Shopping in downtown Lowell
It’s just one week until Christmas and perhaps you still have some shopping to do? If you are trying to avoid the mall this year, but have run out of time to order online, then why not give downtown Lowell a try? Start at the Brush Art Gallery, conveniently located in the Market Mills courtyard, by the National Park Visitor’s Center. When I went downtown early on Tuesday last, the Brush wasn’t open yet, so I browsed around in the Park gift shop (open daily, Mon – Sat, 9-4:30, Sunday, 10-4:30). You can get pleasing cotton dishtowels, made at the Boott Mills, for $3.95 or $11 for a package of three, or one dishtowel with a small informative book detailing Lowell’s part in the Industrial Revolution for $11.95, which would make a nice gift. They also have park ranger hats ($8.95) and National Park coloring books for the younger set. National Park T-shirts in heavy cotton, cream colored or green, with a Lowell Trolley on the front, are $14.95, and seem to be only available in the hard-to-find small or medium sizes.
Back at the Brush (hours: Tues- Sat, 11 am – 4 pm, Sun. 12 pm – 4 pm), you will find plenty of tempting artist-made merchandise for every price-range. The prolific, multi-media artist Lolita Demers has interesting glass jewelry, pottery, and glass serving trays which look like flattened wine bottles and are suitable for cheese and crackers, sushi or cookies. They come in a variety of colors and sizes and are dressed up with ribbons and include a unique cheese-spreader (prices vary; a large one which I purchased for a hostess gift was $19). Weaver Cynthia Hughes has a beautiful array of scarves in mouth-watering colors, fine silk, cotton or rayon chenille for $75, she also offers gift certificates for a weaving class; for $60, you can make your own scarf. Jewelry artist Penny Cox is also offering a class in basic wiring for bead jewelry for $50. In her studio there are many beautiful steel wire and copper beaded bracelets and earrings, as well as “Penny Candy” – affordable, fun earrings. Near the register, I spotted some whimsical wine-bottle stoppers, made of stainless steel with tall bead tops for $19 (not sure of the artist). In the joint studio of Jay Hungate and Chrissy Theo Hungate, I was charmed by a pair of gargoyle bookends: modeled on the paladins who protect Apollo’s temple; they have flat tops that could hold a candle, and are $36 each or $60 for the pair. Who from Lowell wouldn’t want a print of The Owl Diner ($75 framed or $25 unframed) by local artist Vassily Giavos. He has many prints to choose from as well as original art work of Lowell street scenes. His latest work has a dreamy, retro style. Pastel artist Pamela Wamala has note cards (4 for $10, or 6 for $15) — the winter scenes are particularly tranquil– or tiny original pastels in heavy gold frames for $75. Gay Tracey’s appealing dogs in surprising colors cry out to be brought home to the dog lover in your life, either as a card, print or original. Deirdre Grunwald uses Celtic designs as a starting point for her paintings and ceramics, and has note cards and prints available as well as original works. Other artists are Carol Boileau (landscapes in watercolor and acrylics), botanical illustrator Leslie MacPhail, stained glass artist Donna Murray, and photographer Steve Noroian (I own a print of his “Fiery Rowboat” which I love). Often you can meet and speak with the artists while browsing at the Brush, and, of course, giving locally made gifts by local artists is priceless! (I hope I haven’t left anyone out; do check the website for more information on the artists).
This post is getting rather long and I’ve only gone to two places, but I hope you’ll continue reading to learn what’s on offer for the holidays at Salon City and other establishments on Market, Middle and Merrimack Streets.
Walking up Market Street one cannot help but stop in at Salon City after glimpsing a tantalizing array of beautifully wrapped gift baskets. These are spa baskets that range from $25, $50 and up and can be customized, ordered online and picked up at your convenience. Owner Regina Larzalere will even meet you on the sidewalk with your basket to avoid parking hassles. In addition, Salon City is looking to give free makeovers to an overworked, deserving person, probably a Mom, but it could be anyone who could use some pampering and maybe can’t afford spa services. If you know of such a person, email Regina at info@saloncityinc.com. Salon City’s website gives thorough descriptions of their products and services; in addition, if you click on the ‘what’s new’ section and scroll to the bottom, you can listen to an interview with Regina on WUML.
I was devastated when Haus for Kids disappeared from Shattuck Street last year, but running into owner Mirja Troppenhaggen, I learned that Haus is alive and well, just around the corner at 181 Market Street, next to Salon City. The tiny shop is stuffed with adorable, quality European toys and clothing. I was the hit of a toddler birthday party last year when I showed up with a shopping bag of wooden “food” and grocery items. Mirja offers free gift-wrapping and gives great advice for gift-buying. Haus is open Tues and Thursday, 11:30-1:30, Saturday, 10-4, or by appointment, call 978-328-7857. The last day for holiday shopping at Haus is Saturday, December 22nd!
I stopped in at Olive that and More to discover that they have become less of a grocery store with a deli counter and more of a café – there are more tables and they now serve Artisan beers and a selection of fine wine. They have soup, salads and an awesome array of hot and cold sandwich combinations. On Friday nights, you can watch a movie, usually a comedy, on their flat screen TV, while enjoying dinner. Gift certificates are available and would be an excellent gift for a friend who works downtown.
Part II of this post will continue the Lowell shopping experience on Middle and Merrimack Streets…
Walking