‘Crow Show’ roosts in Lawrence: Art from NECC professors and students is part of Essex Art Center exhibit

November 02, 2026 BY OMAYA MASSA TORRES ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Photo by Arts and Entertainment Editor Omayda Massa Torres

Nada Dhar next to her artwork “Crows at Midnight” (bottom artwork) in the “Crow Show” at the Essex Art Center in Lawrence on Oct. 17. See Page 16 for more photos from the exhibit’s opening reception.

Photos byArts and Entertainment Editor Omaya Massa Torres

“Can I just…?” art by NECC Professor Jenn Houle in the ‘Crow Show” exhibit at the Essex Art Center in Lawrence.

Photos byArts and Entertainment Editor Omaya Massa Torres

Can I just…?” art by NECC Professor Jenn Houle in the ‘Crow Show” exhibit at the Essex Art Center in Lawrence.

NECC student Savannah Collins and her artworl “Scary-Crow” (artwork on top) at the “Crow Show” at the Essex Art Center in Lawrence.

In the art world, the leap from the college classroom to a professional gallery wall is usually measured in years. But for a standout group of Northern Essex Community College artists, that bridge is being crossed this season side-by-side with seasoned professionals including their own professor, Jenn Houle, at the Crow Show.

On Saturday, Oct. 17, at Essex Art Center artists and community gathered for the opening reception of The Crow Show hosted by Lawrence artist Kate Delaney, showing their amazing crow art with featured artists Johanna Finnegan-Topitzer, Mor, and NECC’s own art professors Dianne Pappas, and Jenn Houle.

Delaney shares that she picked up The Crow Show after its last exhibition back in 2019. “The crows seem to be a popular muse for people in the area” Delaney said. This exhibition showcases the phenomenon of the yearly crow roost where hundreds to tens of thousands of crows gathered here in Lawrence alongside the Merrimack River.

Creating a roost of its own Essex Art Center exhibited around 90 pieces of artwork inspired by crows. “I contacted artists that I knew had work about crows and that were inspired by nature. Their work buoyed me in the whole process, but I knew that I really wanted to be open to the public and do an open call for art” Delaney said.

Many artists submitted their work to the open call, including NECC students like Savannah Collins and Nada Dhar.

“It sounded like a good opportunity to get my art out there which is a scary thing to do but I’m glad I did it” Collins said.

Students, artists, and the community were inspired by all the artwork and the atmosphere at the Crow Show.

“Seeing other people’s work is such a big inspiration” Collins said.

Houle puts emphasis on the importance of encouraging students to put their work out there. “Pushing out of your comfort zone obviously that’s growth and that’s what we want. You want to be challenged and try new things” Houle said.

Students were proud of being able to see their artwork in such a prominent exhibition. “This is my first art gallery that I participated in so I’m really happy about it,” Dhar said.

Houle was very intentional in her art piece “Can I just...?” by creating a deeper meaning that incorporated all the elements of the crow that connects us as a community.

“These crows really represent a connection throughout the Merrimack Valley for all of our communities” Houle said.

In addition, Houle hopes to incorporate her artwork to highlight the crow roost by creating programs for students at NECC

“I’m hoping to get people to actually see and experience the birds and develop a new appreciation for it” Houle said.

As thousands of crows continue to gather along the Merrimack River this season, this exhibition serves as a reminder to look up and appreciate the wild, interconnected world around us.

NECC’s student artists have proven that stepping out of one’s comfort zone can lead to soaring results. The Crow Show will remain on display at the Essex Art Center through Feb. 20. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m and Fridays and Saturday by appointment. Admission is free and open to the public.