Art Week Massachusetts In the Merrimack Valley
April 27th – May 6th
Art Week Massachusetts is affordable fun for anyone with a creative sense of adventure! This 10 day award-winning spring festival features unique and unexpected experiences that are participatory, interactive, and offer behind-the-scenes access to artists or the creative process. Each Art Week event is a one-of-a-kind celebration that you won’t want to miss!
Make a Mess: Spin Art, Acton, MA
Discovery Museum
On May 5th from 11:00am to 2:00pm, twist our tools, twirl our paper, and give our watercolors a whirl! Create a unique spun piece of art what won’t leave you dizzy. And while you wait for your masterpiece to dry, explore out all-new museum of new and reimagined STEAM experiences!
Create a Poppy in Remembrance of WWI, Carlisle, MA
Gleason Public Library
On April 28th from 11:00am to 2:00pm, Carlisle is creating a community art installation to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I in November 2018. Thousands of handmade textile poppies will glow from the war memorial in the town’s rotary center to the new war memorial on the town common. Workshops with age-appropriate poppy making projects will be run throughout Art Week. For children 3-6, there will be cut-out felt poppies. For older children, there will be wet felting on the library lawn (weather permitting) And for adults, knitting and crochet lessons on creating poppies in the library.
Cultural Heritage through Image at the Minute Man, Concord, MA
Minute Man National Historical Park
On May 5th from 9:00am to 3:00pm, The Cultural Heritage through Image project connects the heritage stories from other countries to the stories of local communities. Through photography, participants explore and learn about the culture around them as well as the exciting history of ancient and medieval past.
On and Off the Wall, Woodworkers Annual Show, Lexington, MA
Lexington Arts and Crafts Society
On April 14th, The Lexington Arts and Crafts Society Woodworkers Guild Annual Show “On and Off the Wall” will open, until April 29th. In additions to displays of the best recent creations from their eclectic membership, be inspired the original concepts and designs that can be displayed “on or off the wall” during the final weekend of this extraordinary show.
10th Annual Lexington Open Studios in Action, Lexington, MA
On April 28th and April 29th from 11:00am to 5:00pm, celebrate the 10th Annual Lexington Open Studios with visits to the 50+ artists who live, work, teach, create or are affiliated with the arts community in Lexington. See artists in the spaces where they make art and see many of them ‘in action’ where you can chat about their work and process. Why and how do they do what they do?! During the weekend all the artists are available to talk about and demonstrate their particular style and medium. See the studios and the equipment used to create the unique, outstanding art. Some artists even encourage a hands-on experience for their visitors.
Drumming It Up! Lexington, MA
Munroe Center for the Arts
On May 5th from 1:00pm to 3:00pm, enjoy the fun and engaging family percussion workshop for all ages and experience levels. We will learn about rhythm and teamwork through games and exercises, call-and-response activities and playing rhythm patterns from different countries. Participants can bring in an instrument if desired but there will be plenty available for all.
The State of Clay, Lexington, MA
Lexington Arts and Crafts Society
On May 5th and 6th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm, join juror Emily Zilber, curator of Contemporary Decorative Arts from the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Her short lecture on her choice of awards at this Artists’ Reception. The biennial State of Clay is a juried show, showcasing original and innovative ceramic work highlighting a variety of building styles, firing techniques and clay types.
Cardboard Architecture: Flip, Fold, Tie, Tape, Lincoln, MA
DeCordova Sculpture Park
Inspired by our new architecture-filled exhibition, Lived Space: Humans and Architecture, and the new interactive furniture designs by Boston Society of Architects’ MakeTANK committee, join us for a creative afternoon in the Sculpture Park as we design and construct imaginative functional sculptures using only cardboard and a few basic materials. Work alongside Sasaki and MakeTANK’s professional architects to complete demanding building challenges with no-tools-required building projects. Rain or shine. For children of all ages – and adults! Event is free with museum admission or membership.
Friday Night Jazz Jam, Littleton, MA
Indian Hill Music
Listen to a swinging set by our jazz faculty trio followed by a casual jam session open to the public. Featuring popular Boston-area jazz musicians, Eric Baldwin (guitar), Justin Meyer (bass), and Dave Fox (drums). Stay to sit in and play, or just listen! Jazz instrumentalists and vocalists of all ages and levels are welcome to come and play their favorite standards or learn new charts.
