Fall Colors Shine at New England Quilt Museum’s Latest Exhibitions

The New England Quilt Museum in Lowell, Massachusetts, invites visitors to experience the vibrant colors of fall through its latest exhibitions. Running until December 31, 2023, the displays include “A Walk in the Woods” and “To Every Season,” featuring works by renowned quilt artists Salley Mavor and Susan Kapuscinski Gaylord. Curated by Pamela Weeks, the exhibitions showcase a total of 20 unique pieces from eight distinguished American artists.

“A Walk in the Woods” offers a poignant exploration of nature, highlighting the transformative power of the environment. This exhibition is not merely a collection of quilts; it serves as a reminder of the beauty and restorative qualities found in the natural world. Complementing this theme, the adjoining gallery features Mavor’s intricate bas-relief embroideries in “To Every Season.”

Mavor’s works are characterized by exceptional detail and a three-dimensional quality. The exhibition includes a variety of seasonal landscapes and rare early pieces on loan from private collections, alongside her recent works such as the Four Seasons series. Viewers can immerse themselves in Mavor’s enchanting miniature worlds, crafted from fabric, beads, wire, and found objects, each telling its own story.

On the other hand, Gaylord’s exhibition, “The Spirit Books,” invites contemplation and reflection. This evocative installation encourages visitors to engage deeply with the art and appreciate the nuances of nature’s strength and fragility. According to Gaylord, “The Spirit Books remind us of what is at stake in today’s world. Acknowledging the strength and the fragility of nature, they are both celebration and reflection.”

For those interested in visiting, additional details regarding hours and admission can be found on the museum’s website.

Celebrating Local Artistry and Community

In addition to the quilt exhibitions, the local art scene is thriving in Lowell. The Western Avenue Studios and Lofts recently celebrated their 20th anniversary, marking two decades of creativity in a historic mill complex. Home to nearly 400 artists and makers, this vibrant community encompasses a broad spectrum of artistic disciplines, including painting, ceramics, textiles, photography, and glasswork.

The studios are integral to the region’s creative economy, providing safe and affordable workspaces for artists. To support this initiative, the studios are hosting their first-ever fundraiser, Luminosity, on November 12, 2023, from 18:00 to 21:00. Attendees are encouraged to dress luminously for an evening filled with art, music, food, and auctions that aim to sustain affordable artist studios.

Another upcoming event is the Small Works Holiday Show at ArtSpace Maynard, running from November 14, 2023, to January 10, 2024. This exhibition will feature a diverse collection of affordable, small-scale artworks by local and regional artists, perfect for holiday gifting. The show emphasizes the unique vision and talent of the artistic community, showcasing everything from paintings and prints to ceramics and mixed media.

With these artistic offerings, the New England Quilt Museum and the surrounding communities continue to enrich the cultural landscape, celebrating creativity and the joys of the season.