Mandalas Show at Loading Dock Gallery
2021-10-03 12:00 - 16:00 UTC | Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
The Loading Dock Gallery becomes a place of contemplation with its October show, Mandalas. Presented in conjunction with Lowell’s Poetry Convergence, Mandalas features winners of the Loading Dock Gallery’s annual New England Regional competition, juried this year by Anne Plaisance.
With exhibits in the US, Europe, and Asia, Plaisance is known for her powerful mixed media work. She has shaped Mandalas to challenge preconceptions as well as encourage reflection. Mandalas pushes the viewer to sink beneath life’s veneer and explore deeper layers of meaning.
Traditionally the mandala is a powerful symbol of connection with both the self and the universe, used for centuries to create stillness and expand awareness. Mandalas reflects current world challenges – climate change, violence, division – but it also calls us to begin a healing spiritual journey.
As part of the seventh Annual Poetry Convergence, area poets will write poems inspired by individual works and read their work at the gallery on Saturday October 2, 5PM, after Western Avenue Studio’s monthly open house.

Mandalas runs September 29 – October 31, 2021 at Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, with a gallery reception 3-5pm, October 2, 2021. The Loading Dock Gallery is open Wednesday – Saturday from 12 – 5:30pm, and Sunday 12 – 4:00pm.

For more details, call 978-415-9889 or visit www.theloadingdockgallery.com. Shop the gallery’s on-line store, https://store.theloadingdockgallery.com/. The Loading Dock Gallery is a program of Loading Dock Arts, Inc, a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

Fine Arts For Middle Schoolers
2021-09-20 16:30 - 19:30 | Refuge Lowell, 122 Western Ave. Studio #A110, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Fine Arts for Middle Schoolers

An exploration of what art can be; learning about artists, styles, techniques & developing an artistic voice.

Do you want to build and improve your art making skills?

In this course, middle school aged students will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of mediums and techniques while also learning to develop their own artistic voices. Students will participate in a series of prompts each class that will challenge their understanding of what art is and what it can be. In conjunction with our daily prompts, students will also be introduced to a variety of contemporary artists whose practice and/or techniques relate to what we are learning. Students will be encouraged to use what they learn to develop their own artistic and visual voice in their work.

Monday Evenings: 4:30-7:30pm
September: 9/20, 9/27
October: 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25
November: 11/1, 11/08, 11/15
December: 12/06, 12/13
Instructor: Madelaine Hamilton

Required materials: Sketchbook (mixed media or watercolor paper preferred), Sunblock, good walking shoes, drinking water, hat.
Suggested materials: Range of drawing pencils, micron pens, watercolor set, paintbrushes.

Due to new health and safety concerns, we ask that students come to class with a mask. We will provide hand sanitizer and wipe down working areas with disinfectant before and after class. Shields and limited class sizes will also be implemented during this time. We ask that if your child or a household family member does not feel well to be open and communicate with us about your child missing class as a precautionary measure. Restaurant rules apply for snacks and drinks… students will be allowed to eat and drink at their work space but must wear masks when traveling through the studio.

We reserve the right to cancel any classes that do not fill.

Portfolio Development: Observations and Foundations
2021-09-25 10:00 - 13:00 | Refuge Lowell, 122 Western Ave. Studio #A110, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Portfolio Development is for students who are are serious about making art and those who plan to build visual portfolios for private school admission or college level admission. Serious students of any age can build a portfolio, as it is a body of work that shows an understanding of drawing, painting, composition, and concept.
This program is open to ALL STUDENTS who love to create and those who seek more guidance to grow artistically, regardless of portfolio requirements.
(ages 13 and up)

Saturday Mornings 10AM-1PM:
September: 9/25
October: 10/2, 10/09, 10/16, 10/30
November: 11/6, 11/13, 11/20
December: 12/04, 12/11, 12/18
January: 1/08
Instructor: Courtney Wilson

Sketchbook required, a basic art kit will be availble for purchase at the studio for a cost $25. Materials can be purchased outside of studio as well; kit includes a sketchbook, paint saver container, basic drawing supplies and paintbrushes.

Due to new health and safety concerns, we ask that students come to class with a mask. We will provide hand sanitizer and wipe down working areas with disinfectant before and after class. Shields and limited class sizes will also be implemented during this time. We ask that if your child or a household family member does not feel well to be open and communicate with us about your child missing class as a precautionary measure. Restaurant rules apply for snacks and drinks… students will be allowed to eat and drink at their work space but must wear masks when traveling through the studio.

We reserve the right to cancel any classes that do not fill.

November Open Studios
2021-11-06 12:00 - 17:00 | Western Avenue Studios & Lofts, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
This month our Open Studios looks a bit different than usual and there’s a great reason for that. In November we are shifting our focus from the retail side of art and are focusing on the art experience. We’ve got lots of demos planned for this month – read about them on our blog post. So please join us for this special two-day event, as we celebrate all things art at the Creative Soul of Lowell this November.

Food Trucks:
11/6 – Plantiful Food Trailer
11/7 – Lou’s Deli

This month the Loading Dock Gallery is hosting a member show titled Together is Our Favorite Holiday. More details coming soon!

Covid-19 Guidelines:
– Please bring a mask as individual studio artists may require you to wear one inside their studio.
– Guests who are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms or have been instructed to quarantine by a medical professional should not attend.
– All unvaccinated guests must wear a mask or face covering at all times.
– We will have hand sanitation stations throughout the building.
– We request wearing a mask or face covering in our restrooms since they are an enclosed space that doesn’t allow for social distancing.

There is no charge for this event. This event is dog friendly, we just ask that you keep your pup on a leash.

We will post more updates as the event gets closer, so stay tuned in.

Small Business Saturday Art Market
2021-11-27 12:00 - 17:00 | Western Avenue Studios & Lofts, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Save the date for our Small Business Saturday Art Market.

Winter Lights Show at Loading Dock Gallery
2021-12-01 12:00 - 17:30, 2021-12-05 12:00 - 16:00 | Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
December is a festive time at The Loading Dock Gallery, and we invite you to partake in the celebration of the seasons. Winter Lights has become an annual local tradition of holiday shoppers as a source of unique, handcrafted, giftable art and holiday decorations presented by more than 30 of our LDG members and participating artists and artisans from Western Avenue Studios.
Browse our three rooms of beautiful artwork, and drink in the spirit of the season. Winter Lights showcases a juried selection of work by local artists making it easy and convenient to Shop Local and Shop Small while giving our patrons the opportunity to find that unique and extraordinary gift that will make this holiday memorable.

Winter Lights runs December 1 through December 31, except December 25-26, at Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Avenue, in Lowell, MA. For December, the Loading Dock Gallery will be open noon to 5:30PM, Monday through Saturday, and noon to 4PM on Sundays.

Loading Dock Gallery is part of Loading Dock Arts, Inc., a 501c3. For more information, visit www.theloadingdockgallery.com.

December Holiday Open Studios
2021-12-04 12:00 - 17:00 | Western Avenue Studios & Lofts, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Save the dates for our December Holiday Open Studios.

January Open Studios
2021-12-14 08:00 - 17:00 | Western Avenue Studios & Lofts, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Save the date for our first Open Studios event of 2022. January 8th, 12-5 pm. More details coming soon.
