A Methuen creator – who has left her colorful mark across the city – was one of only 30 visual artists invited to the Statehouse last month to take part in Mass Creative Sector Day.
Jennifer Loiselle moved to Methuen in 2017 and has been supporting and growing the local arts and cultural community. In 2019, she helped form Methuen Artists Unite, an initiative dedicated to bringing artists together, creating public art and uplifting the creative voices. Some of her projects – like murals at the Tenney playground, artwork on electrical boxes and crosswalks, and community art projects – have been featured in MethuenLife.
Creative Sector Day brings together artists, creatives, cultural organizations and arts advocates from across the Commonwealth for a public gathering that celebrates and uplifts the creative sector with performances, exhibits, networking and opportunities to engage with elected officials and community members in the Great Hall of the Statehouse.
Several of Loiselle’s bright floral pieces were on display. She received two official citations from state officials, recognizing her work in arts advocacy.
“What started as a passion for bringing artists together in Methuen has grown into a moment I never could have imagined, standing in the Massachusetts Statehouse, representing our city and the Merrimack Valley as a visual artist and advocate for the arts,” she said. “The day itself was filled with inspiration, connection and a shared passion for the arts. It was especially meaningful to connect with fellow artists from the Merrimack Valley, highlighting the strength and creativity that exists within our region.”
Loiselle recently launched Liberation Art Studios, where she offers art classes and workshops designed to bring creativity, connection and joy to people of all ages. The Methuen Cultural Council has awarded her a grant to host art workshops at Methuen Housing Authority sites this year. Find out more by following Liberation Art Studios on Facebook.
