Refuge Lowell: Portfolio Development - Techniques & Fundamentals
2023-10-07 09:30 - 12:30 UTC | Refuge Lowell, 122 Western Ave. Studio #A110, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Day/Time: Saturday, 9:30 AM-12:30 PM
Dates:
October: 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
November: 4th, 11th, 18th
December: 2nd, 9th, 16th
Instructor: Courtney Wilson
Co-instructor: Kat Keenan
Cost: $850.00 → 5% off $807.5
Expires September 1st
Description: In this course, we will focus on the fundamentals of color, value, composition, and material application through observational and still life work. This course is for students who are serious about making art and those who plan to build visual portfolios for private school admission or college level admission. 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. Students will be encouraged to explore new techniques, strengthen their understanding of mediums, and develop conceptual work that is meaningful to them. 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)

*Please inform us in advance of any allergies or medical conditions we should be aware of.

Ceramics at Refuge Art School
2023-09-30 13:30 - 16:30 | Refuge Lowell, 122 Western Ave. Studio #A110, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Day/Time: Saturday 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Dates:
September: 30th
October: 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
November: 4th, 18th
December: 2nd, 9th, 16th
Instructor: Kat Keenen
Co-instructor: Maritza Lezama
Cost: $850.00
In this course, students will learn the basics of ceramics. This class will focus on hand building, students will learn how to build forms with techniques including pinch pots, slab building, and coil building. Students will make both functional and sculptural works of art in this class!
*Please inform us in advance of any allergies or medical conditions we should be aware of.
Ages: 14 and up

Simple Gifts
2023-11-01 08:00 - 2023-11-26 17:00 | MA
November brings Simple Gifts to the Loading Dock Gallery in Lowell. A show of fine art and craft, Simple Gifts will inspire as you enter the holiday season. Celebrate friends and family with Simple Gifts.

Simple Gifts range from bookmarks and ornaments to silk scarves and sculpture. For that generous host, consider candles, hand-thrown pottery, or a whimsical lamp. Scarves, hand dyed and hand-made, offer a colorful embrace. Simple Gifts also includes a selection of fine art for the wall. At Simple Gifts you’ll find gifts for hosts, friends, and relatives. Pick something for yourself too.

Reach out. Refresh your spirit. Simple Gifts runs November 1-26 at Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA. Open noon-5:30pm, Wednesday-Saturday; noon-4pm Sundays. Reception 3-5pm, Saturday, November 4, 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.

November Open Art Studios
2023-11-04 12:00 - 17:00 | Western Avenue Studios & Lofts, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
The leaves are falling, and art is calling! Prepare to be enchanted by a day filled with vibrant creativity, endless inspiration, and good vibes galore at our November Open Art Studios event. Whether you’re an art connoisseur, a curious soul, or simply on the hunt for a wonderfully whimsical way to spend your day, our canvas of excitement awaits you! Five floors of art studios, two floors of artist lofts, a coffee shop, a co-op art gallery, and a brewery. Admission is free. See you here!
Food truck of the day: Wicked Tasty (Outside our Main Entrance)
This month the Loading Dock Gallery hosts a show titled Simple Gifts. 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.
Remember to RSVP and share this event to let everyone know that you’ll be part of the November Open Art Studios event at Western Avenue. It’s going to be a masterpiece of a day!

Nicholas Anthony Mancini: Works on Paper - at Storage Closet Gallery
2023-11-04 12:00 - 2024-01-14 17:00 | Storage Closet Gallery, 160 Western Ave, Lowell, MA, 01851
Nicholas Anthony Mancini: Works on Paper
Location: Western Avenue Lofts, 160 Western Avenue, 2nd Floor Lowell, MA 01851
Dates: Open during Saturday Open Studios, noon to 5 pm, on November 4th, December 2nd, December 9th, January 6th, and by appointment.Storage Closet Gallery presents Works on Paper, recent etchings and silverpoint drawings by Nicholas Anthony Mancini, opening Saturday, November 4th, 2023, on view through January 2024. Mancini’s images are composites sourced from 16th century tapestries and lived experiences in woods and gardens. Repeating horizontal lines, a device typically employed in printmaking to create depth, depict close-up views of anonymous, mysterious feet on sylvan ground. The work invites reflections of our relationship with nature, and new and old technologies. Drawn by hand with an etching needle, silver wire and a straight edge, the horizontal striated marks appear similar to digital scans while imparting the physical impact of a tapestry weft.
Nicholas Anthony Mancini (Born Swampscott, MA) received his BFA from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts and his MFA from Boston University. Nicholas’ work encompasses painting, drawing and printmaking. He is currently the Visiting Assistant Professor in Painting at Massachusetts College of Art.

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.

Small Business Saturday Indoor Art Market
2023-11-25 12:00 - 17:00 | Western Avenue Studios & Lofts, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
When you walk through our doors, you’re not just entering an art market; you’re stepping into a realm where dreams and ambitions take flight. With every purchase, you’re not merely buying artwork and handcrafted treasures—you’re igniting the fires of local entrepreneurs and artists who infuse their hearts and souls into every creation. Five floors of art studios, a coffee shop, a co-op art gallery, and a brewery. Admission is free. We hope to see you here!
Food truck of the day: TBD
This month the Loading Dock Gallery hosts a show titled Simple Gifts.
There is no charge for this event. This event is dog-friendly. We just ask that you keep your pup on a leash.
Remember to RSVP and share this event to let everyone know that you’ll be part of our Small Bussiness Saturday Indoor Art Market event at Western Avenue!

