Face To Face at Loading Dock Gallery
2023-03-01 12:00 - 17:30 UTC | Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Katren Cleo and Wendy James explore the universal within the individual this March in Face to Face at Loading Dock Gallery. Their portraits invite connection between viewer and portrayed.
Wendy James paints bold, intimate oil paintings, rooted in her personal photographs, using saturated color. Sitters words are included in the display, creating a narrative of personal meaning.
Katren Cleo focuses on communication through the body. Her charcoal portraits range from realistic to abstract, with bold marks and sweeping gesture. They resonate with dark emotion, private and familiar.
James has BA in art education and started painting at age fifty. Cleo trained as a photographer and has focused on drawing for four years.
Face to Face runs March 1-26, 2023 at Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA: open noon-5:30pm, Wednesday-Saturday, noon-4pm Sundays. Reception 3-5pm, Saturday, March 4. For details, visit www.theloadingdockgallery.com.

Karen Christians- Making in Chiang Mai
2023-03-31 18:00 - 20:00 | The Teaching Space, Studio 225, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851
Karen Christians has been traveling to Chiang Mai, Thailand for 4 month stays for over three years.
Making in Thailand is integrated in the Thai culture from traditional Thai Chasing and Repousse at the Silver Temple, exquisite wood carving in Bawantai, traditional Northern Thai cuisine, Karen Hill Tribe Silver jewelry, and Celedon pottery to contemporary ceramics and lacquer wooden bowls, to advances in EV technology at a Makerspace Thailand. Making is a way of life.

Join Christians to learn about Chiang Mai Design Week, which for seven days explores excellence in individual contemporary craft to unique advances in architecture and home design, celebrated throughout the entire city. Opportunities are open for everyone to learn and explore in this unique city.

Making in Chiang Mai

Time: 6:00 to 7:30

Reception at 7:30-8:00.

Where: WAS Teaching Space

Free to the public!

April Open Art Studios
2023-04-01 12:00 - 17:00 | Western Avenue Studios & Lofts, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Save the date for our April Open Studios event.

April Open Art Studios
2023-04-01 12:00 - 17:00 | Western Avenue Studios & Lofts, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
As New England blossoms into spring, Western Avenue Studios & Lofts invites you to experience our April Open Art Studios event. As you wander through the colorful halls and corridors, you’ll be immersed in a world of creativity and inspiration. You’ll find unique and handmade gifts, perfect for upcoming occasions. So don’t miss your chance to be a part of it on April 1st, from noon until 5 pm. We will also be welcoming Nibbana Cafe to their first-ever Open Studios event!
Food truck of the day: Empanada Dada (Outside our Main Entrance)
This month the Loading Dock Gallery hosts a show titled “Fire and Fiber”. With an artist reception from 3 pm until 5 pm.
Covid-19 Guidelines:
– Face coverings/masks are not required but recommended since some studios and businesses may require them for admission into their space.
– Guests experiencing Covid-19 symptoms or having been instructed to quarantine by a medical professional should not attend.
– We will have hand sanitation stations throughout the building.
There is no charge for this event. This event is dog-friendly. We just ask that you keep your pup on a leash.

Caomhnórí- Music and Mosaic Artists Collaborate at Western Avenue Lofts
2023-04-01 16:45 - 18:15 | Loft 112, 160 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Caomhnórí

Three artists at Western Avenue Lofts are presenting collaboratively about their work and the common threads that link them. Residents of the Western Avenue Lofts, Paul Carlson, a renowned concert pianist, Seiki Imagica, a Japanese Flamenco guitarist and global digital music producer, and Meghan Walsh, an internationally-recognized contemporary stone mosaic artist and architect will present their work and discuss artistic influences in a late afternoon gathering at Loft 112 at Western Avenue Lofts on Saturday, April 1st, 2023, from 4:45-6:15pm.
The performance ends that day of Open Studios at the Western Avenue Studios and Lofts that same day from 12-5p. Paul Carlson will be playing rarely played work of Alan Hovhaness, an Armenian-American composer born and raised in Somerville/ Andover who passed away in 2000. Flamenco guitarist Seiki Imagica will be focusing on Japanese traditional music, rich in minor chords. Meghan Walsh, a recent Lowell resident, originally from Salem, MA who has lived overseas and in Washington, DC for most of her adult life, will present her work in the context of the ancient stone mosaic tradition and the current global evolution in contemporary art.
A small collection of Walsh’s work will be on display at Loft 112 for the first time in Lowell in a collection called Caomhnórí – a word in the Irish language – Gaeilge – meaning ‘guardians’ or ‘custodians’ in English. The word signifies the way that traditional and historical arts can both be preserved but still transform. Walsh uses Irish language words to name many of her works of art and exhibitions to intentionally to call attention to all UNESCO-endangered languages and the critical importance to our collective humanity of what is often invisible and undervalued.

