetics Race.
For the first time ever, Lowell is home to a race of a different kind. Kinetic Sculptures are all-terrain, human-powered art sculptures, engineered to race over road, water, mud and sand. Kinetic sculptures are amazing works of art; many are animated with moving parts like blinking eyes, opening mouths and heads that move side to side and up and down. These machines of art are usually made from what some people consider “junk” or better put, recycled materials. You don't want to miss these amazing machines on Saturday, September 24, 2016.
Image from owellkinetic.com
2. Whistler House Museum
Still Lifes Exhibit. Ranging from George Loftus Noyes and his post-impressionistic floral arrangement to Arshile Gorky, who painted modernist pink roses. Still Lifes are speaking loudly. This new exhibit starts at eh Whistler House Museum on September 28, 2016.
Image from whistlerhouse.org
3. Lowell Reads Block Party
Food, folks and fun for the whole family right along Decatur Street and the new Decatur Art Way. Join us for a good old fashioned block party featuring—dancing and eating, games and activities for kids, plus an outdoor family friendly movie at sundown. Lowell Reads Block Party is happening September 28, 2016.
Image from facebook.com/events/1636046123352092/
4. The Lowell Challenge
Take The Lowell Challenge, it's a fun way to explore the city and to find out first hand that There's a lot to like! This guide was created by a friend of Lowell and we challenge you to be challenged! Better yet, share your experiences on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and let us know about it by using one (or all) of these hashtags: #Lowell, #LikeLowell, #ILikeLowell, #ThingsToDo
5. Culinary Adventure
One of the greatest ways to Explore Lowell like a Local is to visit and discover any of Downtown Lowell's great eateries. From sushi to farm-to-table, there is a place for everyone. Just head down to Merrimack Street, park in the John Street Garage and find 14 restaurants within walking distance that will make your taste-buds happy.
Written by Tobias Marx, Office of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.