When looking to delve deeper into art and culture, one need not travel far or even spend any money to do so.
Many people would be pleasantly surprised to learn that they can experience incredible works of art locally for the cost of nothing.
The Addison Gallery of American Art located in Andover is a great place to start.
Standing on a great lawn and surrounded by the historic buildings that make up Phillips Academy, the picturesque gallery, founded in 1931, boasts three stories of art from their ever changing exhibitions, a library and a tranquil room for studying or reading all of which is available to the public free of charge.
The current exhibits include Turning a Big Ship, Sea Change and Free Association: New Acquisitions in Context.
The Turning a Big Ship exhibit features painter Reggie Burrows Hodges bold and unique take on the sea, sailing and what they represent, according to the brochure.
Sea Change is an assemblage from Addison’s vast collection showcasing nautical themed artworks and sculptures, according to the brochure.
Free Association: New Acquisitions in Context is a visual “juxtaposition” between the Addison’s historic and contemporary art, according to a description in the brochure.
The former two are on view from Sept. 1. through Dec. 31, while the latter, Free Association, is on view until Feb. 11, 2024.
In addition to the art on view, the Addison Gallery additionally offers tours, talks and celebrations for free to those who sign up through their website.
To get an idea of the variety of events and programs the Addison provides to the public, on Sept. 28, Hodges will be providing a tour through his first ever museum solo show at the Addison Gallery and discussing his position as an artist on the rise.
For those who have always been fascinated by the making of an art exhibit or simply just enjoy visiting museums, curators from the Addison regularly present tours and conversations with the public to gain a deeper understanding into the history of the Addison and their rich collection of works.
