Community & Campus Notes : : UMass Lowell

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Arts League of Lowell is a catalyst for creation

In a city whose motto is "Art is the handmaid of human good" the Arts League of Lowell has become a catalyst for the creation of a community of artists. Through the Arts League of Lowell, longtime residents and Lowell's new cultural immigrants come together to share ideas and resources, and to promote each others' work. The Arts League of Lowell also features its own gallery featuring the work of its artists, and even a special exhibit during the annual Lowell Folk Festival. For more information, go to www.artsleagueoflowell.org.

The Butterfly Place

The Butterfly Place in Westford is an indoor living environment for some of nature’s most colorful living creations. This man-made habitat is contained within a 27-foot high glass atrium and filled with butterflies and colorful plants and shrubs. At any given time, the atrium may contain up to 500 butterflies representing as many as 50 different species from around the world. Stop by the gift shop and purchase your own Hatching Kit with a cocoon or caterpillars so you can enjoy nature at home. For more information, visit www.butterflyplace-ma.com.

The Discovery Museums in Acton Provide Fun, Hands-on Learning for Kids

The Discovery Museums in Acton are a great place for kids to learn about creativity and science. Younger children learn while they play at the Children's Discovery Museum, which is in a wonder-filled Victorian house with rooms, halls, and closets transformed into 10 hands-on exhibit and play areas. Older children can explore scientific concepts and hands-on creativity at the Science Discovery Museum next door. For more information, go to www.discoverymuseums.org.

Brush Gallery

The Brush Art Gallery nurtures local working artists, helping to keep the visual arts alive in Lowell's historic district. Located on Market Street, the gallery offers outstanding, museum quality exhibitions and educational programs. The studios provide affordable space for artists who work in a variety of media. Since the studios are open to the public daily, there is always an opportunity to talk to and observe artists at work, as well as purchase artwork from their studios and gift shops. For more information, visit www.thebrush.org.

Fruitlands Museum is a national landmark

The Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, Massachusetts, is one of the first outdoor museums in America. This national landmark shares the unique ideas, stories, and landscape of New England’s most original reformers. Step into the past on over 200 acres of pastoral landscape, and visit four unique galleries of Transcendental, Native American, Shaker and American art collections. The Fruitlands Museum hosts educational and creative workshops and lectures, as well as fun family events and outdoor concerts. For more information, go to www.fruitlands.org.

Lawrence Heritage State Park offers Gateway Tours This Summer

Join the Lawrence Heritage State Park every Monday at 10 a.m. and Wednesday at noon for a guided walking tour of the Gateway District, a focal point of revitalization in Lawrence. Visitors will learn about planned and current projects to transform this former industrial area into a mixture of residential, commercial and recreational usage. The tour lasts approximately one hour and the group will meet in the lobby of the Visitors Center on Jackson Street, weather permitting. For more information, call 978-794-1655.

Loading Dock Gallery

The Loading Dock Gallery is now open from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. The Loading Dock Gallery is a Cooperative Gallery representing more than 50 members of the Western Avenue Studios Artist Association. The gallery space is divided into two sections, the Main Gallery which carries original artwork, jewelry, and reproductions of work by Gallery Members and the intimate Showcase which features month-long one- and two-person exhibits focusing on the work of members. For more information, go to www.theloadingdockgallery.com.

New England Quilt Museum Collects, Preserves, Teaches

Lowell is uniquely suited for the Quilt Museum as the historic center of the nation's textile industry. Since the New England Quilt Museum opened its doors in 1987 at 18 Shattuck Street, it has presented the finest examples of traditional and contemporary quilts. The museum actively collects and preserves antique and contemporary quilts and quilt related items. The permanent collection ranges from whole cloth quilts made in the late 18th century to contemporary quilts. The museum also holds special exhibits and offers quilting classes. For more information, visit www.nequiltmuseum.org.

