Fitchburg Art Museum Reopens with Centenary Celebrations and Exhibitions

The Fitchburg Art Museum reopened on December 5, 2023, after a brief closure, welcoming visitors as it embarks on a year-long celebration of its centenary. The museum is showcasing two major exhibitions, including “Tara Sellios: Ask Now the Beasts,” which will be on display until May 24, 2024.

Tara Sellios, a Boston-based artist, uses monumental photography to explore the beauty found in the grotesque. Her still-life compositions incorporate organic materials such as animal bones, insect specimens, and dried flowers. Utilizing a large-format 8 x 10 camera, Sellios captures the intricate details of her subjects, creating striking images that engage with historical traditions of still life painting.

Her series, “Ask Now the Beasts,” draws inspiration from the Book of Job, addressing themes of harvest and apocalypse. Through her work, Sellios reflects on the cyclical nature of Earth, weaving together symbols of death and life while highlighting the aesthetics of decay.

In addition, the museum will feature “FESTIVAL: A Celebration of African Art at the Fitchburg Art Museum,” running for the next year. This exhibition marks the first in a series of shows dedicated to FAM’s centennial. It presents a variety of artworks that capture universal themes of life, death, power, love, and celebration, organized around concepts such as masquerades, ceremonial life, and domestic life.

The FESTIVAL exhibition includes pieces ranging from first millennium CE terra cotta artworks to contemporary sculptures, showcasing the extensive and diverse African Art collection at the museum.

To kick off the centennial celebrations, the museum will host an annual meeting on the evening of December 5, from 17:30 to 20:00. The event will feature a 100th Anniversary Toast, a special appearance by Eleanor Norcross, the museum’s founder portrayed by Sally Cragin of the Stratton Players, and a preview of the upcoming Centennial Exhibition. Guests can enjoy drinks and appetizers provided by Finicky Fork throughout the evening.

While sign-up for this event is encouraged, it is not mandatory for attendance. The event is free and open to the public, inviting community members to join the celebrations.

For more information regarding the Fitchburg Art Museum, including exhibition schedules, hours, and admission details, visit fitchburgartmuseum.org.