Artists Talk & Reception for The Quilted Canvas II, Lowell, MA
New England Quilt Museum
The New England Quilt Museum (NEQM) is proud to host The Quilted Canvas II, an exhibition of works from America’s most innovative and influential contemporary quilt artists of the 1970s: Molly Upton, Susan Hoffman, Beth Gutcheon and Jeffrey Gutcheon. Rejecting traditional quilting patterns and motifs, these artists applied a fine arts perspective to their original quilt designs. Their work was groundbreaking in its complexity, graphic quality, and unique use of color that elevated quilt making to an art. The NEQM is especially honored to welcome Susan Hoffman and Beth Gutcheon for an artist’s talk at the exhibition opening on Saturday, April 28 at 11:00 a.m.
Lowell Walks Monument & Public Art Walk, Lowell, MA
Lowell National Historical Park
On April 28th and 29th from 1:00pm to 2:30pm, more than two dozen monuments and public art pieces are located on the grounds of Lowell City Hall yet they are unnoticed by most who pass by every day. Participants on this walk will help locate the monuments and be invited to share their impressions of them. Free guided walking tour of monuments & public art around Lowell City Hall. Led by Richard Howe, tour begins at the Lowell National Park Visitor Center.
Branding Lowell Open House & Curator Talks, Lowell, MA
Patrick J. Morgan Cultural Center
On Saturday April 28th, join Lowell National Historical Park at our new art exhibit “Branding Lowell: A History of Local Design.” It covers logo design and the graphic arts in Lowell from the 1800’s to today. There will be curator talks at 1:30 and 3pm, as well as activities for all ages such as designing your own logo.
Points of Light Celebration, Lowell, MA
Ecumenical Plaza
On April 28, from 6:00 to 10:00pm, visit Ecumenical Plaza for a spring celebration of unity and renewal brings together the food, music, and traditions of Lowell’s diverse cultures in this all volunteer event. Attendees will be able to personalize a floating water lantern (supplies and materials provided, first come first served) which will be displayed prior to their canal release. Light is a universal symbol and lanterns can symbolize a wish, remembrance, or just a reflection of self and their creative side! The centerpiece of the night is the release of these personalized lanterns on the Western Canal, creating hundreds of points of light.
The Loft Musicians, Lowell, MA
Free Painting Demo with Palette Knife & Hands-On, Lowell
On Saturday, April 28th from 7:30 to 11:00pm visit the Onyx Room for a free painting demo! It has been four years since the musicians who live at Western Avenue Lofts—housing more than 300 artists—have collaborated to perform for the public. Join us for this rare opportunity to interact with musicians one-on-one in between sets as they showcase their diverse talents and share their personal journeys. Be inspired and share your thoughts on an active in-show comment wall. All proceeds from the evening go to Miracle Providers New England, a non-profit organization created for children whose lives have been impacted by HIV/AIDS.
Gallery Z Artist Coop, Lowell, MA
Gallery Z
On May 5th, Gallery Z presents an all-day, free, interactive experience in the healing, performing and visual arts. At 10:45 a.m., experience guided meditation with Linda Moran; at noon artist Frances Killam will offer a children’s mono print workshop; from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. a variety of art demonstrations will be presented by our co-op artists; at 6:00 p.m. Balefire Productions will present a live podcast performance of Blackwater Falls followed by our artist reception with storytelling and live acoustic musical performances by local musicians. Gallery Z is an artists co-op and exhibition gallery, coffee house and café, serving healthy organic, fair trade and farm to table sandwiches, soups and salads, teas and more.
Create Alcohol Ink Art, Lowell, MA
Western Ave Studios
For $1 on Saturday May 5th, create your own small abstract artwork using alcohol ink on special paper from 12:00 to 4:30pm. Alcohol ink is noted for its bright, vibrant colors. This is a fast, drop-in activity, safe for children and adults; you’ll be able to take home your artwork immediately. One day only in conjunction with open studios
A Little Bazaar, Lowell, MA
Mill No. 5
On May 5th, from noon to 5:00pm, visit the 4th floor of this historic venue where visitors can watch artists doing a live paint and drawing session for ArtWeek. A Little Bazaar is a Marketplace at Mill No. 5 that showcases artists/craftspeople offering artisanal goods to the community including handmade pottery, jewelry, screen/block prints on apparel or paper, painters, apothecary products and much more. Look for various demonstrations happening throughout too!
