Came here during an Open Studio Saturday, see their website for dates. That is when you will see many of the studios open. First floor has an amazing collection of artist created items from their studios. Glass, paintings, textile, pottery, jewelry. Many one of a kind. This gift shop has regular open hours on weekends and weekdays. Check their hours. I loved peeking into the individual artists studios, most of the artists were present for this open studio event. Meeting and asking about pieces is special. I went back later in the week to purchase a small gift. Wonderful items and selection and prices were reasonable. Priced as low as $5.00 to 1000's. 5 floors with much to see, accessible by stairs and elevator. read more

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Awesome in every way! The ultimate of ultimate. .. It had been some time since my last visit...loved it then and I love it even more now . Today ( this weekend) is a special one with a holiday art market. Lots to see. Most of the artists were in their studios with some giving demos of their work. We were a small group & spent several hours visiting . I was so inspired! We did a short coffee break at the lovely place across from The Loading Dock gallery. The coffee fresh & excellent. There was also a food truck outside that looked interesting . Im looking at returning on the next, " first Saturday" because there's just so much to see! read more

So don't dare call this a mall. It's definitely more superb than a mall. A highly inclusive environment where people of all income level, masculine and feminine minded people can intertwine at their pace. read more

I've been coming to WAS for a few years and it's probably one of the most unique art experiences one could ever have. Over 300 artists of various mediums, and 5 floors of studios to explore. The times to visit are the first Saturday of every month when WA holds their open studios. The place is amazingly beautiful inside, and almost overwhelming with how much there is to look at. To get the most out of your visit, I recommend coming early and wear a comfortable pair of walking shoes (lol the place is humongous!) There's also a brewery on the bottom level near the loading dock, and usually there's at least one food truck throughout the event. It's too bad the building is so hidden (it's tucked away at the end of a dead end street), because I feel like this is a true rarity when it comes to the art world. If you do visit, make sure to spread the word to your family and friends if they plan on visiting Lowell! Help keep this amazing place alive! read more

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Beautiful place for a walk around in the winter when you want to avoid the mall. Lovely art on display in the halls and each studio has their bit of hallway decorated so there's lots to see even when many of the studios are closed. Their frequent weekend and evening Open Studios days are amazing for getting the chance to talk to local artisans. Difficult to leave without picking up *something* as a gift or for yourself. Plenty of parking both in the lot and along the street. Definitely a hidden gem in the city, considering where it's located. read more

This is the largest hidden art Mecca in Merrimack Valley. That's not an exaggeration with about 200 working artist studios in the maze of halls. The Loading Dock Gallery is Western Ave's retail space for people dropping in during regular gallery hours, but the most amazing days are the open studio days that happen on the first Saturday of each month from 12-5pm, when you get to meet working artists in person and see what they create behind closed doors. Schedule a first Saturday visit in your calendar now so you don't forget! Bring kids or friends because it will be an adventure unlike any other you've had. :) read more

I'm biased because there used to be a yarn store in this building and it's gone now, but I recently walked through to give it another chance and it's like backstage at your high school end of year recital, after hours. There are little shops attended by probably the loneliest museum curators in a 100 mile radius. Strange topography, difficult to find your way around, and you have no idea sometimes if you're actually trespassing or not. Maybe this should be used solely for artist work space, and not as businesses? read more

This is a gem. I just love this place. It shows everyones creativity. Everytime I leave there I want to go pull out my paintbrushes and get into my creative mode. I love the loft spaces and the Studios are amazing. Would love to look into taking some paint classes in the future. Will be back there very soon. Everytime I go I bring someone who would love and appreciate it just as I do. read more

Western Avenue Studios are overwhelming when you first visit because there are over 100 amazing artists that create anything from fine art to jewelry to glass figurines. I love just wandering through the halls because all the artists display their art in the hallways and many constantly change their displays, so every time you visit, you'll see something new. It is almost like attending a museum for free! There is also a store on the 2nd floor that is like a one stop shop for many of the artists' works. This place is truly a hidden gem that needs to be publicized more. You should definitely make it out to their open studios on the first Saturdays of the month! read more

Are you loathe to spend your holiday shopping time circling the mall parking lot hoping to find a parking spot. Do you hate the crowds and the same old, same old gift choices? Then why not come to the Western Avenue Studios Holiday Open Studio Weekend(s). Not only will you be supporting local artists, but you will find unique and unusual hand crafted items, and enjoy free refreshments in a relaxed and creative atmosphere. Western Avenue Studios will be open this coming weekend (Dec. 6th and 7th) and the following weekend (Dec. 13th and 14th) from noon until 5PM. The parking is free, there is no entrance fee, and there will be free refreshments as you roam from studio to studio. read more

Trying to keep the creative juices flowing (I recently lost my job as a writer/copyeditor/managing editor...so if any of you have stuff for me to do, let me know), I have begun jewelry-making, as many of you know. What's lacking in some of the bead stores I've visited has been large beads, which would provide the foundation for any serious bead project. I finally found what I was looking for at Lush Beads, which has a great selection of beautiful beads in all shapes and colors. The finished products on display are magnificent, as well. Lush Beads is part of Western Avenue Studios, which features four floors of artists working in all disciplines, media, and styles. According to the Website, the studios opened in 2005 and now house more than 160 working artists in two buildings. Most of the "stores" are closed to the public during the week, but I did discover that there's an open studios event held the first Saturday of every month. Will definitely go sometime soon. Sounds interesting. I deducted one star because I had a hard time finding a space, even though it wasn't busy. read more

Western Ave Studios is a hidden gem in Lowell. The renovated mill is filled all kinds of artist studios from Woodworkers & Painters to Jewelry Makers & Glass Blowers! Open Studios on the 1st Saturday of the month is the perfect time to stop in. Artists open their studios to the public so you can peruse their work or make a purchase. It makes for a great day of wandering the halls and finding new favorites. Also lots of the studios sell items that make great unique gifts! read more

Western Ave Studios has an overwhelming display of art for viewing (and for sale). During the week there are some studios open to the public as well as a gallery showing a collection of work. However, First Saturday Open Studios is where the action is. The building is bustling with artists who are often demonstrating their craft for the many art enthusiasts and buyers walking the numerous hallways. You never know what you'll find at Western Ave, a new scarf, painting, blown glass vase, a cutting board, or a metal sculpture... at the very least you'll walk away with some inspiration! read more

Western Avenue - Studios & Lofts - First floor hallway - Art Galleries Near Me - Lowell, Massachusetts

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This place is amazing! Although theArtists are there daily quite often and always receptive to shoppers, they formally hold their open studios the first Saturday of every month. Worth the Trip. Unique, great gifts available all year. Great investments for art lovers always available, too. I highly recommend it. read more

One of the best places to visit Open Art Studios in the area. Easy to get to. Easy free parking. Free entry. An awesome building with inside walls and halls covered in art. I always feel like Alice in Wonderland wandering the hallways because you never know what you will find as you turn the corner. The quality of art is high. The prices are low (versus buying art in a gallery/retail store) and it's great to meet and chat with the artists. There's a fully stocked glass store for glass artists (TMS Studios) and a great beading supply shop also. Many of the artists give classes there also. It's a magical place and the open studios on the first Saturday of every month is a favorite place for me to visit. read more

Great place for finding unique art pieces. Hundreds of artists all under one roof. Down side no AC in the summer makes shopping a bit warm but still worth the trip on first Saturday of the month. read more

Hard to find and in a spooky part of Lowell. Once inside the building it is ok. There are lots of studios, but the quality of the art is uneven. read more