Visual Art

The visual art scene in Brookline can be classified as being eclectic, accessible, and unapologetic.  Visual art loses some of its pretension in Brookline, and that is not necessarily a bad thing.  It is down-to-earth, and familiar in a comforting way.  Brookline brings the art to you.  

One of the most striking aspect of Brookline art is its accessibility.  One of the organizations that immediately comes to mind that promotes inclusivity and visibility is Gateway Arts, an organization dedicated to fostering a safe, creative space for adults with disabilities.  Their website states that they provide “professional development for more than 100 adults with disabilities who have talent in fine hand crafts and fine art,” and that is exactly what they do.  By showcasing art created by adults with disabilities in their gallery and craft store, Gateway Arts assures that these rare voices are being heard in new ways through multimedia art projects.  

The Gateway Gallery is truly spectacular to behold.  From graphite drawings to watercolors, their latest installment showcases art from disabled artists of varying ethnicities and experiences.  You are fully immersed in the world created by these impressive and expressive artists the minute you step into the gallery on Harvard Street.  It is unassuming from the outside, but remarkable on the inside.  Somehow, I felt so much more emotionally moved at the Gateway Gallery than I have at the Institute of Contemporary Art or even the Museum of Fine Art.  The intention behind the collection is truly what is special about this artistic experience.  It is something you don’t want to miss.   

Equally interesting and commendable visual art organizations in Brookline are the Brookline Arts Center and the Museum of Bad Art.  They are definitely worth checking out, if you are in the mood for an offbeat artistic experience.