Western Ave Studios is part of cultural life in Lowell

The Western Avenue Studios not only provides studio space for over 125 artists, but is a major part of the cultural life in Lowell. Visit the studios on the first Saturday of every month from noon to 5 p.m. to browse the latest works by the artists. The Western Avenue Studios has provided venues for various exhibits at its Loading Dock Gallery. The Western Avenue Studios also runs kids programs in the summer. For more information, visit www.westernavenuestudios.com.

The Whistler House Museum of Art Blends Art, Architecture and History

Art, architecture and local history are delightfully blended at the Whistler House Museum of Art in Lowell. The birthplace in 1834 of noted artist James McNeill Whistler, the museum has an outstanding collection of late nineteenth century and early twentieth century American representational art, with a special emphasis on the artists of New England. The Museum, located on Worthen Street in downtown Lowell, boasts Federal and Greek revival characteristics. In 1908, it became the permanent home of the Lowell Art Association. For more information, go to www.whistlerhouse.org.

The 119 Gallery in Lowell Offers Art, Classes

The 119 Gallery opened in July 2005 on Chelmsford Street in Lowell and has been bringing unique art programs to the area ever since. The 119 Gallery helps expand the community's vision of creative possibilities through exposure to contemporary and new media art. The gallery offers a rich and diverse program of exhibitions, performances and community-based arts services. It welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds and means to explore, engage, and experience new, innovative art. It also offers yoga and sound-mixing classes. For more information, go to 119gallery.org.

Revolving Museum in Lowell Delights, Teaches

The Revolving Museum is a fun, hip, energetic place that brings people of all ages and artistic levels together to not only create art, but to build community. Located on Shattuck Street in downtown Lowell, the museum offers free admission for its many intriguing exhibits. The museum also offers youth and teen programs, art classes, and specializes in bringing various segments of the community together to create delightful, eye-catching works of public art such as the giant water dragon and the Visionary Village. For more information, go to www.revolvingmuseum.org.

Amish and Mennonite quilts at the New England Quilt Museum through August 24

The New England Quilt Museum presents an exhibition of 19th century Amish, Mennonite and mainstream quilts guest curated by Gerald E. Roy, noted quilt collector and appraiser. These quilts have been chosen specifically because of their dynamic use of color not usually associated with the time period. The exhibition will be on view through August 24. For more information, visit www.nequiltmuseum.org.

Lawrence Heritage State Park offers Waterpower Tours, through August 24

Be sure to wear your walking shoes for an exciting tour of Lawrence’s historic mill and canal district during the Lawrence Heritage State Park’s Waterpower Tour, every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and Thursday at noon through August 24. Visitors will learn about Lawrence’s historic textile mills and waterpower system – including the Great Stone Dam – which harnessed the mighty power of the Merrimack River. The tour lasts approximately one hour and consists of a one-mile walk. The group will meet in the lobby of the Visitors Center on Jackson Street and all tours are weather permitting. For more information, call 978-794-1655.

Lawrence Heritage State Park offers boat tours on Merrimack River, through August 24

Join the Lawrence Heritage State Park for a narrated boat tour of the Merrimack River on Sundays at 1 p.m., from June 29th through August 24^th. The trip leaves from the Bashara Boathouse at Riverfront State Park, on Eaton Street, in South Lawrence. Tours run rain or shine and last approximately two hours. Sunscreen is advised, along with a hat and a windbreaker. Don’t forget the camera! Reservations are recommended as capacity is limited. For more information call 978-794-1655.

Ayer Loft Gallery Art Exhibit: "In Pursuit of an Idea", through August 28

Three Ayer Loft Gallery artists are inviting local art-lovers to participate in an exciting exercise titled “In Pursuit of an Idea”. Upon entering the Ayer Loft Gallery, you will encounter new work by three artists and an assortment of 50 titles. They challenge you to title their work. But don't fear! If a title has already been assigned or you don't agree with a previous choice, you can change it. Titles will remain fluid until the exhibit closes on August 28. For more information, visit www.ayerlofts.com.

