Annual ‘Art & Craft’ exhibit is a go
Art galleries and museums really are opening up.
And Tuesday’s press release from Fitchburg Art Museum with news of the upcoming “85th Regional Exhibition of Art & Craft” confirms it.
On a pandemic-enforced hiatus in 2020, the regional exhibition returns this year and will be on view in FAM galleries June 26-Sept. 5.
“The FAM is thrilled to continue the tradition in 2021,” notes the release. “This annual exhibition at the Fitchburg Art Museum strives to discover and celebrate the artists and crafters of our region by providing a museum environment for their artwork and connecting them with fellow artists, patrons and enthusiasts.”
FAM’s assistant curator, Marjorie Rawle, envisions the Regional Exhibition will be “a beacon of collectivity and hope” after a challenging year.
“The show is about the incredible artwork being made in our region, but it is also about continuing traditions, coming together with your neighbors, and celebrating a uniquely creative community. All of this has endured in spite of the past year, and I think that’s what makes this year’s ‘Regional Exhibition’ something special,” says Rawle.
The exhibition is open to all artists and crafters, working in any medium, who live or work within 30 miles of Fitchburg. Artists may submit up to two pieces they have created within the last two years. May 24 is the registration deadline, and the fee is $30, which includes a yearlong FAM individual membership and two artwork submissions.
Jamie Uretsky, curator at New Bedford Art Museum/ArtWorks!, is this year’s juror. Artworks he has selected for the exhibition will be announced June 7 by 5 p.m., and must be delivered to FAM between June 12-15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To protect artists, juror and staff this year, FAM is switching from an in-person art drop-off to an online submission and selection process.
“It presents new challenges for the artists and us, but I think it will be worth it to see the exhibition on FAM’s walls this summer,” said Rawle.
In addition to the exhibition, a solo exhibit from the previous first-prize winner will accompany the regional show. Works by Nathan C. Bentley, winner of the 2019 84th Regional Exhibition, will be on view June 26Sept. 5.
For details and to register,
visit fitchburgartmuseum.org/ regional-exhibition.
Gallery notes
: SPLENDID COLORS: Spring has sprung at Gallery Z on Market Street in downtown Lowell, where 21 artists showcase the new season in more than 50 works in the “Colors of Spring 2021” show. It runs through May 2. Take a look at the colorful art — all for sale — at galleryzartistcoop.com/colors-of-spring-2021.
SPRING AWAKENINGS: Fitchburg Art Museum and the Laurelwood Garden Club welcome all to their annual Art in
Bloom Friday-Saturday, May 1415, noon-8 p.m., and Sunday, May 16, noon-5 p.m. On view will be flower arrangements and tablescapes crafted by local florists, garden clubs and FAM staff members, all interpreting art in the galleries. Tickets $15 adults; $10 seniors and students; free for members. Reservations required at 68111.blackbaudhosting.com/68111/Art-inBloom-2021-14May2021-19. ... And don’t forget the Museum of Fine Arts Boston’s virtual Art in Bloom, April 30-May 3. Visit www.mfa.org for info and details on tours, how-to videos and the Art in Bloom Market at www.mfa.org.
VIRTUAL POETRY: To celebrate National Poetry Month,
Museum of Russian Icons hosts a Virtual Community Poetry Reading on Sunday, April 18, 1-2:30 p.m.
Museum community members will share 15 poems that span the great eras of Russian poetry — imperial, silver age, soviet and contemporary. Spanning the themes of hardship, renewal and hope, most will be read in native Russian with English translations available. Free but registration required. A Zoom link will be emailed to participants on Sunday morning. To register, link to museumofrussianicons.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/ Index/6207.