Western Avenue Studios

Sketch Book Weekend
2019-11-16 09:30 - 2019-11-17 15:30 UTC | Third Floor of WA, 122 Western Ave., Lowell, Massachusetts, 01851
During this intensive weekend class, you will learn how to make at least 3 hardcover sketchbooks: Coptic Stitch binding, Secret Belgian binding and 2-section cross stitch binding. Some bookmaking or hand sewing experience is necessary to take this class.

Alcohol Ink Workshop
2019-11-16 10:00 - 14:00 | Fourth Floor of WA, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Learn how alcohol inks interact with each other and how to use tools and brushes to help create texture and abstract designs.
Taught by Denise Rainis in Studio 418 – this class is great for all levels! No need for prior art experience of any kind!
Each participant will complete and take home:

6 Ornament Balls
A ceramic tile
A glass domed pendant (ready to wear)

ALL MATERIALS PROVIDED
8 participants maximum, 4minimum
Fee: $60 per person due upon sign-up. Includes ALL materials.
Sign up online or over the phone
deniserainis@gmail.com 978-302-3695
What to Wear:
This can be a MESSY workshop. Gloves will be provided however, alcohol inks WILL STAIN CLOTHING. It is recommended to wear clothing that you do not mind potentially staining. Alcohol ink contains isopropyl, which does have a distinct odor.

An Afternoon with Maddy Rosenberg
2019-11-16 13:00 - 14:30 | MA
MADDY ROSENBERG shares insight into her career as both an internationally recognized artist and curator. Ms. Rosenberg works in several media including oil painting, artist’s books, printmaking, drawing, toy theatre and installation. Her work appears in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, Tate Museum, Fogg Museum, Yale University and the Victoria and Albert Museum among dozens of other.
Acclaimed for her international curatorial work, she approaches curating as an extension of her art practice. In 2009, Rosenberg opened CENTRAL BOOKING, a multi-disciplinary art space in Brooklyn focusing on artist’s books and exhibitions on art & science. The gallery has since grown out of its four walls into a nomadic curatorial endeavor between Ms. Rosenberg and a variety of collaborators such as the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Library. This presentation is free and open to the public.
Learn more at maddyrosenberg.net and centralbookingnyc.com

Carve a Wooden Grain Scoop
2019-11-16 13:00 - 18:00 | Second Floor WA, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
John Francis Designs Carving Class Series: In this class we will carve and shape a wooden grain scoop. We will learn to use a mallet and gouge, carving gouges, knives, drawknife, and spokeshave. We will also be using a bandsaw to cut the spoon handle. This is a great intro to carving class, a wide variety of tools and topics will be covered and you leave with your own hand carved hardwood scoop!
Beginners are welcome!
18+ only please.

Book Art Workshop with Maddy Rosenberg
2019-11-16 15:00 - 17:00 | Second Floor WA, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Learn to artfully create Accordion Books and other book structures with internationally acclaimed artist and curator Maddy Rosenberg.

Experiment with form and content to develop your vision or try something new. Artists and community members will learn to adapt their own interests to this new medium. Bring your imagination. All materials are included.

Make an afternoon of it by coming to the free lecture by Maddy before the class.

See Maddy’s work by visiting her website maddyrosenberg.net

Drawing and Painting Class with Roneld Lores
2019-09-17 18:30 - 20:30 | MA
For artists of all levels who wish to learn and master painting fundamentals, this class helps you with friendly, one-on-one coaching as well as inspiration from others. You will explore different mediums and techniques, color theory, conceptual developments and composition. Students will receive expert instruction in a low-stress and welcoming atmosphere.
This class is an Open Studio format and features regular mini-lectures, short demonstrations and coaching to help you explore concept development, learn how to mix paint, create new compositions, and textures.
My mission for you is simple: I want you to create paintings, not pictures. I want to get you comfortable with the creative process. If I can help you make your own artwork using best practices in technique and composition, and get you further along the path of art through a wider appreciation of art history, even better. It is about finding your unique artistic voice.

Class is held in a professional studio setting (Alés Lores Studio – Loft 216)
Easel will be provided. List of materials needed is listed on the website www.alesloresstudio.com
Enrollment is open year-round depending on availability.
Free parking available.

Classes Available:
Tuesdays 6:30pm – 8:30pm (Instructor: Roneld Lores)

Sculpture and Ceramics Class at Lores Studio
2019-09-11 18:30 - 20:30 | MA
Students can expect a relaxed and individualized experience where they will be guided and challenged according to their level of development and personal goals. Ceramics and Sculpture will cover hand building techniques designed to focus on your area of interest including: portrait, figurative, and functional art as well as jewelry.
This class is an Open Studio format and features regular mini-lectures, short demonstrations and coaching to help you explore and learn hand building techniques.

Class is held in a professional studio setting (Alés Lores Studio – Studio A413)
Basic Tools and Clay will be provided for beginners
Students are expected to purchase additional clay, glazes, and special tools and materials required for their projects.
Enrollment is open year-round depending on availability.
Free parking available.

