CURRENT and UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS

January 26, 2024 - March 23, 2024

Hidden Beauty-Fall River and Beyond

   “I have worked in Fall River since I opened my water business in 1998. Preceding that time, I painted houses professionally for many years. When I was motivated to paint artistically seven years ago, it was partly because I knew I had the knowledge on how to ‘push the paint.’ One of my favorite past times is to explore the surrounding wilderness wherever that location might be. My work reflects the inspirational value I get from these encounters with nature. There are several scenes from the Fall River area that have been brought to life on canvas. I am hopeful that my fondness and enthusiasm for the city comes through in the paintings for this collection at the Narrows. Basically, I’m just an explorer and a contractor with an attitude and an iPhone.” -Taylor Smith...

Read More

March 2, 2024 - April 20, 2024

Triangulation

Opening Reception from 1:00p – 3:00p on Saturday, March 23, 2024 Triangulation = The tracing and measurement of a series or network in order to determine the distances and relative positions of points spread over a territory or region. It is guidance not conveyance. The triangulation taking form through the sculptural works by David Lee Black, Matthew Peake, and Laura White Carpenter guides through three distinctive viewpoints, arriving at a place of personal interpretation and surveyance. The path taken is suggestive only; the viewer is invited to journey at their own pace, taking in the differing artistic elements, visual symbols and references. There is poetry when three artists contribute to the structure of a theme, arriving together via the combined forces of voice and rhythm. Through photography, interactive kinetic forms, and use of fragile and ephemeral materials that have come through drastic transformations themselves, these sculptors offer guidance and location-finding in...

Read More

May 4, 2024 - June 15, 2024

ABOUT FACE

Please join us on Friday, May 10th from 6 – 9 pm for a very special reception for the opening of About Face. The artists will be available to take any questions about the work and refreshments will be served. Immediately following at 9 pm will be a special performance by Ravi Shavi to get everyone dancing into the weekend. The public is cordially invited. The gallery reception and following concert are non-ticketed events. Join us for a great night of Art and Music. “About Face” is a collection of new American portraiture created by four of the most exciting New England artists working today. Through a variety of different styles and paint mediums, you will view a collection of vastly different interpretations of what a portrait could look like. From classic painting techniques to mixed media and everything in between. Inspired by each other’s work for many years, we are excited to debut our first group show together. Peter Cardoso (Image 2 in quadtych above) Is an...

Read More

June 15, 2024 - July 27, 2024

Reflections

‘Reflections’ is a collection of acrylic paintings on recycled corrugated cardboard by local artist Brianna Santo. The use of cardboard was inspired by her wish to exist more sustainably and also display the life and beauty that can still be harnessed, with what some may deem, as disposable. She chose to embrace the layered texture and contrast of the corrugation, as well as the imperfections and fragility of the material. Brianna Santo is a multi-media artist and graphic designer originally from Fall River, MA. Her art is inspired by her own experiences in life and those she observes in the past and present world around...

Read More

August 3, 2024 - September 21, 2024

Folk Art Fusion, Art from the Heart

Folk art on its own is an art that taps into the history and traditions of different cultures.  It is art created by everyday people exploring their communities, life experiences and heritage on a deeply personal basis rather than relying upon formal training in artistic genres. Folk art is deeply rooted in traditions reflecting the artist’s past, heritage and customs. The fact that it is described as “folk” art says a great deal.  It is art that is created by people and for the people.  In the 1700’s and 1800’s folk art described art that was created by craftsmen, laborers and members of the working class.  They employed skills they had learned in the trades and used their imaginations to create uniquely beautiful pieces representing everyday life. Their art techniques were usually simple, childlike designs and bright colors.  These artists were much more concerned with expressing themselves than with accuracy, proportion and realism.  They were much...

Read More

September 28, 2024 - November 9, 2024

Re-surfaced for a New Look

I love listening to the story as it develops when I am drawing an idea, making material choices, and feeling the connection between the lines and the motion as an image is carved out of wood or linoleum. The final gesture of the ink transferring from the printing plate to paper brings me the joy and revelation that keep me working in the creative arts. Most recently in a desire to downsize I looked at the pieces of wood and linoleum that I have stored. Holding on to them has allowed me to recognize my attachment to the image they hold and the prints that were produced. I realized that the carving was indeed asking for another life beyond storage. In 2019 I began to take classes in painting, which inspired me to revisit my carved images with a new eye. Most recently I pulled out many of my old woodcuts and started painting the carved images. I am finding that re-surfacing the pieces with bright colors gives them new life and tells a new story. I am able to paint a three dimensional...

Read More

November 16, 2024 - January 4, 2025

Contemporary Mandalas: Focused, Deliberate & Curative in Practice

Mandala in Hindu and Buddhist traditions is a symbolic diagram used in the performance of sacred rites and as an instrument of meditation. The mandala is basically a representation of the universe, a consecrated area that serves as a receptacle for the gods and as a collection point of universal forces. Man, by mentally “entering” the mandala and “proceeding” toward its center, is by analogy, guided through the cosmic processes of disintegration and reintegration. Mandalas are also therapeutic art forms, not only for the creator of the piece, but for those who gaze into and immerse themselves into the design. Many contemporary mandalas are created using the dot painting technique. Dot painting is a product of traditional Indigenous Australian art meeting modern western culture. When searching for a meaningful self-care discipline outside the standards, I was drawn to something in the art world, regressing back to my youth when art was carefree and not intimidating, something that was...

Read More

GALLERY INFORMATION

The BayCoast Bank Gallery at the Narrows Center

Thursday – Saturday, Noon – 5:00 p.m.

The Narrows Center strives to expose our community to a wide range of performing and visual art. While our concerts showcase a variety of music genres, our galleries do the same with visual exhibitions. Shows range from student work to museum quality collections. We have exhibited photography, sculpture, illustration, paintings, prints, and mixed media pieces. We have even showcased a Lego exhibit by a nationally known Lego artist!

Many of the shows in the two galleries include artwork which may be purchased by the public, enhancing the lives of attendees well into the future.

Recognizing that arts related activities may be cost prohibitive to many, the Narrows Center provides free admission to the gallery during regular gallery hours. In doing so, the public has access to view spectacular artwork locally. Concertgoers also get to view the artwork on performance nights. Our goal is to expose as many visitors as possible to the beauty and diversity of art. There is something unique and special about viewing art up close. We have created a calm and well-lit space to allow visitors to absorb the depth of talent, skill, and creativity involved with each piece being shared. 

EXHIBITIONS