Maritza Flores

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 featured in more...

Recently, our Refuge middle school class had the opportunity to visit the studio of Sergio Bautista , a long-standing visual artist based at Western Avenue Studios & Lofts , not only our home but one of the largest artist communities in the United States. The visit gave students a rare behind-the-scenes look at how a professional artist works, thinks, and lives with their art. Walking into Sergio’s space, students experienced firsthand how an artist uses materials, space, and creative...

We are deeply grateful to partner once again with Mosaic Lowell  to bring our community canvases and free face-painting to the Dutton Street Market . This six-month pop-up village celebrates local makers and creative entrepreneurs and is located at 350A Dutton Street, right next to the Hamilton Canal Innovation District parking garage. As part of this activation, our students received paid opportunities through workforce development to engage with the public, share their artistry, and build...