Lowell may have gained its fame as an industrial city, but it’s become a real hub for art lovers. From artist communities to galleries showcasing the works of local artists, the city is full of creative works and displays for everyone to enjoy. If you’re an art lover, plan a getaway to Lowell for the chance to see some great works of art of all mediums.
Museum Quality, Local Artists
Museums are wonderful, but it’s important to nurture artists of the future and not just celebrate the ones of the past. The Brush Art Gallery and Studios presents museum quality exhibitions by local, up-and-coming artists. They provide studio space to eleven artists who produce paintings, illustration, photography, jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, quilts, and handwoven items.
This is the organization’s way of ensuring working artists have the space and opportunity to showcase their works and have their voices heard. Many of these artists use their works to provide commentary on social and environmental issues and display Lowell’s rich heritage. Admission is free so anyone is welcome to come in, speak to the artists, and even purchase beautiful original art pieces for your home.
Shop Local Art at Mill No. 5
The Shops at Mill No. 5 have an assortment of small, independent shops. Among them are a couple of galleries that give visitors the opportunity to buy one-of-a-kind pieces from local artists.
Ashley Eisenman Art
Whimsy and movement are found in the watercolor paintings and ink illustrations at Ashley Eisenman Art. Taking inspiration from the world around her, she creates cheeky and irreverent pieces that will delight any art lover. She even takes commission requests, so you can have a special person, pet, or place celebrated in her unique style.
Curation 250
If you love pop and contemporary art, Curation 250 is the gallery for you. When you stop in you’ll find a colorful shop with local artists’ work, skate culture inspired clothing, outdoor art supplies, and even a fully stocked spray paint vending machine. The gallery also holds monthly exhibits and artist receptions to showcase the next sensations in the art world.
Lowell’s Thriving Artist Community
With over 350 artists, Western Avenue is the largest artist community in the United States. Converted from an old mill building, they provide permanent studio spaces and apartments to the creative souls of Lowell. Here artists can practice their crafts and share their creative process with each other. This means there’s no better place to see what’s new in the art world.
Year-round, Western Avenue hosts artist open studios on the first Saturday of every month. If you can’t make the first Saturday, come stroll the halls filled with art or make an appointment for a studio visit with a featured artist. The Loading Dock Gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday where featured pieces are showcased and rotated every month. While there, if you’re hungry or thirsty, Tiny Arms Coffee is open Thursday through Monday and Navigation Brewing Company is open Thursday through Sunday. Both are great places for art lovers to relax and discuss art over a meal.
For art lovers, Lowell simply cannot be missed. Plan a visit and be inspired by incredible pieces by the Lowell artist community. It might just tempt you to get your own paintbrushes out and create a masterpiece when you get home.