Holiday Open Art Studios
2023-12-02 12:00 - 17:00 | Western Avenue Studios & Lofts, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
This holiday season, there’s no better way to spread cheer than by checking off your gift list while supporting local talent. At our Holiday Open Art Studios events, we’re bringing you the perfect opportunity to do just that.

When you buy gifts from our local artists, you’re not just giving presents; you’re sharing stories, craftsmanship, and a piece of our community’s heart and soul. It’s a win-win that brightens the holidays for both the giver and the receiver.

So, this holiday season, let’s make a pact to keep it local. Join us on December 2nd and 9th, and make your gift-buying experience a joyful celebration of community, art, and the spirit of giving. Together, we can make this season truly special.

Five floors of art studios, two floors of artist lofts, a coffee shop, a co-op art gallery, and a brewery. Admission is free. See you here!

Food trucks of the day:
– 12/2: Augusta’s Chicken On The Road
– 12/9: Benny’s Backyard BBQ

This month the Loading Dock Gallery hosts a show titled Winter Lights.

There is no charge for this event. This event is dog-friendly. We just ask that you keep your pup on a leash.
Remember to RSVP and share this event to let everyone know that you’ll be part of our Holiday Open Art Studios event at Western Avenue.

January Open Art Studios
2024-01-06 12:00 - 17:00 | Western Avenue Studios & Lofts, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Do you have art on your New Year’s resolution? Kick off 2024 with a burst of creativity at our first Open Art Studios event of the year. Immerse yourself in the magic of our creative community. Hands-on workshops, live artist demos, and more. This is not just an event; it’s an experience you don’t want to miss.
Five floors of art studios, two floors of artist lofts, a coffee shop, a co-op art gallery, and a brewery. Admission is free. See you here!
Food truck of the day: Wicked Tasty
This month the Loading Dock Gallery hosts a show titled “Youthful Visions” The 6th Annual Greater Lowell Regional Student Art Show.
There is no charge for this event. This event is dog-friendly. We ask that you keep your pup on a leash.

Refuge Art School Open House & Jim Silk Memorial Library Dedication
2024-01-14 13:00 - 17:00 | Refuge Lowell, 122 Western Ave. Studio #A110, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Refuge Art School moved to a magical new studio in 2023, thanks to generous donors.

Come Celebrate with us in our Open House from 1:00 – 5:00PM

There will be LIVE ART,

2023 Recap Showcase & Memorial Library Dedication!

With special thanks to the family and friends of Jim Silk for the Memorial Library. Please join us for the Dedication from 3:00 – 5:00PM.

February Open Art Studios
2024-02-03 12:00 - 17:00 | Western Avenue Studios & Lofts, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of art at our February Open Art Studios event. Where creativity flourishes and discover the perfect Valentine’s gifts. Unique and heartfelt treasures crafted by our talented community of artists provide an unforgettable way to celebrate your love.
Five floors of art studios, two floors of artist lofts, a coffee shop, a co-op art gallery, and a brewery. Admission is free. See you here!
Food truck of the day: Wicked Tasty
This month the Loading Dock Gallery hosts a show titled “Affirmation of Life: Art From Today’s Ukraine”
There is no charge for this event. This event is dog-friendly. We ask that you keep your pup on a leash.

An Evening of Ukrainian Art & Music at Loading Dock Gallery
2024-02-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Please join Loading Dock Gallery in partnership with the Ukrainian Cultural Intitiative’s Nataliya Proskura and Vladislav Shapiro, for this evening of art and music from Ukraine.This show highlights the compelling artwork of today’s Ukrainian artists. Proskura is quoted inArt New England, “We are thankful and excited to share the full spectrum of Ukrainian art. We want to show Americans that Ukraine is not just a c country of fighters, but also a land of great beauty and deep cultural history.” Singer and bandora player, Olena Tsar will give two brief performances during the evening. Proceeds from the evening will help support artists living in the Ukraine, financially help children’s art in the schools and support art therapy for veterans in Ukraine.

Replications at Loading Dock Gallery
2024-02-28 12:00 - 17:30 | Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
This March, Loading Dock Gallery presents Replications, a show of color and whimsy inspired by nature, featuring the work of artists Nicole Brunelle, Carolyn Lee, and Vivian Rosalee.
Sharing color ideas and subject matter, Brunelle, Lee, and Rosalee created work that ranges from realistic to abstract. Replications includes wall art, stained glass, textile pieces, and jewelry.
Rosalee works in ink and acrylic gouache. Her style combines strong design and bright rich colors. She renders realistic and imaginary creatures with equal delight, in moods that range from tenderness to humor.
Brunelle translates nature imagery into stained glass. Subjects include birds, mushrooms, dragonflies, as well as abstract studies of leaves, water, and sky.
Lee enjoys exploring techniques and discovering new combinations of materials. Her work includes mixed media paintings, beaded jewelry, and fabric art, including cyanotype, monoprint, and paper quilling.