Ball Joint Boy, Kes Maro in 2nd Floor Mini Gallery
2023-04-27 10:00 - 2023-05-15 16:00 | 2nd Floor Mini Gallery, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Ball Joint Boy by Kes Maro.
Located in the 2nd floor mini gallery.

May Two-Day Open Art Studios
2023-05-06 12:00 - 17:00, 2023-05-07 12:00 - 17:00 | Western Avenue Studios & Lofts, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Get ready for an unforgettable art adventure at our special biannual two-day Open Art Studios event! Experience the magic of our talented artists and makers, as they open their doors to reveal their breathtaking works of art and stunning creative spaces. Get a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process and engage with the artists themselves while enjoying live music, mouth-watering food trucks, and an electric atmosphere that will leave you feeling exhilarated. Whether you’re an art collector, a curious explorer, or just looking for an extraordinary weekend adventure, this event is not to be missed. So mark your calendar and join us on May 6th and 7th from 12 pm to 5 pm, for an art-filled journey you won’t forget.

Food trucks of the weekend:
Saturday – Empanada Dada (Outside our Main Entrance)
Sunday – Atrevete A Probar (Outside our Main Entrance)

This month the Loading Dock Gallery hosts a show titled “43.7623°N, 69.3203°W”. With an artist reception from 3 pm until 5 pm.

Covid-19 Guidelines:
– Face coverings/masks are not required but recommended since some studios and businesses may require them for admission into their space.
– Guests experiencing Covid-19 symptoms or having been instructed to quarantine by a medical professional should not attend.
– We will have hand sanitation stations throughout the campus.

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

IN THE WORK, Denise Driscoll at Storage Closet Gallery
2023-05-06 12:00 - 2023-07-23 17:00 | Storage Closet Gallery, 160 Western Ave, Lowell, MA, 01851
Open to the public during Western Ave Studios & Lofts Open Studios and by appointment:
Sat May 6 & Sun May 7, 12–5 pm
Sat June 3, 12–5 pm
Sat July 1, 12–5 pm
Lowell, MA–Beginning May 6, the Storage Closet Gallery will exhibit IN THE WORK by Denise Driscoll presenting paintings that are in-progress and subject to change from day to day. From May through July, large canvases will rotate in and out of the small Storage Closet Gallery as Driscoll works on them in her studio then brings them back to display their progress. Across time, each painting may move through states of loveliness, balance, disarray, and change as paint is layered and marks accumulate. For those who wonder “How long did this take?” a work log with dates and hours of working time will be attached to each canvas. Here, IN THE WORK, Driscoll invites the viewer to witness her creative process—the dance between uncertainty and control, the familiar and the unknown—as paintings emerge from imagined potential to final realization.

Denise Driscoll’s paintings envision interconnectedness with pattern and exuberant color. Driscoll is a SOLO2017 winner at Bromfield Gallery and a Curatorial Opportunity Grant recipient at the New Art Center. Her work is in many private and public collections including Alexandria Real Estate, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Whitney Veigas, Bancroft Lofts, Stanford University, Emory University Hospital, UMass Memorial Medical Center, Dover-Sherborn Middle School, and Elsewhere Collaborative. Driscoll holds an MFA in Visual Arts from Lesley Art + Design (2007) where she has also taught. Driscoll is currently a cancer patient dealing with the challenging work of treatment. She has found that staying grounded through painting and focusing on her own web of connection with family, friends, and the community at Western Avenue is very good medicine. Driscoll is represented by Fountain Street Gallery, the Loading Dock Gallery, and Art in Giving. She lives and works in the Western Avenue Lofts in Lowell, MA.

