LACG - History

The Leominster Art Center & Gallery is proud to present a grand opening at our new location, (45 Main Street, Leominster) on April 24, 2013 at 6 pm - 9 pm. This is a free event for all to enjoy. Light refreshments will be served throughout the evening. View artist's works as well as the artists themselves! We have a variety of mediums being displayed from photos and paintings to glass work and jewelry making!

If you are interested in becoming a part of our gallery, this is the perfect time to come on down and ask the board members' questions. You can also request a membership packet as well to see what we're all about. Regardless if you are an artist or not, we hope you come down to spend the evening with us and that you have a wonderful time.

Grand Opening

Wednesday, April 24, 2013, 6-9pm

New Name, New Logo

The Leominster Art Center has adopted a new name, going by The Leominster Art Center and Gallery, or LACG. The word "Gallery" was added in a decision that it helps describe what we are all about. We do not only participate in events and host classes, but have a small "shop" or gallery as well. To learn more about us and what we do, please click here.

With the new name, the LACG seeked out a new logo and hosted a logo contest. Many entered, but to many members, one stood out amongst the rest. It was the logo created by Ryan Gardell. The members of the LACG are grateful for his time and work on our logo. If you would like to view his work, please visit his website http://www.zoominfo.com/p/Ryan-Gardell/1611977658.

At the end of 2009, Mayor Dean Mazzarella directed Lisa Vallee (economic development coordinator) and Sandie Chacon (small business developer) to establish an art center for local artists to show their work. The goal was to engage and educate the community in the appreciation of the arts. Advertising for help and donations were broadcasted through the mayor's newsletter and the local cable access channel. Twenty-six artists responded in addition to ten volunteers. The owner of the Columbia Hotel building, Tom Bedard, agreed to give the art center a home at a reduced rent. By November of 2009, the Leominster Art Center had opened its doors to local artists and was promoting a variety of art forms like jewelry-making, quilting, woodworking, painting. Local musicians were featured for special events like First Fridays and evenings of poetry readings started up. The LAC was to be a venue for all the arts!

Sadly, three years later on the night of November 24, 2012, a tragic fire broke out on the third story of the building. The historic Columbia Hotel could not be saved and many people were left homeless as well as multiple businesses. There were no fatalities, though two firefighters were injured from a collapsed wall. Our members are forever grateful to those who risked their lives trying to save the building.

A few months passed and a new place was eventually found at 45 Main Street, just a couple blocks down from our previous location . Artists were enthusiastic about our new home and rose to the challenge of renovations that needed to be completed for the opening date goal just 3 weeks away. A new floor was installed, walls repaired and painted and studio lighting hung, to name some of the larger tasks. Even though much has been done, there is still much more to do so that we may grow and flourish as a local Art Center.

If you would like to help in any way please contact a board member or visit our gallery to make a donation of time, needed items or monetary. Any donation, no matter how big or small, is greatly appreciated.

We hope you will visit and support this institution and show your appreciation by helping the arts flourish in our community