Lawrence Heritage State Park Presents “Presidential Campaigns through the Years,” through August 29

In this presidential election year, come see a unique exhibit showcasing presidential campaign memorabilia from Franklin Pierce in 1852 through 2008. The exhibit will be on view through August 29 at the Lawrence Heritage State Park Visitors Center 3rd Floor Gallery on Jackson Street in Lawrence. The Lawrence Heritage State Park consists of a boarding house with two floors of interactive exhibits. Visitors can walk along the esplanade of a nineteenth-century canal and through a park created within the walls of an industrial-era building. For more information, call (978) 794-1655.

Lowell National Historical Park Summer Events, through September 2

Learn more about Lowell this summer by taking advantage of the Lowell National Historical Park’s events and activities. Take a tour of the canals, visit the Boott Cotton Mill Museum, or see the city through the eyes of historical figures like Amelia Earhart and Daniel Webster. Come celebrate the park’s 30th anniversary of showcasing Lowell’s rich history and culture. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/lowe.

Lowell Poetry Network Presents “Body Says Know” at All Gallery, through Sept 7

See what happens when some of Lowell's most creative poets are challenged to 'get up off their pages.' The Lowell Poetry Network Presents The Body Says Know through September 7 at the ALL Gallery at 249 Market Street in Lowell. It is a fun and eclectic assembly of poetic works presented in ways that challenge the traditional concept of how poetry is to be experienced. For more information, visit www.lowellpoetrynetwork.com.

Georgia O’Keeffe Photographs at Portland Museum of Art, through September 7

This summer, the Portland Museum of Art in Portland, Maine, presents an exhibit that pairs 18 of the works of Georgia O’Keefe along with 60 photographs of the artist. O’Keefe is one of the most significant artists of the 20th century. This is the first exhibit to pair paintings and photographs to establish two opposing public images of the artist. “Georgia O’Keeffe and the Camera: The Art of Identity” will be on view through September 7. For more information, go to portlandmuseum.org.

Andover Chamber Music Presents Brentano String Quartet, September 13

Come to the Andover Chamber Music Concert Series on September 13 at 7:30 p.m. for an exciting performance by the Brentano String Quartet. Since its inception in 1992, the Brentano String Quartet has appeared throughout the world to popular and critical acclaim. The quartet will perform two dazzling gems from the Classical and Romantic string quartet repertoire, and then join artistic director and flutist Julie Scolnik in Mozart’s sunny Oboe Quartet in F, performed on flute. For more information, visit www.andoverchambermusic.org.

Lowell Farmer’s Market offers fresh produce, through Oct. 26

Support local farmers at the Lowell Farmer’s Market every Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. through October 26. The farmer’s market is located at JFK plaza at City Hall in Lowell. Purchase fresh Massachusetts grown fruits and vegetables, herbs, ornamental plants, homemade preservatives, crafts, cut flowers and more. The Farmers' Market also features weekly theme events like Children's Day or Senior Citizen's Day and offers live entertainment, food demonstrations, and discounts on quality products. For more information, call (978) 459-0551.

Works by Andre Kertesz on view at the Portland Museum of Art, through Nov. 16

André Kertész is one of the world’s most acclaimed photographers. His collection entitled On Reading contains over 100 black-and-white photographs that capture individuals immersed in the act of reading in a variety of settings—parks, rooftops, street corners, trains, and bookstands, Kertész uses the activity of reading as a constant motif for his narrative, which weaves in and out of public and private spaces. André Kertész: On Reading will be on view August 30 through November 16 at the Portland Museum of Art. For more information go to, www.portlandmuseum.org.

Get Loud at UMass Lowell Hockey Games (8/29)

The UMass Lowell River Hawks want you to get LOUD with them during the 2008-2009 season! Season tickets are currently available for as low as $99, and group tickets are available for as low as five dollars. Any downtown Lowell Business that purchases Club, Season Tickets or advertising in the month of July will receive a ten percent discount. For more ticketing information and the season schedule, which features 2007-08 National Champion Boston College on February 14th, go to www.goriverhawks.com.

