Monday, April 27, 2009

Upcoming Events in Greater Lowell

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Cultural Organization of Lowell

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April 23, 2009

"To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong." -- Joseph Chilton Pearce

Lowell Cultural Council's 2009 Community Input Meeting

Earth Day Cleanup

Lieby Miedema and Don Ouellette Shows at Whistler Extended

"A Choreographer's Muse: The Body Talks"

Reception for Brush's 22 New Associate Artists

"People, Standing" Painting Exhibit

"Mill City Inspirations"

Special Exhibits at the ATHM

World Premier Play Comes to the Old Court

In the Parker Gallery at the Whistler House

Merrimack Repertory Theater 2009-2010 Season

Upcoming at Indian Hill

"Western Avenue Studios: Stories from the Shelter"
Merrimack Rep Announces Auditions for 2009-2010 Season
Lowell Artist Pam Goncalves Showing in Springfield
Poetry Open Mic Night!
Hands-On Studio Lighting and Portrait Workshop

Open Mic Night at the Worthen

Calls to Artists

COOL Cultural E-Blast is emailed every week by the Cultural Organization of Lowell in conjunction with the Lowell Cultural Roundtable.

*Send new items to John Greenwald: johnedit@comcast.net

*Deadlines: To insure your posting is in the coming week's e-blast, we must receive it by the previous Friday.

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*To unsubscribe, scroll down to the bottom of this e-newsletter and use the "SecureUnsubscribe" link.

*If there is an upcoming event that you would like to put on the COOL calendar, www.cultureiscool.org , please email LZ Nunn at LZNunn@lowellma.gov to obtain a password.


E-Blast Staff:

Publisher: LZ Nunn, lznunn@lowellma.gov

Editor: John Greenwald, johnedit@comcast.net

Lowell Cultural Council's 2009 Community Input Meeting

Thursday, May 7
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
City Hall, Mayor's Reception Room, 2nd Floor
375 Merrimack Street, Lowell

You are cordially invited to the Lowell Cultural Council's Community Input Meeting to share your viewpoint on community art programs and take a part in shaping the Council's 2010 funding priorities.

Goals for the meeting include:
• Assessing local cultural needs
• Gathering suggestions on specific community arts programs and activities
• Soliciting community input about what programs in the arts, humanities or interpretive sciences you would like to see funded next year

If attending the meeting, RSVP to Federica Donna at fdonna@lowellma.gov.

If you have any questions about the Lowell Cultural Council or are unable to attend the meeting but want to share your input, contact the Council by mail at Lowell Cultural Council, P.O. Box 8686, Lowell, MA 01853 or via email lowellculturalcouncil@gmail.com.

The Lowell Cultural Council is a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

 

Earth Day Cleanup

Come dressed to get dirty and make a dent in a winter's worth of litter and debris along Lowell's canals and waterways. Preregistration for this event by calling the Lowell National Historical Park volunteer office at 978-275- 1740 or email: Lowell_NHP_Volunteers@nps.gov. Kick-off with speakers and team assignments at Middlesex Community College, at the City Building cafeteria, 33 Kearney Square, Lowell, Sat., April 25, 8am-1pm.

Lieby Miedema and Don Ouellette Shows at Whistler Extended

The Whistle House Museum of Art has extended the current exhibits of Greater Lowell artist Lieby Miedema's works on paper in the main Parker Gallery and Don Ouellette's oil and watercolor paintings in the Parker Gallery Members' Room. Both exhibits will now run through May 2.
Whistler House Museum of Art, 243 Worthen St., Lowell. Open Wed.-Sat., 11am-4pm

 

"A Choreographer's Muse: The Body Talks"

The Revolving Museum in collaboration with the Youth Dance Company (YDC) presents, "A Choreographer's Muse: The Body Talks." YDC dancers will perform four pieces, followed by a discussion with the choreographers who will speak about dance as it relates to storytelling and their personal motivation for creating the piece they choreographed. The event will conclude with a light reception giving audience members the opportunity to speak one-on-one with the performers and chorographers. Choreography and conversation with dancers and artists from the Donna Miceli Dance Center. Special performance by Base-Line Motion guest artists Larry Roland & Adrienne Hawkins. Free admission, but space is limited. To reserve a spot, contact Elaina Bates at 978-937-2787 or ebates@revolvingmuseum.org.
Sat., May 2, 7:30-9pm. All ages. The Revolving Museum, 22 Shattuck St., Lowell. 978-YES-ARTS. http://www.revolvingmuseum.org/

* Flower Donations

It is that time of year again and The Revolving Museum's Garden of Big Ideas and Earthly Delights is ready for Spring. In order to make it another blossoming year we need your help with donated materials. Items still needed include gradual perennial plant food, compost, and flowers such as impatiens, geraniums, periwinkle and other annuals for large planters. We also need a shovel, leaf rake and a few sets of garden gloves. If you would like to make a donation please contact Elaina Bates at ebates@revolvingmuseum.org.

