Dialogues, Diasporas, and Detours Through Africa
Closing January 14, 2024

This exhibition, guest curated by Dell Marie Hamilton, features work by seven artists—Archy LaSalle, George Annan, bashexo, Digi Chivetta, Sharon Dunn, Reginald Jackson, and Lou Jones—in conversation with works from FAM’s Permanent Collection of African Art. These artists participated in the Black Artist Residency at FAM over the past year, which was created by a partnership between the Museum and artist-collective WHERE ARE ALL THE BLACK PEOPLE AT (WAATBPA).

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Capital Vice: Politics of the Seven Deadly Sins
Now through June 2, 2024

Capital Vice highlights a variety of artforms in the Fitchburg Art Museum’s Permanent Collection (including street photography, silverware, and weaponry) to question how outdated notions of archetypal sin fit within a modern sensibility.

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Rania Matar: Oceans at My Door
Closing January 7, 2024

This exhibition celebrates FAM’s recent acquisition of Rania Matar’s portfolio SHE by placing it into the context of Matar’s recent work. Matar is a Lebanese-American photographer internationally renowned for her explorations of cross-cultural identity and femininity.

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Community Gallery

Islamic Arabian Art
From the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
Through January 7, 2024

Islamic Arabian art focuses on the depiction of patterns, calligraphy, animals, and figures. Objects including paintings, jewelry, metal art, and clothing were gathered by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in hopes of bringing about a deeper understanding and appreciation for Middle Eastern themed objects and the rich history that encompasses them. The Community Gallery is supported by a generous gift from Dr. Roderick and Donna Lewin.

Community Gallery
Atomic Artistry Open Call for Artists

Eco-Nuclear Solutions is inviting artists to submit works of art for their exhibition in the FAM Community Gallery in March. Atomic Artistry will feature works at the intersection of art, science, and climate activism. The open call for artists will be available Dec. 1 at www.eco-nuclearsolutions.org. Cash prizes will be awarded in two age categories: 18 and under and over 18. Eco-Nuclear Solutions is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council for this international competition.

La bodega de mis sueños
(The bodega of my dreams)  

Also on view

In this inaugural installation of public art on the museum’s façade, Cuban-American artist and educator Gabriel Sosa considers the stories of Spanish-speaking residents in Central Massachusetts, contemporary visual culture in downtown Fitchburg, and the complexities of the American Dream.

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Ari Montford’s Freedom Arrows

Also on view

Ari Montford’s Freedom Arrows amplifies the arrow’s symbolism as tool, weapon, and message to explore Indigenous Black themes through the lens of the Native American experience of genocide. Within the museum lobby, a volley of hand-beaded arrows is suspended midair (as if just unleashed from unseen bows) and embedded in the walls. Dual concepts of protection and service, aggression and power blend with the arrows’ spiritual presence to create a space that provokes conversation about racial justice and narrative-making. Montford’s installation engages with the impact of structural racism, Indigenous trauma, and the process of creating safe spaces for restorative justice through their own voice as a Black Two Spirit Indigenous cultural practitioner.

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Programs

Yoga in the Galleries

Tuesdays 6:15-7:30 PM
Through December 19, 2023
Next session starts January 16, 2024

Experience the combination of looking inside to see the beauty within yourself and coming into the gallery to see the beauty around you. Join the practice of yoga with Dianne Tousignant where you will be guided through breath awareness, warm-up poses, strengthening, and relaxation. Beginners are welcome. Instruction can be adapted for new students as well as those with more experience. $15 drop-in per class payable in class. If you prefer to register in advance call 978-345-4207 or email [email protected]

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The 98th Annual Meeting of the Members of the Fitchburg Art Museum
Wednesday, December 6

Join us for Fitchburg Art Museum’s Annual Meeting. Everyone is welcome to join us for this celebratory event!

5:30pm - Gallery Talk with
Archy LaSalle, artist in
Dialogues, Diasporas, and Detours Through Africa exhibition
6:00pm - Annual Meeting
6:45pm - Reception and Conversation

RSVP: (978) 345-4207, [email protected], or register below.

Register

Free First Thursdays and the Farmers Market

Thursday, December 7
12:00 – 7:00pm

Every first Thursday the museum is FREE for all visitors, 12-7 pm. In December, we will have a special Holiday Fitchburg Farmers Market from 3- 5:30 pm. Hosted by Growing Places, the market offers both SNAP and the Healthy Incentives Program. There will also be live entertainment provided by the Thurston Consort Duet from 3 to 5pm.

Free First Thursdays is supported by an endowment given to the Fitchburg Art Museum in memory of Martha Malm.

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Hidden Treasures

Thursday, December 21
1:00-3:00pm

Hidden Treasures is a free specialized art appreciation program for individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease or a related dementia and their caregivers. Specially trained museum staff use Alzheimer’s-friendly communication techniques to encourage participants to express feelings and thoughts. Hidden Treasures is free, but participants must pre-register with the Fitchburg Art Museum by calling 978-345-4207 or by emailing [email protected]

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Conversation Café

Virtual through Zoom
Thursday, January 4
6:30pm

Join us for this unique opportunity for exhibiting artists to share the stories behind their work and provide insight into their broader artistic practice. Participants are welcome to ask questions, make observations and new connections during these dialogues. This conversation will feature artists from the Dialogues, Diasporas, and Detours Through Africa exhibition: bashexo, Sharon Dunn, and Reginald Jackson.