Western Avenue Studios (WAS) opened its first studio doors to working artists on September 1, 2005. With additional conversions in the following years, we now host a total of 121 studios on four floors, which support a community of over 160 artists and artisans. With the high demand for affordable studio space, and work/live environments for artists, we are still planning to grow.

Since that opening day in 2005, the city of Lowell has welcomed the WAS community, as an integral and vital part of the historic city's cultural life. In addition to participating in the annual citywide Lowell Open Studios and holding monthly First Saturday Open Studios, WAS has provided venues for the 7th Annual International Edible Book Festival, the Lowell Quilt Festival, the Lowell Photography Weekend, and many others.

The Western Avenue Studios Artist Association (WASAA) represents many of the artists at WAS. The organization provides outreach and develops partnerships with other cultural institutions in the city and sponsors The Loading Dock Gallery, a cooperative venture of participating WASAA members.

If you are interested in learning more about Western Avenue Studios and its community of artists, please visit these sites: WesternAvenueStudios.com and LiveAtWAS.com. To learn more about First Saturday Open Studios click here to download an informative (and beautifully designed by one of our artists!) brochure.

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WAS in the News - A New England Cable News piece about Western Avenue Studios