The Five Minute Read

Western Avenue Open Studios

LOWELL — Step inside Western Avenue Studios, home to more than 350 artists, and explore five floors of studios, two floors of artist lofts and more during Open Studios on Saturday, July 6, from noon to 5 p.m., 122 Western Ave. The studios are dog-friendly, but animals must be on a leash at all times.

The free event features hands-on workshops and live artist demonstrations. The space also includes a coffee shop, a co-op art gallery and a brewery. Saturday’s food truck is Empanada Dada serving fare from the parking lot. This month, the Loading Dock Gallery is hosting a show titled “Being There” with an artist reception on Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. Tee & The Gents will perform at 1 p.m.

For more information, call 978-710-8605, email inquiries@westernavenuestudios.com or visit westernavenuestudios.com.

Senior art at City Hall

LOWELL — View the creative talent of three Lowell Senior Center members in the lobby of City Hall July through August. Organized in collaboration with the Lowell Senior Center, the Senior Art Show displays sculptures and 2D artwork by John Brickels, Mark Fisher and David Phaneuf.

The city started Art in City Hall in 2023 as a monthly art show to feature the work of local artists and Lowell galleries. The public is welcome to view these art shows during the hours of Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m..; and Friday 8 a.m. to noon, 375 Merrimack St.

An artist reception will be held Tuesday, July 9, from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. For more information, call 978-674-4000 or visit lowellma.gov/1880/Art-in-City-Hall.

Mill City Grows mobile markets

LOWELL — Shop fresh and local at the Mill City Grows mobile markets at the following locations: Tuesdays,  10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lowell Community Health Center, 161 Jackson St.; Wednesdays, 2 to 6 p.m., The Sweet Bar, 500 Pawtucket St.; Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lowell Senior Center, 276 Broadway St.; Fridays, 2 to 6 p.m., CTI Farmers Market, 350A Dutton St.

The markets feature seasonal produce. The following payment options are accepted: cash, credit and debit, SNAP/EBT, WIC, HIC (Healthy Incentives Program), senior coupons and Mill City Grows E-gift cards.

Launched in June 2014, MCG’s Mobile Market Program strives to fulfill the organization’s mission to make healthy, affordable food available to everyone, especially to those with limited mobility and access to grocery stores. For information on payment discounts and options, call 978-455-2620.

Lala Books open mic

LOWELL — Writers of all levels are invited to share work and to meet with other writers and readers during the Lowell Writers Open Mic night on Thursday, July 11, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Lala Books, 189 Market St.

The event will focus on spoken word poetry and storytelling and all sorts of writers are encouraged to participate. A signup sheet will be available at the door upon arrival. This month’s featured author is Katherine Tsoulkalas. For information, email Stephan Anstey from the Lowell Writers Group at Anstey@gmail.com, text to 508-523-9976, call Lala Books at 978-221-5966 or visit lalabookstore.com.