Initiation to Painting, Lowell, MA
ALL Arts Gallery
From 2:00pm to 4:00pm on April 29th, visit ALL Arts Galley. In a relaxed atmosphere that fosters experimenting with acrylic paint, participants paint an impression of subject, using it as inspiration. The result can be realistic, impressionistic, or abstract. The goal is to introduce people to painting using a palette knife, primary colors, and color theory through a simple and fun activity taught by Claire Gagnon.
Lowell’s Asian American Heritage Exhibition, Lowell, MA
The Brush Art Gallery and Studios
Saturday May 5th, join us in celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month! This exhibit (open until June 7) and talk celebrates Lowell’s multicultural communities including Cambodian, Burmese, Laotian, Nepalese, Chinese, Indian, and Thai. The Brush Art Gallery and Studios and the Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association have invited these groups to display cultural items including musical instruments, artwork, pottery, photographs, calligraphy, clothing, and historical items, each of which will include information in the language of its origin. As part of ArtWeek, the Gallery owner will give a brief talk and involved group members will be available to answer questions.
Free Flow: A Multi-Media Experiment, Maynard, MA
Metrowest Kung Fu
On April 27th, FREE FLOW: A Multi-Media Experiment features two sections. The first hour, 8-9PM will be an improvisational performance with dancers, musicians, a poet, a painter, a tapestry maker, and a photographer. During the second hour the audience will be invited to join in with the initial cast. FREE FLOW will be held in the Metrowest Kung Fu studio which has windows facing out on Main Street of Maynard. People outside can also witness the event and then enter to become audience if they want to become immersed in the full creative experience. FREE FLOW hopes to ignite creative expression in people who may become part of this unique multi-media performance!
ArtSpace Maynard ArtWeek Celebration & Artist Talk, Maynard, MA
ArtSpace Mayard Gallery & Studios
ArtSpace Maynard Gallery and Studios invite you to visit the Gallery, a 100-year school house, during ArtWeek on April 28. Acme Theater and printmakers will provide tours, Berit Strong Classical Gambist will be performing from 2-3 pm in the Gallery, and Kay Hartung will be presenting an Artist’s Talk from 3-4 in the gallery. Several of our artists will have their studios open for you to visit from 12-4. View the historic grounds and see the outdoor sculptures on display.
Wear Your Art at Raspberry Beret- , Maynard, MA
Raspberry Beret
On April 28th, imagine a society in which what we wear is free from the restraints of trends, professionalism, budget, gender, and age. What would you wear if you could wear absolutely anything? What do you look like as a living work of art? Would you prefer outrageous glam or total comfort? What textiles express your imagination? How would you paint your image through fabric and fashion? Through relaxed mini-photoshoots, alternative versions of ourselves are brought to light that can only be expressed by the variety of textiles, silhouettes, and time periods found in a consignment shop. Individuals are encouraged to share their creations on social media and join the evening in-store fashion show. Come visit us from 4:00pm to 7:00pm!
Kids Ceramics, Maynard, MA
Silk & Clay Studio
On April 30th from 4:00 to 5:30pm, come and have fun designing and constructing a clay project using slabs, carving tools, stamps and glazes at this one day special workshop designed to spark kids’ interest in art making. No experience necessary. Projects must be kiln fired, so finished projects must be picked up at a later date. Limited to 8 students maximum; pre-registration required. (Recommended for Grades 4-7.)
Maynard as a Canvas Jury Show, Maynard, MA
Celia T’s Music Hall
On April 30th from 6:00 to 9:00pm, ‘Maynard as a Canvas’ seeks to bring in unique murals to decorate downtown Maynard. After 40+ artists submitted ideas last fall, six finalists are being chosen to present their submissions to the public during ArtWeek. Finalists will be available to answer questions about their craft and talk about the process of mural painting, all as part of the Maynard Cultural Council’s grantee awards ceremony. The winner of the mural contest will be announced at the end of the evening.