The Storage Closet Gallery is a small space for ART/WORK by artists at Western Avenue Lofts located at
160 Western Ave, Lowell, MA and is open during Open Studios, or by appointment.

Paint Wars: A Live Painting Competition
2023-05-11 19:00 - 23:00 | Taffeta, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, 01851, United States
Looking for a unique night out? Come join us at the very first installment of Paint Wars, at Taffeta Music on Thursday, May 11th @7PM for a thrilling speed painting competition!
Six talented artists will face off in three rounds of competition, with only 25 minutes to create their masterpiece. The audience will judge and vote for the top artwork in each round as well as have the opportunity to walk away with an original painting created before your eyes.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door. Come out and enjoy a night of art, competition, and the chance to take home a one-of-a-kind masterpiece!

Parking & Arrival Instructions: can be found here

Stored Away, Kaylee Nocturne in 1st Floor Mini Gallery
2023-05-18 10:00 - 2023-07-01 16:00 | 1st Floor Mini Gallery, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Stored Away by Kaylee Nocturne.
Located in the 1st floor mini gallery.

June Open Art Studios
2023-06-03 12:00 - 17:00 | Western Avenue Studios & Lofts, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Save the date for our June Open Studios event.

Summer Sensational
2023-06-28 12:00 - 2023-07-30 16:00 | MA
This July at Loading Dock Gallery’s Summer Sensational, relax into July’s bounty. Enjoy artwork inspired by the lake, the ocean, the garden, and the city. Summer Sensational presents art and craft ablaze with magical beauty to share.
At Summer Sensational, find hostess gifts for that get-together: hand-thrown ceramics, elegant wood boxes, all-natural soaps, silk scarves. Fine art ranges from dramatic black and white photos to colorful abstract paintings. Come to Summer Sensational for joyful art for your home.
Summer Sensational runs June 25-July 30, 2023 at Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA. Open noon-5:30pm, Wednesday-Saturday; noon-4pm Sundays. Reception 3-5pm, Saturday, July 1, as part of Western Avenue Studios’ monthly open house, noon-5pm. For details, visit www.theloadingdockgallery.com.
Loading Dock Gallery is part of Loading Dock Arts, Inc., a 501c3.

July Open Art Studios & Outdoor Market
2023-07-01 12:00 - 17:00 | Western Avenue Studios & Lofts, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Experience a summer celebration like no other at our July Summer Art Studios & Outdoor Market! Join us on July 1st from 12-5 pm for a day filled with vibrant artwork, mesmerizing crafts, live music, tantalizing food, and interactive activities for all ages. Ignite your creativity, discover unique treasures, and make unforgettable memories. Admission is free, so mark your calendars and get ready for an extraordinary art-filled adventure!

Food trucks of the day: Eggroll Cafe (Outside our Main Entrance)

Performers of the day: Full Time Fools (Outside our Studios Building)

This month the Loading Dock Gallery hosts a show titled “TBA”. With an artist reception from 3 pm until 5 pm.

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

PAINT WARS
2023-07-23 13:00 - 17:00 | Taffeta, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, 01851, United States
Join us on Sunday, July 23rd from 1-5pm at Taffeta Music for our next Paint Wars!

6 Artists
3 Rounds
25 Minutes (per round)
Winner decided by popular vote. All paintings will be available for Raffle & Auction.
Tickets will be $15 at the Door.

