BREAKING: The Fitchburg Art Museum has officially reopened its doors today, December 5, 2023, after a brief closure, just in time to launch its centennial celebrations. Visitors can now experience the stunning exhibition “Tara Sellios: Ask Now the Beasts,” featuring the Boston-based artist’s captivating works that highlight the beauty of the grotesque.
From now until May 24, 2024, the museum will showcase Sellios’s monumental photographs, which are crafted from organic materials such as animal bones, insect specimens, and dried flowers. Using a large format 8 X 10 camera, her vivid images draw inspiration from historical art forms, including illuminated manuscripts and Dutch vanitas paintings. The series title, drawn from the Book of Job, explores profound themes of life and death, urging viewers to reflect on the cyclical nature of existence.
In addition to Sellios’s work, the museum introduces “FESTIVAL: A Celebration of African Art,” the first exhibition in a series honoring the museum’s 100th anniversary. This exhibition spans time and culture, featuring artifacts from the first millennium CE to contemporary sculptures. It explores universal themes such as power, love, and celebration, organized around the concepts of masquerades and ritual life.
Join the festivities today from 5:30 PM to 8 PM for a special Annual Meeting that includes a 100th Anniversary Toast, a visit from Eleanor Norcross, the museum’s founder, portrayed by Sally Cragin, and an exclusive sneak peek of the upcoming Centennial Exhibition. Guests can enjoy drinks and appetizers from Finicky Fork throughout the evening.
While advance sign-up for the event is encouraged for planning purposes, it is not required, and the event is free and open to the public. All are welcome to join this historic celebration. For more information, visit fitchburgartmuseum.org.
With the reopening of the Fitchburg Art Museum, there’s a renewed sense of excitement for the local art community. Don’t miss this chance to engage with groundbreaking art and celebrate a beloved institution’s legacy.
Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming exhibitions and events as the museum embarks on this significant milestone.
