Revolving Museum is on the Move!

Sent by: The Revolving Museum Reply to the sender

For Immediate Release August 3, 2009 Diane Testa, Executive Director (978)-937-2787 dtesta@revolvingmuseum.org Robert Forrant, Board Chairman (978) 934-2904 rforrant@external.umass.edu The Revolving Museum Relocates to Western Avenue Studios Joining an extensive artist community 25-year old organization entering new phase of growth LOWELL, Mass.: August 3, 2009 - This August, The Revolving Museum (TRM) will relocate to the Western Avenue Studios complex in Lowell joining an extensive cultural community that includes over 215 artists, charitable organizations and profitable businesses. The Revolving Museum, which will celebrate its 25th year this Fall, is entering into a new and exciting phase by consolidating all programs under one roof. "This move will allow TRM to grow in ways that it has not been able to in the past, noted Executive Director Diane Testa. We are very excited to secure a new home where we can interact with a burgeoning creative enclave and to continue our innovative community art programming. Western Avenue Studios was an excellent choice in our search for a new Lowell location; it is a natural fit to our mission of building community through art. " Since its move to Lowell in 2002, TRM has produced over 200 cultural events, partnered with dozens of Lowell artists, businesses and institutions. It received the prestigious Commonwealth Award in 2007, the state's highest honors in the arts, humanities and sciences, for its many years of community art programming. TRM continues to transform lives through art with its teen arts program directed by Diana Coluntino, the Youth Arts Program Coordinator. So far in 2009 TRM's Vanguardian Art group has completed three public mural projects and has formed a new fashion workshop designing and creating garments and bags for sale. Another after-school class teaches selling youth artworks via the internet through Etsy.com. The innovative Artbotics program, now in its 4th year recently received a $40,000 National Endowment for Arts grant in recognition of this unique curriculum combining computer science with visual design. TRM will produce its 4th public art celebration at Harmony Park in the Acre neighborhood in May 2010. "This was a difficult decision to make, announced Bob Forrant, President, of The Revolving Museum's Board of Directors. But with the building for sale, we needed to move forward as an organization and continue to grow and play a part in the cultural growth of Lowell. The board is energized by the pending move to the Western Avenue Studios and looks forward to an exciting time in the large and growing community of artists there. We evolve yet again!" The Western Avenue Studios opened its doors to working artists on September 1, 2005 and now provides 143 studios to 215 working artists. Since then it has become an integral part of the cultural life of the City of Lowell. In addition to participating in the annual citywide Lowell Open Studios and holding monthly First Saturday Open Studios, WAS houses a cooperative gallery that represents 50 of the artists in the complex. The summer of 2009 marked the fourth year of the Summer Art Program for Children. The WAS complex is a series of mills building located at 122 Western Avenue in Lowell's Acre neighborhood. "I am very much looking forward to having Diane Testa, her staff and the teens they work with join the Western Avenue Studios (WAS) community" said Maxine Farkas, WAS artist. "Integrating The Revolving Museum's education programs into the day to day life of the Studios will give the teens an opportunity to interact with working artists as partners and members of the community. At WAS we have long wanted to bring younger artists into the community . . . this is the perfect solution and it will be exciting to see what comes of this partnership." TRM will continue with its events and workshops scheduled in August at its current 22 Shattuck Street location in downtown Lowell directed by Gallery Manager, Elaina Bates. Two one-day digital camera workshops will be held on August 9th and 15th; the Quilt Festival gallery night is August 6th from 5:30 to 8:30; a still life drawing class on August 10th; acoustic music night is August 22nd 7pm; and Artbotics Workshops for middle schools students will be held the first 2 weeks in August. Be sure to visit the "Show and Tell" exhibition which will be on display through August 24th. Gallery hours are 11am to 4pm, Tuesday through Sunday, and general admission is free. Check the website for details www.revolvingmuseum.org/calendar. *** About The Revolving Museum Revolving Museum is an evolving laboratory of creative expression for people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities who seek to experience the transformative power of art. Through public art, exhibitions, and educational programs, The Museum promotes artistic exploration and appreciation; encourages community participation and growth; and provides opportunities for empowerment and social change. The Museum is open, free of charge, Tuesday through Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm until August 24th. The Revolving Museum is a 501(c)(3), charitable organization. Individuals and organizations interested in supporting The Revolving Museum may contact Diane Testa at The Revolving Museum or donate through Network for Good on our website www.revolvingmuseum.org ***   This e-mail was sent from The Revolving Museum Immediate removal with PatronMail® SecureUnsubscribe. To forward this e-mail to a friend or colleague, use this link. To change your e-mail address or update preferences, use this link.