UnchARTed Studios on Merrimack Street in downtown Lowell opened its doors on Saturday
with its grand opening. The Ignition event featured multimedia art from 13 artists, including
Culturehive’s Gilbert Gandia. There was also other art by Hali Vik, Lindsey Parker, Samnang
Riebe, Roy Hawes, Tim Goguen, Michael Dailey, Corey Luebbers, Fran Collazo, Bradford
Rusick, Michael Meador, Matthew Weir and Ali Torrice. Music and performances continued
through the reception late into the night.

One man band “Packrat” playing the keyboard.

Hali Vik, one of UnchARTed Studios founding members, said she found out about the second
floor Merrimack Street space after she had lost her own studio space. After taking a tour
through the mess that was to someday be UnchARTed Studios, she and Lindsey Parker
committed the time to clean the space and bring it up to code. The opening was a culmination of
all the hard work to prepare the space as both studios for artists and a gallery to show work for
public viewing. There is currently a waiting list for artists who would like studio space.

The full roster of musical events and performances throughout the day as well as the
careful curation of art along the walls indicated that UnchARTed Studios is serious about its mission.

Obhehi Janice gave a performance preview of Fufu and Oreos, a one woman performance
premiering on May 13th at the 119 Gallery in Lowell. If the preview was anything like the actual
performance, humor and wit will fill the show as Obehi explores her identity.

Obhehi Janice gives a preview of Fufu and Oreos.

Some art in the show, such as “Flight of the Lesbians” by Tim Goguen depicted a sexual encounter between
two lesbians. This piece was an example of some of the provacative work shown at the gallery. In contrast, there was other work such as “Natural Appropriation” by Bradford
Rusick which featured mixed media representations of flowers, birds and landscapes.

“Natural Appropriation” by Bradford
Rusick

“It’s About Time” by Lindsey Parker featured colorful geometric forms against a blue
background. The lines and shapes weaved themselves in and out of other shapes to form
different layers.

“It’s About Time” by Lindsey Parker

“Lemon Heads” by Michael Dailey showed three prominent yellow forms
juxtaposed together with
faces, presumably the lemon heads. One of these lemon heads had an almost human body
while the other heads floated against the background of abstract shapes.

“Lemon Heads” by Michael Dailey

The event was well attended by visitors looking for an interesting art experience in downtown
Lowell. The mix of art on the walls, music, performance, and wide open area in which to
socialize created a fun atmosphere for art lovers to socialize and appreciate the art.