Classes Available:
Wednesdays 6:30pm – 8:30pm (Instructor: Roneld Lores)

Epoxy Crafting Class
2019-11-30 11:00 - 12:00 | First Floor WA
In this introduction to epoxy crafting class, you will learn the basics of working with epoxy art resin by creating 2 epoxy ornaments. Our very own Captain Jeff Taylor will share his experiences with you in this beginner epoxy class.
There is a 12 hour set time with this epoxy. Ornament will be available to pick up the following day or arrangements can be made at a time of convenience.
Class size is limited so register today!

Small ART Business Saturday
2019-11-30 12:00 - 17:00 | Western Avenue Studios & Lofts, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Well – it’s not an official Open Studios – but there will be Studios Open to honor the efforts of all the small creative businesses at Western Avenue. In addition to the normal hours for the Loading Dock Gallery (which is running an awesome raffle right now!), many businesses will be open and welcome you to stop by. Here’s a list – but we’re sure more will decide to open last minute.

First Floor
Studio 103 Black Bosk Leather and wood
Studio 109 Eir’s Garden Soap and herbal products
Studio 121 Kristen Higgins Photography
Studio 125 Mill City Glass Works Glass blowing
Studio A108 Jo-Be-Mac Studios Wood and laser engraving

Second Floor
Studio 212 Tracy Levesque Acrylic Painting
Studio 212 Peter Zimmerman Flamework glass
Studio 214 Bethany Peck Oil painting and mixed media
Studio 220 John Boutselis Photography
Studio A202 Prunella’s Workshop Metal jewelry and clothing accessories
Studio A206 Walk on the Moon Jewelry, candles and encaustics

Third Floor
Studio 302 Kate Seely Whimsical Surrealism via drawing / painting/ mixed media
Studio 304 Uni-T Unique and eco-friendly T-shirts
Studio 327 Carolyn Lee Cook Acrylic painting
Studio 327 Vivian Rosalee Mixed media
Studio A301 Linda Hefner Acrylic on panel
Studio A303 Nooshin Manoochehri Clay art
Studio A313 Maria Testa Silk scarves

Fourth Floor
Studio A412 Tarja Cockell Textile (scarf in photo above)
Studio A416 Pompei Stained and Fused Glass Glass

Fifth Floor
Studio 501 David Van Ness Painting
Studio 509 Crissie Murphy Painting
Studio A503 MASARAT Studios Watercolor and Acrylics
Studio A508 Gary Destramp Watercolor and Illustration

Say hi, do some early holiday shopping or suss things out you may want to add to your list. Navigation Brewing will be open starting at 2pm with a food truck on site.

We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration, and are grateful for your support in sustaining small businesses.

Glass Ornaments Make Your Own Class
2019-12-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Second Floor WA, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
For the total beginner to the experienced lampworker looking to learn a new design. In this shorter form workshop, Aaron Slater will teach one of his most successful ornament designs, the twisted icicle! It’s a classic that he has put his own spin on and a great way to make some gifts for your friends and family or just get your feet wet in the world of molten glass! Studio 216. Registration required.

Lecture: Antwon Key - Design for Social Change
2019-12-07 11:00 - 12:00 | B Mill – 2nd floor, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
ANTWON KEY is graphic designer, photographer and professor at Salem State University. With a focus on Design for Social Change he aims to educate design scholars about how subtle messaging within their work can influence our society for the good. Professor Key believes that “Design—in the right hands—has the power to change our world for the better.”
In addition to sharing his thoughts about social design, Professor Key will inspire with a talk about his most recent photographic series Red, Black, and Black: A Visual Introspective of Alternative American Perspectives.
Lecture starts promptly at 11am. Discussion from noon – 12:30pm.
Western Avenue Inspires is a series of six lectures by creative professionals speaking about their ideas, passions, and recent work. Presented before each First Saturday Open Studio at Western Avenue Studios, this speaker series will provide fresh new insight into the careers of creative professionals. The series runs from December 2019 through May 2020. Western Avenue Inspires is supported, in part, by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency.

Holiday Open Studios
2019-12-07 12:00 - 17:00 | Western Avenue Studios & Lofts, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Tis the season – and we hope you join us and support the artists of Western Avenue – all local businesses that make the gift of giving such a special unique gesture. Check out our blog post for ongoing updates on demos and workshops and food trucks and more!!
Gorgeous wooden spoons for the foodie and chef in your family. Beautiful clay bowls to serve up all that deliciousness. Family portrait photo session – the best grandparent gift ever. Personal unique hand bound journal for the writer in the family. Unique felted scarf for the fashion maven. Trendy and rugged leather wallets and bags for the traveler with style. Jewelry that will make others ooh and ahh. And a perfect painting that will remind the love of your life of the bond your share. Need we go on?

Coptic Stitch Journal
2019-12-12 09:30 - 15:30 | Third Floor of WA, 122 Western Ave., Lowell, Massachusetts, 01851
In this full day class you will learn how to create a two-needle coptic stitched book with handmade paper covers. You’ll leave class with one finished journal and have the option to purchase further kits to make at home. The class will also include a bonus demonstration on how to create your own book cloth.
