Collaborative efforts in events at Western Avenue arts complex
Local artists present new works
Lowell’s Western Avenue Studios and Lofts are a focal point of creativity and collaboration in two goings- on that happen next week.
At the Loading Dock Gallery, located in the complex, Carol Rissman joins member Tarja Cockell as they present “Fire and Fiber,” a show of color, texture and form in contemporary weaving and ceramics. It’s on March 29-April 30, with a reception 3-5 p.m., Sat., April 1 during WAS’ monthly open house.
Cockell, who lives in North Andover, works in fiber on the loom. She pushes the dimensions of an initially flat form, using structural manipulation and layers with a variety of media to achieve elegant, painterly art. Her work uses subtle colors and is characterized by clean, simple shapes.
Rissman, from Bedford, explores how clay can respond to and take on the characteristics of cloth. Woven and tied, it flows and ripples. She pushes clay’s boundaries to create fabric-like pieces — quiet, minimal, and meditative. The finished surfaces have a burnished glow.
Both artists work out of Western Avenue Studios. The Loading Dock Gallery is open noon5:30 p.m., Wednesday-saturday, and noon- 4 p.m., Sunday. Visit www.theloadingdockgallery.com.
In the adjacent Western Avenue Lofts, three resident artists present their work, the common threads that link them and their artistic influences, 4:456:15 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, in Loft 112 at the conclusion of the monthly Open Studios.
Collaborating artists include concert pianist Paul Carlson, flamenco guitarist-global digital music producer Seiki Imagica, and Meghan Walsh, a stone mosaic artist and architect.
Carlson will play works by the late Alan Hovhaness, an Armenian-american composer from Massachusetts who passed away in 2000. Imagica will focus on traditional Japanese music, rich in minor chords.
Walsh, who recently moved to Lowell from Washington, D.C. and overseas, will present her work in the context of the ancient stone mosaic tradition and the current global evolution in contemporary art.
A small collection of Walsh’s work will be on display at Loft 112 for the first time in Lowell in a collection called “Caomhnórí” — a word in the Irish language that means “guardians’’ or “custodians” in English. The word signifies the way that traditional and historical arts can both be preserved but still transform.
She uses Irish language words to name her works of art and exhibitions, purposely calling attention to endangered languages and the importance of what is often invisible and undervalued.
For info and updates on other events and art happenings at Western Avenue Studios and Lofts, visit https://www.facebook. com/westernavenuestudios/.
Gallery notes
NEW AT THE BOOTT: Lowell National Historical Park is gearing up for the busy spring, summer and fall season with several programs. There are new interactive exhibits in the Boott Cotton Mills Museum, 115 John St., that explore the nature of work and life in 19th and 20th century Lowell. The museum is open noon-5 p.m., Sunday-friday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday… The LNHP Visitor Center, 246 Market St., reopens on April 23. Visit https://www.nps.gov./ lowe for info.
ART IN THE PARK: Artists participating in the Lowell National Historical Park’s Art in the Park series of plein air (outdoors) art workshops start with Donna Berger on April 23 and include Mary Hart, May 14; Claire Gagnon, June 11 and Sept. 24 and Lolita Demers, August
13. For a full list of artists, their workshops, locations, times, and the art you can join in to create, visit https://www.nps.gov/lowe/ planyourvisit/calendar.htm