 

Reception for Brush's 22 New Associate Artists

Please join us in welcoming our 22 new Associate Artists. See their work in our newly configured Hallway Gallery. Enjoy a variety of media: paintings, textiles, sculpture, glass, ceramics, photography and high-end crafts. Hors d'ouvres at the reception. The artists are: Bren Bataclan, Raquel Bauman, Jerry Bedrick, Carol Boileau, Tarja Cockell, Penny Cox, Lolita Demers, Gary Destramp, Charles Githire, John Greenwald, Cindy Hughes, Jay Hungate, Signe Kaleel, Ana Lara, Rita Lipman, James Michugu, Donna Murray, Jacqui Rodgers, Laurie Simko, Calvin Thomas, Gay Tracy, Pamela Wamala, Jean Winslow and Will Winslow.
Reception: Sun., May 3, 2-4pm, the Brush Art Gallery & Studios, 256 Market St., Lowell. Ouestions? E-mail director@thebrush.org or call 978-454-7819. For directions, please visit our website: www.thebrush.org.

"People, Standing" Painting Exhibit

Painter Rebekah Wetmore's new exhibit, "People, Standing," explores the ways people stand and what their stances communicate. "People, Standing" will be showing in The Loading Dock Gallery, Western Avenue Studios, 122 Western Ave., 2nd floor of the A Mill, April 29-May 24. Artist's reception, Fri., May 8, 6-9pm. Gallery hours are Wed.- Sun., 11am to 4:30pm. For more info: www.theloadingdockgallery.com

"Mill City Inspirations"

Artwork inspired by the mill towns and cities of Massachusetts, featuring new work by Laurie Simko, first-place winner at the Akrts League of Lowell Members' Prize Show, 2008. Laurie Simko works with a combination of oil painting on canvas, pastel on archival paper, digital photography and digital collage. With this unique synthesis of mixed-media, she explores a range of subject matter in both realistic and abstract styles. She has a studio at the Western Avenue Studios, studio 315, 122 Western Ave., Lowell. Exhibit runs through May 10, ALL Arts Gallery, Lowell National Historical Park Courtyard, 246 Market St., Lowell. Artist reception, Sun., April 26, 2-4pm.
http://www.artsleagueoflowell.org

Special Exhibits at the ATHM

Special exhibits that will be launched as part of the American Textile History Museum's grand opening on May 17.

* What Followed Me Home: Collecting Antique Quilts, Fabrics, and Tools
A look into the fabulous personal collection of respected quilt historian Stephanie Hatch. Over the past 30 years, she has acquired a large collection of quilts, from doll-size to full-size, fabrics from the 18th and 19th centuries, and tools used for cutting, stitching, and signing. Wed.-Sun.,10am-5pm, May 17-Aug. 23.

* Share the thrill of the hunt in the Lowell Sun Charities Gallery from May 17-Aug. 23. Free with paid admission to museum.

* "Threads: The Weaving of Stories" will include the work of seven contemporary artists who explore and interpret textile themes: Jerry Beck, Claudia Bucher, Johnny Carrera, Diana Coluntino, Annet Couwenberg, Kim Salerno and Clara Wainwright. Their work will fuse the history of traditional textiles with contemporary issues, including science, technology, current fashion, history, and politics. "Threads" will run May 17-Sept. 27, the Stevens Gallery. Free with paid admission to museum. Wed.- Sun., 10am-5pm.

 

World Premier Play Comes to the Old Court

"...sometimes when a man turns 50, he gets a little crazy..."

Image Theater presents Jerry Bisantz's dynamic new "Coen Brother's - like" examination of the male mid -life crisis gone awry, when the Old West moves to the Old Court Pub. Directed by Andrew Wetmore, featuring the acting talents of: April Dufresne, Richard Sherburne, Jennifer Ehlert, John Carozza, Peter Saati, and Bob Stachel. Limited seating available.
All shows 8pm on May 1, 2, 8, 9. Tickets are $18/advance, $20/door. Purchase tickets online at www.imagetheater.com or call 978-441-0102. The Old Court, 29 Central Street, Lowell. Image Theater is supported in part through the generosity of the Lowell Cultural Council.