Lowell Art Walk 2008, July 23 through September 28

Summer is here and so is Art Walk 2008! The second annual Lowell Art Walk takes place from July 23 to September 28 and will promote the city's creative economy by featuring artists' displays in downtown storefront windows. Come downtown for dinner and an evening stroll past these lively, creative displays celebrating Lowell's vital arts scene. Lowell Art Walk displays will be on view for the start of the Lowell Folk Festival and conclude after Lowell Open Studios weekend. For more information, contact George Villaras at George.Villaras@jdcu.com.

Images of Animals in American Menagerie at Portland Museum of Art, Through Nov. 9

American Menagerie, an exhibit of animal images at the Portland Museum of Art, features over 25 works drawn from the Museum’s permanent collection. Animals help artists explore issues of identity, such as the nature of being American or foreign, wild or civilized, and human or beast. The exhibit also features work by political cartoonist Clifford K. Berryman, who is credited with the creation of the “Teddy Bear.” American Menagerie will be on view through November 9. For more information, visit www.portlandmuseum.org.

John Hiatt and the Ageless Beauties at Lowell Summer Music Series, August 22

John Hiatt began his career in Nashville when he landed a job as a staff songwriter. He immediately scored a hit song which led to a succession of record deals in the 1970's. Hiatt has a unique style of music which combines rock, acoustic, folk, and Mississippi Delta blues. Hiatt plays the Lowell Summer Music Series on August 22 at Boarding House Park in Lowell. This summer, The Lowell Summer Music Series brings over 25 concerts to Lowell including world music, and the best in jazz, folk, and blues. For the full line-up, go to lowellsummermusic.org.

Arlo Guthrie to play Lowell Summer Music Series, August 23

Arlo Guthrie, the eldest son of singer/writer Woody Guthrie, is an acclaimed musician in his own right has has toured the world performing for the past forty years. Guthrie is a natural storyteller, integrating anecdotes into his performances. Guthrie plays the Lowell Summer Music series on August 23 at Boarding House Park in Lowell. The 19th annual Lowell Summer Music Series brings over 25 concerts to Lowell including world music, and the best in jazz, folk, and blues. For the full line-up, go to www.lowellsummermusic.org.

Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks to play Lowell Summer Music Series, August 28

Dan Hicks took up the guitar in 1959, and he’s been unstoppable ever since. Hicks' style blends elements of folk, jazz, and country. His songs are also infused with humor, as demonstrated by his song, "How Can I Miss You When You Won't Go Away?" Dan Hicks and his band the Hot Licks play the Lowell Summer Music series on August 28 at Boarding House Park in Lowell. The series brings over 25 concerts to Lowell including world music, and the best in jazz, folk, and blues. For the full line-up, go to www.lowellsummermusic.org.

Community Teamwork, Inc seeks Local Heroes (8/29)

Do you know a hero whose extraordinary efforts create a better quality of life for the residents of Lowell, Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, or Westford? Then nominate them for the Community Teamwork Inc Local Heroes Award! Nominees can be an individual, a business, or an organization and winners will be publicly announced in September. For more information, nomination forms, and nomination criteria, visit www.comteam.org.

Keb’ Mo’ to play Lowell Summer Music Series, August 29

Singer-songwriter Keb' Mo' is a living link to the Delta blues that traveled up the Mississippi River and across America. In 1996 he released the album Just Like You, and won his first Grammy award for it. He plays the Lowell Summer Music Series on August 29 at Boarding House Park in Lowell. The Lowell Summer Music Series is in its 19th year of bringing great music to Lowell for reasonable prices. Concerts include world music, and the best in jazz, folk, and blues. For the full line-up, go to lowellsummermusic.org.

