ArtsBoston is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the arts.
Western Avenue is the 2nd largest artist community in the US. Here 350+ artists in every medium practice their craft, share their creative process with each other. WA is dedicated to providing permanent, affordable artist spaces.
Western Avenue is the creative soul of Lowell, MA. As part of the ever-growing arts community in Lowell, Western Avenue hosts virtual and in person events, highlighted on the First Saturday of every month with Open Studios or Outdoor Art Markets. Our coop Gallery, The Loading Dock Gallery, is open Wednesday through Sunday. Artists profiles can be viewed on the WA website and appointments made for studio visits. Western Avenue is home to Nibbana Cafe open Thursday through Sunday and Navigation Brewing Company open Thursday through Sunday. Classes, workshops and more can be found on our active year round calendar. Come visit and stroll our halls filled with art.
The Loading Dock Gallery is a Cooperative Gallery representing more than 50 members of the Western Avenue Studios Artist Association. The coop was formed in December of 2007 and took possession of the gallery space on the 2nd floor of the A-Mill of the Western Avenue Complex. The 1,450 sq. foot gallery space is divided into two sections, the Main Gallery which carries original artwork, jewelry, and reproductions of work by Gallery Members and the intimate Showcase which features month long one and two person exhibits focusing on the work of members.
Free on-site parking
The Studios buildings are open seven days a week for you to wander the hallways. The Lofts are only open to the public for special events like our First Saturday Open Studios. Artists are open at their own discretion. Please look through our profiles to contact an artist and ask what guidelines for in person studio visits they are requiring.
Tiny Arms Coffee is open Thursday through Saturday, 9am until 4pm, and Sunday 9am until 2pm.
Loading Dock Gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday from noon until 5:30pm and Sunday from noon to 4pm.
Navigation Brewing is open Thursday through Saturday from 4pm until 10pm and Sunday from noon until 5pm. Please check their social media feeds for more details and to find out the food truck of the day.