In the Parker Gallery at the Whistler House

Anne D. Sullivan: A Retrospective
Anne Sullivan's work in contemporary water media is an ongoing exploration of color, texture and design. Surface quality is an important consideration and is developed in several ways. Watercolor and acrylic paints and inks are applied in layers to a variety of papers. Texturing may involve painting techniques, collage materials, or the use of various media such as gesso, acrylic gels, lava sand or modeling compounds. The design elements used are geometric symbols inherent to most cultures. The works are built slowly creating a dialogue between symbols and shapes. The layering of color and texture allude to ancient architectural spaces. The result is an enduring conversation with our cultural past.
Exhibit runs May 9 to June 27. Reception: Sunday, May 17, 3-5pm. Brown Bag Luncheon & Artist Talk: June 10 at 12 noon (Bring your own lunch, coffee and tea will be served). Evening Gallery Talk with Artist: June 25, 6pm (Light refreshments will be served) Whistler House Museum of Art, 243 Worthen Street, Lowell. 978-452-7641. www.whistlerhouse.org

Merrimack Repertory Theater 2009-2010 Season

978.654.4678. www.MerrimackRep.org

Current listing as of April 14. Plays and dates subject to change:

Flings & Eros by The Flying Karamazov Brothers / Sept. 10-Oct. 4
World Premiere - Four men party at their own club of skills and muse of love - how it has marked them and brought them to this very moment. When those four men are the internationally renowned Flying Karamazov Brothers, the evening is guaranteed to be one that resounds with music, antic dance, emotion, hilarity, unexpected twists and, of course, world-class juggling.

The Seafarer by Conor McPherson / Oct. 15-Nov. 8
From the writer of The Weir and nominated for four Tony Awards, including Best Play, this hilarious and chilling tale of the sea, Ireland and redemption brings old friends together on Christmas Eve for an all night, liquor-soaked game of poker with damningly high stakes. Steeped in Irish myth, the play is both darkly funny and surprisingly uplifting.

Heroes by Gerald Sibleyras, adapted by Tom Stoppard / Nov. 19-Dec. 13
Regional Premiere - Henri, Gustave and Philippe survived World War I. Forty years later, as residents in a veterans' home and armed only with what is left of their wits and a 200-pound stone dog, they battle old age, nagging war injuries, and a masochistic nun. A heartwarming tale of camaraderie and a moving portrait of the frustrations inherent in growing older.

Fabuloso A Play by John Kolvenbach / Jan. 7-Jan.31, 2010
Do you have a friend who is the life of the party? But what if that friend never left and the party never stopped? Teddy and Kate are living a quiet existence in their one-bedroom apartment, until Teddy's long lost friend, Arthur, appears out of the blue, with his fiancée in tow. A screwball comedy of living life to the fullest. From the director of Trying, The Four of Us and Tranced.

Black Pearl Sings! by Frank Higgins / Feb. 11-Mar. 7, 2010
Regional Premiere - In the midst of the Great Depression, Susannah travels the country recording lost folk songs. She meets Pearl in a Texas prison and discovers a soulful voice and a wealth of African-American spirituals. Through song, these women overcome their differences and become friends, a bond that is pushed to the limit as each gets closer to achieving her goal.

A World Premiere Comedy by Richard Dresser / Mar. 18-Apr. 11, 2010
World Premiere - Commissioned just for Merrimack Repertory Theatre, this new comedy is a retirement story with a twist. How does an aging fugitive mobster deal with forced retirement and the strains put on his relationship by constantly being on the run with his girlfriend? From the author of Rounding Third, Gun-Shy, The Pursuit of Happiness and A View of the Harbor.

The Blonde, the Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead by Robert Hewett / Apr. 22-May 16, 2010
Regional Premiere - One crime of passion. Many perspectives. A single gifted performer plays seven very different roles in this international hit. Suspecting her husband of cheating, Rhonda Russell takes matters into her own hands, altering the lives of everyone around her. A captivatingly brilliant and heartfelt tour de force about loss and ultimate redemption.

 

Upcoming at Indian Hill

All events at Indian Hill Music School, 36 King Street (Rte. 495/Exit 30), Littleton, unless otherwise noted. Info: Call 978-486-9524 or visit www.indianhillmusic.org.

