Lots to like, art-wise, in Lowell in June
June is bustin’ out all over, especially in Lowell, a city bustling with events and openings in its galleries and museums.
Need ideas? Here are some to put on your calendars for the next few busy weeks.
The Brush Art Gallery and Studios, 256 Market St., hosts opening receptions from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday for two new exhibits — “Satori in Paris: A Kerouac Inspired Exhibit” and tapestries by Louise Abbott.
Both run through July 31.
The Kerouac exhibit features artwork inspired by the Lowellborn writer; Paris, France; symbols of enlightenment or awakening; and/or quotes from his final book — “Satori in Paris.”
Artists include Donna Berger, Judith Bessette, Betty Canick, Linda Cargiuolo, Claire Gagnon, Kevin Harkins, Mary Hart, Elia Inderle, Janice Jones, Kriev,
Dave Martsolf, Tracey Serrentino, Don Sullivan, Jean Winslow and Will Winslow.
In the Members Room, Abbott shows tapestries she has woven over the past 10 years.
“Being able to create a unique piece of cloth from ‘ yarn,’ that is functional and aesthetically pleasing is an amazing experience,” she said. “I honor the weaving traditions of the past and look forward to new opportunities in textiles in the future.” Visit thebrush.org for info.
Gallery Z, 167 Market St., hosts a reception from 2 to
4 p.m. Sunday for “Tiny but Mighty,” compositions in limited space. It is on view there through June 26.
The gallery is closed Monday-tuesday, but open Wednesday and Sunday, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
It recently raised $2,000 for the United Nations Fund for Ukraine with its benefit concert and art show. Visit https://galleryzartistcoop.com for info.
Meanwhile, excitement is building for what may be the month’s biggest art event. In two weeks, on June 24, the Whistler House Museum Art honors art enthusiast, humanitarian and philanthropist Nancy Lawson Donahue with the James McNeill Whistler Distinguished Art Award.
In conjunction with the event, the Lowell Art Association will premiere “Lowell: My Hometown,” a special exhibition in her honor featuring paintings, photographs and sculptures by artist members.
The event and exhibition take place at the Umass Lowell Inn and Conference Center on Donahue’s 92nd birthday. It starts at 4 p.m. with the exhibition and a celebratory awards banquet, including dinner and dancing, begins at 6 p.m.
A public-spirited pioneer, there is no organization or cause in Lowell and beyond that Donahue, the mother of 11 accomplished people, has not had a hand in some way, shape or form. Admission is $175 a person, and there are numerous sponsorship and other opportunities. Call 978-807- 6679 or email sbogosian@whistlerhouse. org for info.
Gallery notes
ART CLASSES » Well-known Lowell artist Claire Gagnon has a full line-up of art classes for adults, ages 18 and up, this summer in her Brush Art Gallery studio. Beginners can try it out in her initiation classes, and you can also try techniques used by masters like Gorky and Monet in her Paint Like a Master classes. She’s also offering a drawing class. Visit her website at chezclaireartschool.com for schedules, cost and to register. DISCOVER FREE FRIDAYS » Acton’s Discovery Museum turns 40 this year and that makes me feel old since I covered its founding in 1982. There’s plenty of fun stuff for kids and families in store in this amazing place that’s devoted to science, nature and playing to learn and for fun. There’s free admission on the first Friday of each month during the year but in the summer that expands to every Friday night from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Visit discoveryacton. org for details, hours, admission and more.