About the Exhibition
Trilogy is an engaging and colorful exhibition at the Lowell Arts Gallery featuring three distinct artistic approaches.
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Emerald Green showcases 34 art quilts by artists from Studio
Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) exploring the dangerous history of toxic emerald green paint once widely used in art.
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Full Bloom presents classical realist floral paintings and drawings by M. Joy Lemon.
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Dialogue of Souls brings together Merima Smajlović and Mary Jane Pories, whose abstract, mixed-media works reflect their search for identity, resilience, and healing through artistic expression.
Together, these components create a dialogue between historical awareness, natural beauty, and personal transformation through contemporary art.
Exhibit Dates
May 2 – July 11, 2026
Tuesday–Friday 10am–6pm &
Saturday 12–5pm
Gallery Reception
May 3, 2–4pm
Artist Talk
May 14, 6–7:30pm
The Gallery Reception and Artist Talk are free and open to the public.
“Arts Midwest is proud to support organizations that are sparking creativity and connection across the Midwest. This year’s GIG Fund grantees are expanding access to the arts and enriching lives in their local communities.” – Torrie Allen, President and CEO, Arts Midwest
This project is supported in part by Arts Midwest, which receives support in part from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Artist Talk
Thursday, May 14, 6-7:30pm
Join us for a facilitated conversation with the artists of the exhibition Trilogy. Representing three distinct bodies of work – from the haunting history of toxic emerald green pigment, to classical realist florals, to abstract explorations of identity and healing – artists will discuss their creative processes and the stories behind their work. This is a great opportunity to hear directly from the artists and ask questions.
Masterclasses
Weaving Memory: Fabric, Story & Belonging
Saturday, May 16, 1-3pm
Join artists Merima Smajlović and Mary Jane Pories for a participatory workshop exploring memory, migration, and identity through textile and storytelling. Cost $25 ($20 for Lowell Arts Members). Registration required.
Radiant Florals: Precision in Graphite & Color
Saturday, May 23, 1-3pm
Join artist M. Joy Lemon to learn two foundational techniques of classical drawing: the block-in method for accurate proportions and turning form for shading that creates depth and dimension. Cost $25 ($20 for Lowell Arts Members). Registration required.
Dimension on Fabric: Paint Sticks
Saturday, June 6, 1-3pm
Through masking, stenciling, and rubbing techniques, you'll explore how paint sticks create texture, shadow, and luminosity on fabric with artist Monica Johnstone. Cost $25 ($20 for Lowell Arts Members). Registration required.
Community Activity
Toxic to Beautiful: Cyanotypes
June 25 & 26, 12-5pm
Before synthetic dyes existed, textile workers risked their lives for vivid color. Today, we can create stunning, luminous works of art with nothing more dangerous than sunlight and water.
In this two-day community workshop, artist facilitators will guide participants through the process of cyanotype sun printing on fabric – arranging natural and found objects on light-sensitive cloth to produce hauntingly beautiful blue-and-white images.
Individual panels will be assembled into a collaborative artwork displayed in Lowell Arts' Main Street windows through July 11.
All materials provided. No experience necessary. Open to all ages; families especially welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $5 ($3 for Lowell Arts Members). Sessions begin at the top of the hour, from 12-4pm.
Registration link coming soon!