Art from the Heart of the Region
- Visit North Central
What better way could there be to learn about the region you’re visiting than to see it through the eyes of local artists?
While North Central Massachusetts is fortunate to have noteworthy institutions like the Fitchburg Art Museum, the Icon Museum and Study Center, the Fisher Museum at Harvard Forest, and Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, small galleries in nearly every city and town regularly turn the spotlight on the work of local residents and works they choose to display. These exhibitions tend to change from month to month, so no matter when (or how often) you tour the region, there’s always a fresh perspective waiting to be discovered. Watercolors, sculpture, photographs, pottery, jewelry and more are on display every day, year-round, in these community galleries, often tucked away in libraries and senior centers.
Ready to explore the heart of the region?
Here’s a sampling of places you can find contemporary works (many of which may be available for purchase!) in area cities and towns.
- The Boulder Art Gallery, located on Fitchburg’s historic Upper Common on Main street—a short walk from the Fitchburg Art Museum—features original art, vintage art, photography, prints and sculpture. It’s one of the area’s most exciting venues for period and contemporary art.
- The Diamond Heart Art Studio at 112 Main St., Gardner, is an art gallery and more—offering classes, book signings and other events, too. Stop by to see artists at work!
- The Meeting Hall Gallery, tucked between the Townsend Public Library and Senior Center, is home to changing exhibits of artwork and history. Check their schedule at townsendlibrary.org.
- The Little Art Gallery at Westminster Town Hall, 11 South St., Westminster, features the work of artists on a monthly basis and can be viewed during regular Town Hall hours in the first floor lobby.
- From paper mosaics to pottery, the Petersham Art Center at 8 North St. always has something new to see (and do—classes are offered on a regular basis) in its picturesque home in a picturesque town! (Stop by the Petersham Country Store for lunch when you visit!). Learn more at facebook.com/petershamartcenter.
- The East Wing Gallery at Mt. Wachusett Community College, 444 Green St., Gardner, showcases works by students and contemporary artists. The college also has a permanent collection featuring exemplary work from graduating art students, visiting artists, and alumni. Visit mwcc.edu.
- The Hammond Hall Art Gallery at Fitchburg State University, 160 Pearl St., Fitchburg, exhibits student work throughout the year. Special annual exhibitions include Visions, a juried honors showcase of the year’s best original student work in FSU’s Communications Media Department; and ARTeries, a bi-annual juried exhibition showcasing original student work in drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed-media art. Learn more at fitchburgstate.edu.
