LowellArts, formerly called Lowell Area Arts Council, has been bringing arts to the community since 1977. By way of gallery exhibitions, music, theater, summer concerts along the Riverwalk, and the Fallasburg Fall Festival for the Arts the organization provides the community and its visitors the ability to take in artistic opportunities throughout the year.
Soar into LowellArts to see what Michigan artists created for the current FLIGHT exhibition in their gallery along Main Street. And space is still available in the three remaining Summer Youth Classes which are also based on FLIGHT.
On Display
Now through August 12 visitors are able to get lost in FLIGHT. Paintings, photography, jewelry, and three-dimensional displays depict artists’ take on moving through the air using various mediums for their creations. The idea was formulated over a year ago by the Gallery Committee. The topic was intriguing due to the numerous creations in which flight could be incorporated. In addition to more traditional forms of aviation such as birds and aircraft, ideas including any type of aerial navigation through floating or an object suspended in air are depicted.
Most of the items in the gallery are for sale. If items are seen and purchased during the exhibition LowellArts receives 30% of the sale price. These funds go toward providing the various programs gallery offerings the organization has throughout the year.
Project Director Janet Teunis has been in the position since 2013 working to plan, implement, and promote LowellArts programs. She encourages people of all ages to visit the gallery saying, “The show looks amazing in the new space on Main Street, and if you haven’t seen the new LowellArts gallery space, you really should make a point to go see it!”
In the Classroom
The past two summers youth classes were held in conjunction with the gallery’s summer exhibition. Two years ago classes focused on Exploring AFRICA with Art and last year’s theme was Celebrating the CIRCUS with Art. Summer Youth Classes for this year have begun but there is still room in the remaining sessions. The hour and a half long sessions are for students ages 7 to 12. Projects for the upcoming classes are Bird or Airplane Mobile, Creature of Flight, and Flying Object Print-Making and will be taught by Christy Spaulding. There is an $8 fee per class and online registration is required for the Wednesday morning classes.
Projects created during the six youth classes will be on display during the Kent County Youth Fair in the exhibit barn August 7-11. Be sure to take a look at the work of talented students in the community.
Additionally, a youth theater class will take place in July although the 13 member class is full. Brent Alles is the teacher/director as well as the playwright for the production students will perform. The performance of How to Fly in Your Dreams will take place during the last day of class for family and friends of the participants.
Looking Beyond FLIGHT
Once the FLIGHT exhibition wraps up a special showing of submissions for the Chair-A-Tee event will be on display in the gallery. August 22 through August 26 visitors can see all of the Chair-A-Tee entries in one spot. Bids will also be accepted until 3pm on the 26th. Winning bids will be announced at the end of a closing reception where members of the community are invited along with artists to celebrate the conclusion of the project.
The fall exhibit will be announced soon. The Gallery Committee recently wrapped up a Call for Proposals for LowellArts’ 2017-18 season. Preparation for the Fallasburg Arts Festival will take place during the remainder of the summer. The annual festival will take place September 16 and 17. Fall theater returns with a production of The Dixie Swim Club. Auditions will take place August 19 and 21 casting five women for the comedy under the direction of Randi Richardson. Performances will take place at Larkin’s Other Place October 19 through November 4.
The arts are considered creative aspects of music, The LowellArts gallery is open Tuesday through Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday 10am-5pm and exhibitions are free to view.
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