IN THE NEWS

2025 was a year of growth, access, and deep community impact at Refuge Art School. Together with our students, instructors, and supporters, we expanded programming, increased financial access, and created more real world opportunities for young artists in Lowell. We began the year with our first ever Winter Fundraiser , a retro game night that brought our community together in a new way and set the tone for what was possible. Throughout the year, Refuge artists were also fea

On October 9th, we hosted our annual Portfolio Review Night , a special evening dedicated to learning, feedback, and connection that we are bringing back as an annual event. Representatives from MassArt , RISD , UMass Lowell , and Fitchburg State , along with Western Avenue artists Robb and Emily Sandagata , joined us to meet with students and review their portfolios. These sessions give aspiring art students valuable one-on-one time with college representatives and professi

We are thrilled to share that the first round of the Art Star Residency Program has officially come to a close . This pilot program was created to give young artists a supportive environment to grow, experiment, and strengthen their creative practices. As we transition into the next cycle, we’re celebrating the progress of our first group of residents and reflecting on what this opportunity has meant to them. Our 1st Group of Artists in Residence: Cloudy Rosas, Maritza Flores

This summer, we weren’t planning to run any studio programs. Usually, our calendar is packed with festival planning, community canvases, face painting, and mural opportunities. But when our students asked for a space to create, we listened. Out of that request came a new pilot: Summer Studio Intensive . Zachary MacIsaac with his handmade bock print design on his tote bag! Unlike a traditional class, this program was designed to provide students with a safe, supportive studio

This month, Refuge was lucky to host a website workshop with our community friend Jimmy Le . Jimmy offered his time and knowledge for free, making space for our artists and students to learn how to begin sharing their work online. The workshop gave participants a chance to ask questions, learn practical steps, and see how building a website can become part of their creative journey. More importantly, it reminded us how much we can grow when community members share their skill

We are proud to highlight the impactful summer internship of UMass Lowell nursing major Emerson Tully , who supported Refuge Art School as a grant writer. Originally a one-semester opportunity funded by a $2,500 grant from the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation , Emerson chose to extend her internship into the summer. She secured additional funding through the Moloney Student Scholar Program , allowing her to continue contributing to our mission. Emerson dedicated 10 hours per

We are excited to announce the launch of our Residency Program, designed to support emerging artists in developing their practice within a structured and collaborative environment. The Refuge Art Stars Residency Program offers artists dedicated studio time, a community of artists of different mediums, limitless access to resources & supplies, and mentorship to advance their creative projects. Participants will engage in regular critiques, workshops, and community events, fost

We’re so excited to introduce you to our new blog! This is where we’ll share everything happening at Refuge—from the latest public art projects to highlights from our classes, events, and more. At Refuge, creativity and community are at the heart of everything we do, and this blog is just one more way to keep you connected. Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes look at a mural in progress, stories from our students, or updates on upcoming events, this is your spot to stay in the l

We’re thrilled to announce that Refuge Art School is now officially a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization! 🎉 This milestone marks a new chapter in our journey, solidifying our commitment to providing a safe, equitable space where young artists can explore their creativity and thrive. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our community. A huge thank you goes to the Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston (ABC) for guiding us through cri

July 2023 marked an exciting milestone for Refuge Art School as we moved into our newly renovated space—a dream realized thanks to the unwavering support of our incredible community. This transformation represents more than just a physical change; it’s a renewed commitment to providing a creative haven for our students and families. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation , whose generous grant funded half of our renovation project. Their bel

In 2023, Refuge Art School was honored to receive two critical ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) grants—one in July and the other in October. These grants have had a profound impact on our ability to sustain and expand our mission of fostering creativity, connection, and healing through art in our community. With these funds, we’ve been able to support essential programs, maintain our creative spaces, and provide the resources necessary to nurture artistic growth for students o