Northshore Magazine

135 understands that there is a swell of people who are voting and who are interested in something happening—that's when change [occurs]." Halter finds herself wondering what will "turn the tide." She notes, "Davis Square used to be a dump— then it seemed like a single coffee shop moved in and it all changed." Hope for Lowell seems pinned on young people. The current demographic makeup of the arts community averages between the ages of 50 and 65. "We have a lot more work to do to get younger people involved," says Syverson. Most arts affiliates simultaneously work to attract a younger generation to their space to spread the good word, and draw in wealthy crowds for monetary support. The solution to the "Lowell conundrum" appears tied to strategic marketing. For cutting-edge endeavors, which tend to appeal to those in their 20s and 30s, Lowell Makes is the place to be. Opened in November 2013 by co-founder Kamal Jain, it is a nonprofit community workshop and education center. A medley of wood and metalworking tools, two 3-D printers, a computer lab, and vari- ous electronics are available for people to learn or practice different skills. "We are working with artists, students at the local university, and the entrepreneurial culture to bring art, business, and science all together in one place," says Jain. "Our whole concept is about the physicality of creativity—something that does some- thing, something utilitarian, whether for fun, for show, or for profit." Bursting at the seams with studios, gal- leries, goings-on, and people whose mis- 1. Arts League of Lowell 307 Market St., 978-221-5018, artsleagueoflowell.com 2. Brush Art Gallery and Studios 256 Market St., 978-459-7819, thebrush.org 3. Cultural Organization of Lowell 50 Arcand Dr., 978-446-7162, cultureiscool.org 4. Lowell Makes 47 Lee St., 978-905-8123, lowellmakes.com 5. Lowell National Historical Park 67 Kirk St., 978-970-5000, nps.gov 6. Merrimack Repertory Theatre 50 East Merrimack St., 978-654-4678, mrt.org 7. Western Avenue Studios 122 Western Ave., 978-349-8069, westernavenuestudios.com 8. 119 Gallery 119 Chelmsford St., 978-452-8138, 119gallery.org Arts Organizations and Galleries Located in Repurposed Mills American Textile History Museum Ayer Lofts Art Gallery Gallery at Loft 27 Brush Art Gallery & Studios Mill No. 5 millWORKS Gallery The National Park Museums and Gallery Western Avenue Studios Map illustration by Pip Hurn M E R R I M AC K C A N A L M E R R I M AC K R I V E R LOW E L L PAW T U C K E T C A N A L D U M M E R ST. WO RT H E N ST. D U T TO N ST. M A R K E T ST. M E R R I M AC K ST. M I D D L E ST. S H AT T U C K ST. PA L M E R ST. PRESCOTT ST. BRIDGE ST. E. MERRIMACK ST. L E E ST. PA I G E ST. fRENCH ST. K I R K ST. j O H N ST. A RC A N D D R. 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 5 Lowell Canalway Cultural District sion it is to turn Lowell into a cultural arts destination, the city edges its way toward that designation. "Lowell isn't just about the history of the Industrial Revolution," says Bernardo. "It's about the culture—a culture that is still here." ● n Apr14 Lowell.indd 135 2/21/14 3:12 PM

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