* Sound of Found Art: Artist Joel Wool of Ayer presents an audio montage of readings by well-known poets, such as William Carlos Williams and Adrienne Rich, morphed into a new creation that questions both the poems and the process of reproducing them. The piece will play on loop from 1-4 pm, Sat., April 25. Free.

* Chamber Music Duo: Indian Hill Music presents pianist Jenny Tang and violinist John Holland performing music by Schubert (Rondo Brillant), Bach (Partita No. 2 in D minor), Ravel (Miroirs) and Respighi (Sonata in B minor): Sat., May 2, 8pm, The Kalliroscope Gallery, 264 Main St., Groton. $25/adults, $15/students; open seating (includes wine and cheese reception with the artists).

* Family Pajama Jam: Put on your PJs and have fun with us. Young families are invited to sing, dance and play musical instruments at our free musical story hour celebrating bugs and blossoms: Fri., May 8, 6:30-7:30pm. Free.

* Elliot Steger Jazz Trio: The "doctor's in the house" for a relaxing evening of jazz standards and originals, Sat., May 9, 8pm. Featuring Elliot Steger, piano; Lello Molinari, bass; and Jon Hazilla, percussion. $25 (price includes complimentary coffee and dessert reception; cash bar serving beer, wine and bottled water.)

* Piano Honors Recital: A select group of Indian Hill Music School piano students from the community will perform in the annual Honors Recital, Sun., May 10, 6pm. Free.

* Voice Soiree: Indian Hill Music School Voice Department students will perform songs relating to the works of William Shakespeare: Fri., May 15, 7:30pm. $5 donation at the door.

* "Bach's Lunch" Concert: Indian Hill Music School's monthly faculty series presents a faculty Woodwind Quartet performing a variety of music. Featuring Eileen Yarrison, flute; Paul Surapine, clarinet; Henry Tervo, oboe; Carolyn Cantrell, horn; and Margaret Phillips, bassoon. Thur., May 21, noon-1pm. Coffee, tea and cookies served; bring your lunch. Free.

* Acoustic Cafe: Indian Hill Music School presents an open mic night for adults (ages 18+) hosted by singer/songwriter Nancy Brule: Fri., May 22, 7-10pm. Folk singers, acoustic guitarists, pianists and others invited to perform. $10 cover charge at the door. Refreshments served. Call 978-486-9524 to reserve a performance spot.

* Summer Music Programs: Register now for multi-week programs for all ages and levels at Indian Hill Music School. Instrumental program for ages 8-18; classical/jazz/pop/vocal programs for adults; musical theater for ages 8 - 18 ("The Wizard of Oz"); private lessons, ensembles and early childhood classes. Programs run various weeks June through August.

* Art Exhibit: The Gallery at Indian Hill presents "Looking Up: Nests and Skies," an exhibit of works in fiber and cloth by Greater Lowell artist Margot Stage. On display May-June. Artist reception: Wed., May 13, 5:30-7pm. Exhibit hours: Mon.-Fri., 10am-8 pm; Sat., 10 am-5 pm. Free.

 

"Western Avenue Studios: Stories from the Shelter"
A collaboration to benefit the Lowell Humane Society. The artists at Western Avenue Studios have partnered with the Lowell Humane Society to create an exhibit inspired by the animals, volunteers and staff at the Shelter. We invite you to join us at a benefit for the Lowell Humane Society as we unveil the results of this collaboration.

Tickets are now available at the Lowell Humane Society Shelter. Tickets are $20 and 100% of ticket sales go directly to the shelter. The Shelter is located at 951 Broadway St., Lowell. www.lowellhumanesociety.org. For information about this benefit call the Lowell Humane Society at 978- 452-7781.
May 15, 6-9pm, A-Mill Loading Dock, Western Avenue Studios, 122 Western Ave., Lowell. See more details or to RSVP: http://www.wasaa.org/events/event/show?id=2066837%3AEvent%3A11021&xgi=53vum4I

