Culture Cup: The brush strokes of Lowell
No longer is Lowell the center of bustling industrial power. The Mill City has transformed itself into a cultural hub; swapping out dusty looms for bright and colorful works of art. The mills themselves now house studios and lofts instead of turbines and belts.
In downtown on Market Street, the Market Mills Complex is home to one such studio, the Brush Art Gallery and Studios. The gallery contains 15 permanent studios that have resident artists. The Brush Art Gallery is unique in the sense that a visitor can not only see the artists’ works, but see them at work. The artists are all very personable and are more than happy to explain their craft, give you a little history or show you around the studio.
“What draws artists to Lowell] is the increase of arts, studio space, and the location,” said Executive Director Eileen O’Keefe Byrne. “The more of one thing you have in an area, they more you will get to come to that area.”
The historical city itself seems to be the inspiration for many of the artists. Painter Vassilios Giavis has created hundreds of prints depicting various buildings, streets and monuments around Lowell. Giavis also has a Kerouac Series; one of the more memorable prints is that of Kerouac and his beloved cat. Fabric artist Cynthia Hughes uses a handloom to create her many woven designs. Visitors can purchase her adorable felted buttons or elegant featherweight scarves.
There are artists of many mediums inside the gallery. Jewelry-makers and woodworkers come together under one roof, as if they were one big family. Each studio has its own personality and each individual painting or sculpture pops out at the visitor. Yet as an entirety, the studios flow into one another to create a whole.
What is also unique about the Brush Art Gallery is its sense of community. The gallery is involved with many events throughout the city.
“We are not just limited to the arts world and we partner with many non-arts organizations,” said Byrne.
Throughout this past year, the gallery collaborated with many organizations to promote a good cause. Over the summer, an exhibition titled “Green: More Than a Color” was sponsored by the gallery. Along with many other eco-friendly groups, they provided the public with an educational exhibition.
Many students may remember the posters up around campus for “Herding Cats,” a benefit exhibition to help homeless cats and kittens. Currently on display is “Visual Voices IV” which started Feb. 28 and runs until March 27. The exhibition features artwork by students of Lowell schools, from elementary to high school.
Lowell is a city of diversity, and its art is no different. Stop by the Brush Gallery and experience art in a whole new way and take in every sight, sound and color.
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