ICU – Artists Look at Artists
2023-08-02 12:00 - 2023-08-27 17:30 | Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Member artists exchanged names and photos in early spring. Each artist then worked independently in their chosen medium to create a small portrait of a colleague. The resulting portraits may include not just traditional paintings, drawings, and photographs, but also work in textiles, wood, ceramics, and glass. Whimsical to serious, traditional to contemporary, the work in ICU – Artists Look at Artists is a summer smile. This August, see how artists see each other. Share the vision of this Lowell cooperative.
ICU – Artists Look at Artists runs August 2-27, 2023 at Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA. Open noon-5:30pm, Wednesday-Saturday; noon-4pm Sundays. Reception 3-5pm, Saturday, August 5, part of Western Avenue Studios’ monthly open house, noon-5pm. For details, visit www.theloadingdockgallery.com.
Loading Dock Gallery is part of Loading Dock Arts, Inc., a 501c3
.

Refuge 10th Anniversary Fundraiser - help us close the gap!
2023-08-19 13:00 - 22:00 | Navigation Brewing Co., 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, NH, 01851, United States
Join us on August 19th from 1 pm – 10 pm at Navigation Brewing Co. for our 10th Anniversary Celebration. Come down to Navigation for a day of feel good fun! Help us close our fundraising gap and match $25,000 in funding from the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation.
What’s going on?
+ Check out student art
+ Get a student-led tour of our new space on the second floor at Western Ave Studios
+ Raffle baskets with STELLAR items from Western Ave studios (including Lucas Land Glass, Two Stylish Sisters, Marte Media, Eir’s Garden, Grl Gang Jackets, Mill City Mercantile – to name a few)
+ Local food truck Foodega with festive flair for purchase & dessert from Clyde’s Cupcakes
+ The freshest beer in Lowell up for purchase
+ Live music
+ DUNK TANK: dunk your FAVORITE beer pourers for a small fee!
Have you heard of Refuge?
For the past decade, Refuge Art School has developed the talent of the next generation of Lowell artists. After a decade in our cozy studio on the first floor of in Western Avenue Studios, we are celebrating our 10th Anniversary by taking our community to the next level, quite literally.
Why support Refuge?
Refuge Art School as we move into our new home, a magical space on the second floor of the Studios. We are custom-building a three-part studio to encourage creativity and collaboration amongst our students, but we need your financial support to purchase materials and labor for the build out, outfit the space with multi-purpose furniture, and restock supplies.

'Who Knows Anything?'
2023-08-30 12:00 - 2023-10-01 17:00 | MA
Suzanne Hodge joins brother, Paul Pat Morse, and nephew, Pete Morse, to present Who Knows Anything? at Loading Dock Gallery this September. Conceived as a celebration of family and an exploration of the times, Who Knows Anything? also honors the memory of the artists’ brother and uncle, Rod Morse, a philosopher who valued humility and continuous learning.

Who Knows Anything? delves into the confluence of folk, abstract, and illusory art.
Our world is in a state of change. We face new questions, new challenges. This exhibit creates a prism of impressions and viewpoints.

Hodge lives in Hudson, NH, Paul Pat Morse in Barrington, NH, and Pete Morse in Manchester, NH. All are self-taught. Separately and together, their work borders on the uncharted, arcane, and audacious.

Who Knows Anything? runs August 30-October 1, 2023, at Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA. Reception 3-5pm, Saturday, September 2. Closing reception, with live music provided by Bobby Morse, Sunday, October 1, 2-4pm.

More at www.theloadingdockgallery.com.

Loading Dock Gallery is part of Loading Dock Arts, Inc., a 501c3.

September Summer Open Art Studios & Outdoor Market
2023-09-02 12:00 - 17:00 | Western Avenue Studios & Lofts, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Say goodbye to summer in style at our September Summer Open Art Studios & Outdoor Market on September 2nd, from 12-5 pm! Join us for a spectacular event filled with vibrant art, extraordinary crafts, live music, delectable food, and engaging activities. Celebrate the season’s end with us and discover unique treasures, immerse yourself in creativity, and make lasting memories. Admission is free. See you there!
Food trucks of the day: Empanda Dada (Outside our Main Entrance)
Performers of the day: Pianist Paul Carlson at 1 pm & The Party Band at 2 pm (Outside our Studios Building)
This month the Loading Dock Gallery hosts a show titled “Who Knows Anything?”. With an artist reception from 3 pm until 5 pm.
There is no charge for this event. This event is dog-friendly. We just ask that you keep your pup on a leash.