Merrimack Rep Announces Auditions for 2009-2010 Season
Merrimack Repertory Theatre announces audition dates for members of Actors Equity Association for productions in the 2009-2010 season. Equity Principle Auditions will be held on Tue., April 28, 10am-5pm. Local Equity Auditions will be the following day, Wed., April 29, 10am-5pm. Auditions will be held at Merrimack Repertory Theatre's rehearsal hall, 132 Warren St. Lowell. Auditions are only open to members of Actors Equity Association. To schedule an audition, please contact Peter Crewe, Local Casting Director, at 978-654-7563 between 8am and 4pm. For a listing of available shows and roles email: crewe@merrimackrep.org.
Lowell Artist Pam Goncalves Showing in Springfield
"Radiant," an exhibit to honor women of all ethnic backgrounds, featuring Pam Goncalves, at the Art for the Soul Gallery, 235 State St., Springfield, Mass. April 26-June 12. Artist's reception, April 26, 2-6pm. For more information call Rosemary Tracey Woods, gallery owner and consultant at 1-413-788-3903.
Poetry Open Mic Night!
Join the Lowell Poetry Network for Poetry Open Mic Night at the 119 Gallery!
Thur., April 23, 6:30pm, $3 covers the snacks. 119 Gallery, 119 Chelmsford St. Visit www.119gallery.org
Hands-On Studio Lighting and Portrait Workshop
This is a 100% hands-on commercial studio workshop for portrait and glamour photography. It is open to photographers of all levels. You will receive training and have access to a full range of high-end studio gear and experienced professional models. There will be a free pre-shoot workshop on studio basics from 9am-10am. No charge for spectators (no shooting allowed, please e-mail for guest pass).
Sun., May 3, 10am - 2pm. Cost: $40 prepaid, $50 at door. Contact: Jerry Bedrick Studios, 122 Western Avenue, Suite A311-312, Lowell. (781)771-3101 or jerry@jerrybederick.com

Open Mic Night at the Worthen

Stop in every Wednesday after 8pm for an entry to win a guitar (no purchase necessary). Open Mic Night/drawing will be held the last Wednesday of April. Stop in every Thursday for a chance to win 2 Red Sox tickets (no purchase necessary), drawing will be held the last Thursday of April. For more information call 978-459-0300. Worthen House Café, 147 Worthen St., Lowell

Calls to Artists

* The Lowell Folk Festival committee is seeking graphic designs for this year's Festival Merchandise Logo. The Lowell Folk Festival attracts 150,000-200,000 people to Lowell each year, and you have the opportunity to design something that could be purchased by hundreds and potentially thousands of people. The artist who submits the selected design will receive a $300 stipend. This logo will be used in a selection of the following merchandise at this year's Folk Festival: shirt sleeve shirts, polo shirt, LFF vest, baseball hat, tote bag and tank tops. The logo should be able to be used on black and white versions (or color versions, if that's what you design) and in a PDF & EPF file. It will be screen printed on the merchandise and possibly embroidered on the tote bag. Please send your designs to LZ Nunn: lznunn@lowellma.gov. Deadline: Thur., April 30 at 12 noon.

* The 19th Annual Art in the Round Barn juried exhibition sponsored by the Green Mountain Cultural Center will take place this year from September 21 thru October 12 in Waitsfield, Vt. This is a juried exhibition featuring the art work of artists throughout New England. Entry deadline is May 8, 2009. Eligible work includes any two or three dimensional work in ceramic, drawing, fiber, glass, metal, painting, stone, wood or mixed media. Photography will not be accepted. For the application: http://www.theroundbarn.com/cultural.htm
Questions should be directed to Kim Hopper at kimandjim@gmavt.net.

* The Hugo Award Logo Contest. You can become a part of Worldcon history by designing the official logo for The Hugo Award. Although the rocket atop the Hugo Award has been one of the most visible signs of excellence in science fiction and fantasy for more than fifty years, there has never been an official logo to designate works as Hugo Award nominees or winners. The World Science Fiction Society now aims to change that by soliciting designs for such a logo, with the winning design to be the official logo suitable for use in the publishing and film/television industries. http://www.thehugoawards.org Info on the logo contest:
http://www.thehugoawards.org/?page_id=275

 


Links:

Lowell Memorial Auditorium, http://www.lowellauditorium.com/eventlistings.aspx

Merrimack Repertory Theatre, www.merrimackrep.org

The Bridge Review: Merrimack Valley Culture, http://ecommunity.uml.edu/bridge/

Website for Lowell artists, www.lowellisart.com

Art community chronicle, www.vyumagazine.com

Arts League of Lowell, www.artsleagueoflowell.org

Western Avenue Studios, www.westernavenuestudios.com

Ayer Lofts, www.Ayerlofts.com

The Brush Art Gallery and Studios, www.thebrush.org

The Image Theater, www.imagetheater.com 

For a fuller listing of links see the COOL website, www.cultureiscool.org

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