Meet Michele Boll of Michele Boll Art in Lowell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Boll.

Michele, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been creating images as long as I can remember. It started with my grandmother, who brought me small pads of paper, which I filled up while she babysat. One day she included glue. That did not end well!

I majored in English and minored in fine art at Brandeis University. I did not, at that point, have the confidence, to fully commit to art. For me, real art is a revelation of who you really are: literally a visual self-expression/confession. I went on to receive an M.A. from Tufts in English Education, but pretty soon realized that I needed to make art. I enrolled in the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, and found my true self. Soon after, I began to show my work professionally in Boston, most notably at the Impressions Gallery on Newbury Street. I went on to win an Artist Fellowship from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. My work found homes in many corporate and private collections.

I also had a long career teaching art at Medford High School, during which I was inspired by the amazing creativity of my students. Many were fearless, and made art that truly revealed who they were: what they valued, and how they saw their world. I am now retired from teaching, and able to create art full time in my studio at Western Avenue Studios in Lowell, MA.

Has it been a smooth road?
Time is always the issue. When I was teaching, there was not the long periods of time I needed for my work. I began to do scenic painting and design at a variety of theaters on weekends in order to satisfy the creative itch. I still truly love theater, but I am glad to be back in my own studio.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am primarily a painter. I alternate between still life and urban /suburban landscapes. I love the effects of light: how it creates mood in the most ordinary of places or on simple objects. People often describe my still life paintings as quirky: I like unusual subjects such as yo-yos and paper towels. I hope that when someone views my work, such as a painting of a place they often pass without noticing, that they are surprised by the beauty.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
The city of Lowell has put out the welcome mat for artists. At Western Avenue Studios in Lowell, over 250 artists have working studios. This creates a community of artists that is supportive of our efforts, and works cooperatively to support the arts in the city. Lowell boasts the Whistler House Museum, and as well as several cooperative and professional galleries.

Lowell is also a city of festivals, which promotes the arts in multiple disciplines.

Contact Info:

• Address: Michele Boll
  122 Western Avenue
  Studio 407
  Lowell, MA
• Website: www.micheleboll.com
• Phone: 978-987-3107
• Email: boll_m@yahoo.com
• Instagram: www.instagram/@michelebollart
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/michele-boll-art

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