Asian Film Series: Culture in Film Discussions, Maynard, MA
Fine Arts Theature Place
On April 30th through May 2nd from 7:30 to 9:30pm, visit the first-ever foreign language film series in Maynard as Fans of Film brings a three-night Asian film series to the community featuring contemporary films from Korea, Hong Kong and Japan, with a special post-film discussion on Asian Contemporary film on the opening night. Fans of Film hopes this event will spark conversation among film-goers that goes beyond just the stories being told. View films on April 30-May 2 at the Fine Arts Theatre Palace. Fans of Film is an independent group celebrating the art of film-making by screening independent, documentary, foreign and classic films.
Kids Paint, Print, and Draw, Maynard, MA
Silk & Clay Studio
May 1st from 4:00pm to 5:30pm: Calling all first, second and third graders! Starting with heavy art paper, we will introduce one medium (acrylic paint, oil pastel, colored pencil, and printers inks) at a time, allowing students time to experiment with each to create layers of color and texture. We will talk about color mixing as well as the importance of shapes. The finished piece of abstract art will be a one of a kind. Space is limited to 10 participants, so be sure to register by e –mailing silkandclay@comcast.net.
May 2nd from 4:00pm to 5:40pm: Join us for kids silk painting! Recommended for Grades 2-5, this one-day special workshop is designed to spark kids interest in art making. We will stretch small (10”x10”) white silk scarves on frames, then dye and over-dye using beautiful colors and sumo brushes. Salt, water, and blending will add wonderful effects. The dye needs to be steam-set for permanence, so project must be picked up the following week. Limited to a maximum of 7 students; pre-registration required.
Poetry Reading Circle, Maynard, MA
Maynard Public Library
On May 3rd from 7:00pm to 8:15pm share your poems at the Maynard Public Library! We love to hear from our local poets, whether published or not, but you don’t need to be a writer to have poems you’d like to share! For our special ArtWeek gathering, bring a few favorite verses and take turns reading them in our circle of poetry lovers. You’ll get to revisit works you already cherish, and perhaps discover some new favorites!
On May 5th from 3:00pm to 4:00pm, join us for stories abou the Maynard Community! Images of iconic events of the past year – and hundreds of years – will be shown combined with spoken word narration. Learn about the history of the rail roads to rail trails. Hear an antique VW enthusiast tell the tale of how a quirky little car led to passion, obsession and formed lifelong friendships. Eight stories of love and relationships, art and business, history and youth sports in our home town are part of a fast paced slide show and story telling hour. For all ages, hear from a young sports team, an international business headquartered in Maynard, a history of the rail trail, an artist’s ambitions. and many more amazing life experiences.
Spring Art Walk, Maynard, MA, Maynard, MA
6 Bridges Gallery
Celebrate Spring Art on May 5th from 5:00pm to 7:30pm, as downtown Maynard comes alive as businesses open their doors, streets become pedestrian friendly, and activities abound. Special for ArtWeek, two plein air painters from 6 Bridges Gallery and Artspace will be painting in the downtown area on Nason & Main Streets. Visitors can watch, chat or ask questions of the artists. Join us as Maynard brings art and creativity to the streets!
Kid Pinky, Maynard, MA
Metrowest Kung Fu
Get the blues with Kid Pinky, on May 5th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. This retro-style, four-piece blues band is both authentic and unique. Lead man Steve Prisby was the founder and leader of The Movers, the 1995 International Blues Band Competition winner in Memphis, TN. Accompanied by three highly talented bluesmen from the New Hampshire area, Kid Pinky is a throwback to the future. While paying homage to blues from the 40s and 50s, as well as New Orleans funk and jazz, they have assimilated their influences to conceive an entirely innovative and original sound. Engaging personalities and comfortable volume levels always make the show FUN, creating an intimacy that feels like a private performance in your own living room. Band leader Steve, will offer a brief history of the blues styles and musical inspirations behind the songs. He will also offer a Q&A with the other band members at the conclusion of the show.
