A dramatic exhibit of new artwork by Gillian Frazier, reflecting Lowell in all its gritty beauty, is on view through Aug. 24 in ALL’s Greenwald Gallery, 307 Market Street.
Frazier, a 24-year resident of the Mill City, captures Lowell cityscapes in her artwork and says it all in her artist’s statement for “Lowell Reflected.”
“I see rivers — flowing, rising, calming — mirroring the lives that move beside them. I see brick buildings in red, orange, and blue — weathered walls that have held generations of labor, silence, creativity. I see smokestacks cutting into the sky, roads folding, memories. I see trees mirrored in water, their reflections shifting with the wind. I see artists carrying stories in canvas, clay and stone. I see new cultures shaping new paths. I see the unhoused holding presence in a city that sees and unsees them. ‘Lowell Reflected’ is my portrait of a city I’ve lived in for 24 years. It’s a city of history and past lives. It’s a city of the present and change… It is my city.”
Explaining her process, she says, “I begin by sketching and photographing what I see and hear; moments unposed, a city that sees and speaks, through water rushing, soft and loud voices, sirens, and trees that blow in the wind. In my studio, those images and sounds become paintings layered with color, light, and remembrance.”
This work is a meditation on reflection: in water, in people, in place. It is about persistence, dignity, and the vibrant spirit of a community. It is Lowell reflected!”
Visit www.artsleagueoflowell.org for hours and info.
“Summer Celebration of New England Quilts” opened Tuesday and runs through Sept. 6 at the New England Quilt Museum, Shattuck Street, Lowell.
The exhibit showcases works from the many dynamic quilt guilds located in the New England region. Every two years, the Supporting Guilds of the NEQM are tasked with selecting an exceptional quilt made by one or more of their members to display in the galleries. In hosting this exhibition, the NEQM celebrates many skillful, but lesser known, quiltmakers and recognizes the important role of quilt guilds in advancing the art.
Visitors to “Summer Celebration” are encouraged to vote for their favorite quilt. At the conclusion, the guild with the most votes is invited to host an exhibition of its members’ work in the NEQM Genre Gallery next year.
During this community event, admission to the NEQM is voluntary.
“Pay What You Wish” allows everyone the opportunity to learn and find inspiration. NEQM encourages students, senior centers, caregivers, those without employment, and anyone deterred by admission fees to join the ‘’Summer Celebration of New England Quilts.’’
Also on view are ‘’Good as Gold” art quilts at the Brush Gallery, 256 Market St., to Sept. 13, and ‘’Flora’’ at the ALL Gallery, 307 Market St., to Sept. 7. Both are community partners with NEQM and within walking distance so you can see all three exhibits when you come to Lowell.
GALLERY NOTES
ART IN THE PARK: The Nashua Area Artists Association will be holding its 72nd annual Greeley Park Art Show, a two-day outdoor juried art show, set for Aug. 16 and 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at historic Greeley Park in Nashua N.H. The show is open to all artists 18 and older working in 2D and 3D media. About 50 artists will be on hand from the region. While restoration work is going on now, there is plenty of room for artists, their work, the activities, and for the art lover!
Awards will be given in 3D, acrylic, drawing/illustration, mixed media, oil, pastel, photography, watercolor, digital art, in addition to Best in Show and Viewer’s Choice. The children’s art contest is by age.
Each year, visitors enjoy seeing their favorite artists and their new work, while discovering new artists.
Other activities include a marionette show for kids at 11 a.m. each day; activities for kids including rock painting, artmaking, story hour, corn hole, giant Jenga and a life-size Connect Four game; music; demos; food trucks, and more.
For more information visit www.nashuaarts.org or check Facebook.
Nancye Tuttle’s email is nancyedt@verizon.net