Suzanne Revy Photography at Groton Library, through August 30

Suzanne Revy will exhibit silver prints in her “Small Wonders" show at the Owen Smith Shuman Gallery in Groton Public library from June 21 through August 30. Revy uses a traditional 4 by 5 camera, exploring the relationship between shutter speed and aperture. In this age of digital technology, Revy’s style of photography, shot with medium format film and hand printed, is a dying art. For more information, visit www.gpl.org.

Robert Cray Band to play Lowell Summer Music Series, August 30

For thirty years Robert Cray has recorded track after track of good-time, uptown, low-down blues. He’s recorded sixteen albums, won five Grammys and been nominated for eleven more. The Robert Cray Band plays the Lowell Summer Music Series on August 30 at Boarding House Park in Lowell. The 19th annual Lowell Summer Music Series brings over 25 concerts to Lowell including world music, and the best in jazz, folk, and blues. For the full line-up, go to www.lowellsummermusic.org.

Levon Helm to play Lowell Summer Music Series, September 4

Levon Helm, longtime drummer for The Band, wore many musical hats throughout his long career, including songwriter, singer, studio engineer and producer. Cancer of the vocal cords silenced Helm eight years ago, but in time he was able to sing again, emerging with a slightly raspier version of his old vocal style. He plays the Lowell Summer Music Series on September 4 at the Boarding House Park in Lowell. The 19th annual Lowell Summer Music Series brings over 25 concerts to Lowell including world music, and the best in jazz, folk, and blues. For the full line-up, go to www.lowellsummermusic.org.

Taj Mahal to play the Lowell Summer Music Series, September 5

Taj Mahal has been playing his own distinctive brand of music, described as Afro-Caribbean blues and folk-world-blues, for more than 40 years. He has recorded over 30 albums from folk blues to electric blues to rock and even world music from India, the Caribbean and Hawaii. He plays the Lowell Summer Music Series on September 5 at Boarding House Park in Lowell. The 19th annual Lowell Summer Music Series brings over 25 concerts to Lowell including world music, and the best in jazz, folk, and blues. For the full line-up, go to www.lowellsummermusic.org.

NE Culture Fest Offers Film, Fashion, and Fun, September 6

Get ready an exciting fusion of film, fashion, world culture, and music at the 5th annual New England Culture fest in downtown Lowell on September 6th. Over a dozen modern and traditional world-class acts will perform in honor of a more sustainable, vibrant and unified world. While you’re there, take a salsa lesson, and try authentic ethnic cuisine! Handmade crafts, textiles and jewelry will also be for sale. For more information, visit www.second-world.com.

29th Annual Lowell Banjo and Fiddle Contests, September 6 2008

Over 75 banjo and fiddle players will compete for prizes in such categories as Bluegrass, Old Time and Mountain fiddling on September 6 at the Lowell Banjo and Fiddle Contest at Boarding House Park in Lowell. Contests begin at Noon and continue through 6 p.m. Lowell National Historical Park Ranger Alex Demas began Lowell's now famous Banjo and Fiddle Contest in 1980 and continues to host the event to this day. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/lowe.

Marc Broussard to play Lowell Summer Music Series, September 12

Marc Broussard is the son of Louisiana Hall of Fame guitarist Ted Broussard, and grew up surrounded by the musical scene for which his home state is renowned. In 2007, Marc and his band headed to the Middle East for a four-week tour and performed for US troops. Broussard plays the Lowell Summer Music Series on September 12 at Boarding House Park in Lowell. This summer, The Lowell Summer Music Series brings over 25 concerts to Lowell including world music, and the best in jazz, folk, and blues. For the full line-up, go to www.lowellsummermusic.org.

Race and Presidential Politics Discussion at UML, September 24

Are you wondering how race could affect voter behavior in November? Find out how the presidential candidacy of Barack Obama is affecting conversations about race in your community and workplace. Bill Fletcher Jr, a longtime labor and international activist, will lead a discussion entitled “Race and Presidential Politics” on Wednesday, September 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. in O’Leary Library room 222 on UMass Lowell’s South Campus. For information, contact Sue D’Amore at 978-934-3256 or Susan_Damore@uml.edu.