Artist honors front-line nurses
Laurie Simko is on a mission to honor the heroes of the pandemic and make sure that people recognize their sacrifice, dedication and hard work.
She pays tribute to the front-line workers — the nurses in particular — in her new show “Thank You Heroes Nurse Portrait Series,” on view from Friday to Nov. 5 at Chelmsford Center for the Arts, 1A North Road.
Simko’s daughter is a nurse and inspired her to paint the images, said CCA Executive Director Susan Julian Gates.
“She sent her mother a selfie after receiving her protective gear during the surge of 2020,” Gates said. “That inspired her to paint the striking image of a front-line worker in the war against COVID, and she went on to paint 19 portraits of her daughter’s co-workers at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen.”
Noted Simko: “I felt it was important to honor them, show gratitude and chronicle this time in our history.”
The exhibit is supported in part by a grant from the Chelmsford Cultural Council, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council.
The official opening is a reception on Sept. 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Proof of vaccination and masks are required. The gallery is open during CCA events and by appointment. For info and to make an appointment to see the show, email info@chelmsfordarts.org.
Gallery notes
FAM OPENINGS » Fitchburg Art Museum opens two new shows next week, both highlighting the private collections of distinguished New England collectors. The shows are “Joyride: Cars in American Art from the Terry and Eva Herndon Collection” and “Uncovering the Human Condition: The Arthur S. Goldberg Collection.” Both open Sept. 25 and are on view this fall and early winter. More on both shows in next week’s Eye on Art. Visit www.fitchburgartmuseum.org for info.
‘INSPIRATIONS’ RECEPTION » Artwork inspired by the late John Greenwald is the focus of the Art League of Lowell’s latest exhibition, “Greenwald Inspirations,” on view through Oct. 31 in the ALL Gallery, 307 Market St. Come meet the artists and see the work at a reception from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday. Gallery hours are Wednesday to Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Call 978-221-5018.
POP UP EXHIBIT » Arts League of Lowell member Diane Zipeto is showing “The Liberty Series,” her latest work in a pop-up exhibit through Sept. 30 at 183 Dutton St. in Lowell. A reception takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday.
IN THE ‘MOOD’ » There’s still time to check out “Mood Indigo,” an exhibit of indigo (that’s a spectacular shade of blue) quilts at the New England Quilt Museum, Shattuck Street in Lowell. This dramatic array of quilts in indigo from the museum’s permanent collection is on view through Sept. 25. New shows, opened now through Dec. 31, include “Creativity in the Midst of Chaos,” featuring 27 new quilts created during quarantine and focusing on the virus. Also on view is “Bedtime Stitches,” art quilts by Sally Mavor. Visit www.neqm.org for details.