Fitchburg Art Museum Reopens with Exciting Centennial Exhibitions

The Fitchburg Art Museum (FAM) reopened its doors on December 5, 2023, after a brief closure, inviting visitors to celebrate its upcoming centennial. The museum is currently showcasing two major exhibitions: “Tara Sellios: Ask Now the Beasts” and “FESTIVAL: A Celebration of African Art.”

On view until May 24, 2025, “Ask Now the Beasts” features the work of Boston-based artist Tara Sellios. Her monumental photographs explore the beauty of the grotesque through still-life vignettes crafted from organic materials such as animal bones, insect specimens, and dried flowers. Using a large format 8 X 10 camera, Sellios captures the vivid details of her subjects, drawing inspiration from historical art forms, including illuminated manuscripts and Dutch vanitas paintings. The title of her series derives from the Book of Job, reflecting on themes of harvest and apocalypse while examining the cyclical nature of life and death.

FAM also presents “FESTIVAL,” which offers a comprehensive look at its African Art collection, organized around themes of masquerades, ceremonial life, ritual life, and domestic life. This exhibition spans from first-millennium CE terra cottas to contemporary sculptures, highlighting the diversity of cultures across the African continent. It is the first in a series of exhibitions honoring the museum’s centennial.

To kick off the centennial celebrations, FAM hosted an annual meeting on December 5 from 17:30 to 20:00. The event included a 100th Anniversary Toast, a visit from FAM founder Eleanor Norcross, portrayed by actress Sally Cragin, and a preview of the Centennial Exhibition. The event featured drinks and appetizers provided by Finicky Fork and was free to the public, encouraging community engagement. Attendees were encouraged to sign up in advance to assist with planning, but registration was not mandatory.

In addition to the events at FAM, the local arts scene is bustling with holiday activities. The Arts League of Lowell is hosting its annual holiday members show titled “Joy,” featuring artwork priced under $150. The reception for this event will take place on December 13 from 15:00 to 17:00 at the Arts League of Lowell located at 307 Market St., Lowell.

Additionally, the Whistler House Museum of Art will hold its annual holiday party and art auction on December 6, starting at 18:00. This much-anticipated event includes dinner, entertainment, and both silent and live auctions, with tickets available at the door.

Local artists at Western Avenue Studios are also participating in the festive spirit with their Holiday Open Studios on December 6 and 13, from 12:00 to 17:00. For a full calendar of exhibitions and additional information, visit their website.

As FAM celebrates its centennial, it stands as a vibrant hub for art and culture, inviting both locals and visitors to engage with the diverse offerings and rich history of the museum. For more details on upcoming events, hours, and admission, please visit fitchburgartmuseum.org.