A City’s Voices, Lifted Through Art

On a December school night at Essex Art Center in Lawrence, Massachusetts, budding artists ages 9-13 sit absorbed in tablets propped up like mini-easels, white iPad pencils in hand. They work at respectful distances, ostensibly so that they stay focused.

Inevitably, though, things get rowdy. “Guys, quiet!” calls out instructor Danielle Stanuchenski, who teaches “From Traditional to Digital Illustration,” a weekly course on enhancing pencil drawings through the use of digital tools. In a hushed tone, she admits to a visitor to the fun they have in the class. “Oh my gosh,” Stanuchenski says. “I love my Mondays.”

In a separate ceramics studio, women enrolled in the center’s independent study program attend to their own projects, which range from pottery to sculpture to mixed media, engaging in conversation throughout. It’s an inspiring, welcoming atmosphere that Monica Manoski, AG13 (MFA), has worked hard to cultivate since she joined Essex Art Center as executive director in 2021.

As leader, Manoski says she has focused the center’s efforts on lifting the voices of Greater Lawrence, where 20% of families live below the poverty line, showcasing local artists as well as providing ample space for the largely Spanish-speaking population to connect and create.

“We want to support the creative ecosystem, thinking not only about how we have a positive impact on the lives of individuals who engage in our programs, but more broadly, on the city of Lawrence,” she says.

The city's public schools have limited fine arts education opportunities. "For some of Lawrence’s young people who come here, if they weren’t experiencing art in our studios, they wouldn’t experience it at all," Manoski says. Photo: Alonso Nichols

Founded in 1993 as a nonprofit art studio, Essex Art Center hosts community-wide events and exhibitions, such as that of its first-ever BIPOC Artist/Curator Program winner, Puerto-Rican and Dominican American artist Chelsea Tyler Marrero. In addition, a diverse faculty teaches classes on subjects like figure drawing, watercolor, clay sculpture, and stained glass—instruction that residents, particularly young people, may not have access to otherwise. 

“Many of our public schools in Lawrence have limited fine arts education opportunities, particularly at the high school age,” says Manoski, a poet and artist who once taught preschool on the South Side of Chicago. “Unless you’re on an arts track, you don’t have art, period. So for some of Lawrence’s young people who come here, if they weren’t experiencing art in our studios, they wouldn’t experience it at all.”

Through the support of foundations and direct donations, the center is able to offer its extensive lineup of courses at reduced rates. “We have a set of twins who come and take part in our program, and their family used to have to take turns sending one child or the other,” Manoski says. “But when we started offering 75% off for Lawrence youth, they were able to send both kids together.”

A student uses digital tools to enhance a pencil drawing. Photo: Alonso Nichols

In July, the center held its third annual block party, Fiesta en la Calle. The family-friendly celebration featured live music, dancing, participatory art activities, tents sponsored by local businesses, and complimentary ice cream. The party is the brainchild of Manoski, who sought to replace Essex Art Center’s signature yearly fundraiser, a ticketed live auction, with a free event open to the community.

“In the past, there was perhaps a certain sense of exclusivity about some of the work that would happen at the art center,” says artist and educator Gabriel Sosa, AG16 (MFA), who was hired by Manoski as deputy director two years ago. “And we have really tried to transform those perceptions and practices. To create a situation where we can say, ‘Look, you don’t necessarily have to be exhibiting here or enrolled in a class for this space to be for you.’”

As the center focuses on broad accessibility and representation, perceptions are changing. Manoski thinks back to the center’s exhibition of work by fellow SMFA at Tufts alumna, Marla McLeod, AG20 (MFA), that dealt with race and identity. “I remember during that show hearing two students talk about the portraits that were on view, and saying, ‘That one looks like my tía!’ and ‘That one looks like me!’”

Such moments have guided Manoski and Sosa in their decisions on the future of the center. “It’s so important that the community sees themselves reflected in the work we do,” Manoski says.

The center is looking into establishing a co-op model, which would give residents access to the studios outside the structure of a traditional class as well as provide a greater sense of ownership. Photo: Alonso Nichols

To expand its reach, Essex Art Center will soon remodel part of its location to create new spaces, including a classroom and a “creativity lab” with laser cutters, 3D printers, and a Risograph machine, enabling students to broaden their technical and artistic skills.

The center is also looking into establishing a co-op model, which would give residents access to the studios outside the structure of a traditional class. Sosa is actively applying for grants to help fund these activities. “What excites me is that we’ll not only continue growing as a community space,” he says, “but really be community-run to a certain extent and inviting more folks to feel a greater sense of ownership.” 

For Manoski, the goal for Essex Art Center is to serve as a launchpad for artists of all ages and to expand perceptions of what art can do. “I’d love for us to continue to be an instigator in the community, to be bold and provocative in the work we share, and to spark relevant conversations,” she says.

“Lawrence is an incredibly creative city that has so much to offer,” she says. “Still, I think a lot of folks who haven't visited don't know all of the value and creativity that exists here. We invite any and all to come by.”