The Whistler House of Art was recently presented with a unique opportunity to house a rarely seen collection of works by the Armenian artist Arshile Gorky (1904-1948), known to be the Father of American Abstract Expressionism. The collection represents many of his earlier works and outlines his progression as an artist, showing influences of Paul Cezanne, Joan Miro and Pablo Picasso. The special exhibition of his work, entitled Drawings and Paintings by Arshile Gorky – Mina Boehm Metzger Collection was premiered in September to run through November 7th. Surprised and pleased by the incredible response to the exhibit, the run has been extended.
The exhibit has stirred great interest for not only the work itself but the legacy of the artist to the Armenian community. Gorky immigrated to the United States in 1920, at the age of sixteen, having survived the genocide of the Armenian people by the Ottoman Turks. After his family was displaced and dispersed while escaping from Russian-controlled Armenia, his mother died in his arms during a forced march from Yerevan. He joined his father in the United States and eventually settled for a time in Watertown and Providence, RI before moving on to New York.
His Armenian heritage and local roots have brought an enthusiastic following to the Whistler House. Michael Lally, Executive Director of the Whistler recently commented on how thrilling it’s been to have so many people come to experience the exhibit from so many different places around the state and around the country. Many have ties to the Armenian community or to Gorky himself and are moved by the exhibit, but the reach of these visitors extends beyond the art. Lally remarked that at times during the exhibit he’s played the role of concierge, directing visitors downtown for lunch and then onto one of the other museums or galleries. It’s a role he’s happy to take on because it provides him the opportunity to share the Lowell he loves with newcomers and the hope that the positive experience will translate into future visitors.
When the prosperity of Lowell is placed in the context of the creative economy, this leveraging of experience is a key part of that conversation. High profile art exhibits, museums, festivals and the national park serve as portal to bring people into the city to then experience the other amenities, bringing dollars to our local businesses. These positive experiences are brought home with visitors altering their perception of Lowell and ultimately reshaping the conversation about Lowell to reflect its vitality and attractiveness to visitors, investors and new residents.
A more direct interpretation of the creative economy at work kicks off on Thursday, November 12th with the launch of the “Buy Art/Buy Lowell” campaign. Drop by the Loading Dock Gallery at the Western Ave Studios between 5:30 and 7:30 to meet fellow art lovers, learn about the value of buying local art from satisfied patrons and businesses. Art from over 40 galleries will be on display and tours of over 200 Western Ave studios will be offered. Who knows, you could end up with the next Gorky.
