Narrows Center for the Arts

History and description

Supported by public donations, contributions from the Friends of the Narrows, and staffed solely by volunteers, the Narrows moved from its initial location in "the Narrows" section of Fall River, Massachusetts (hence the venue's name) to its current location on the third floor of the former American Printing Company mill building on Anawan Street overlooking the historic Battleship Cove complex on Mount Hope Bay.

The venue began as a side project at a small art gallery and is one of several groups that have made an effort, in cooperation with the Fall River Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, to increase awareness of the arts in the Fall River area, making use of vacant mill and warehouse spaces for studios and performance centers. A proposal is in place to revitalize the downtown area by the creation of an Arts District, and the venue was among a group of recipients of grants intended to increase awareness of local destinations and cultural events in the southeastern Massachusetts region. A music venue in an open, high-ceiling early 20th century mill with tables and donated church pews surrounds a small stage, providing the setting for everything from folk to blues to rock.

Art

The Narrows brings to the city of Fall River an accessible variety of art created by local, regional, and national artisans.

Galleries

The venue contains two visual art galleries. The main lobby area of the venue serves as the main gallery, its historic wood mill floors and high ceilings creating adequate space to house exhibits ranging from museum-quality national touring exhibitions to docent-led tours to exhibitions by local and regional artists. Some artists whose works have been exhibited at the Narrows include Nathan Sawaya (Lego brick sculpture), Anthony Quinn, Brian Fox (photography), in addition to many local artists. The Narrows also often exhibits artwork from local public and private high school students and works created by students from the nearby University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. The Narrows Café Gallery occupies a linear wall at the opposite end of the venue, used for single artist shows or themed exhibits.

Studios

In addition to the art galleries, the Narrows provides studio space to several in-house local artists, including Tony Henriques and Annie Prescott. Many of these studios are occupied during musical events. Local artwork is for sale - including jewelry, sculpture, paintings, photography, etc.

Performing Arts

The Narrows provides access to local, national, and international performing artists across several genres of music.

Music

The venue has hosted local, national and international musical acts, including Duke Robillard, Eric Lindell, David Lindley, Johnny Winter, Eilen Jewell, and local performers such as Roomful of Blues.

Comedy

The Narrows occasionally hosts comedy events, with national acts such as Paula Poundstone as well as local comedians.

The Narrows Festival of the Arts

Each fall, the Narrows hosts an annual free admission, family-oriented music and arts festival in the local waterfront area. Festivities include various musical acts performing on stages outside as well as on the stage inside the Narrows third-floor location, children's arts and craft activities, art exhibitions, and street vendors and artists offering a wide variety of fine art and food items for purchase throughout the day.

Winter Blues Festival

The Winter Blues Festival is a new event which first took place in January 2014. Music acts included Joe Louis Walker, Jesse Dee and The Holmes Brothers.

Education

The Narrows Center offers educational opportunities to the public and to local school students including hands-on workshops and exhibit space.

Awards/Grants

The Narrows Center has been recognized by the following:

Mass Cultural Council - Cultural Investment Funding (2014)

Providence/Boston Phoenix - Best Folk Venue (2008, 2010, 2011, 2013)

Rhode Island Monthly Magazine - Best Destination Concerts (2007)