Fitchburg Art Museum hosts storytelling, music showcases, open mic nights

FITCHBURG — The Openest Mic and FAM @ Night are partnering to bring engaging, passionate artists to the city in new ways, with poets, musicians and storytellers bringing their stories and art to the galleries of the Fitchburg Art Museum for consistent, quality programming for free.

The first “Words from the Burg” programming was a hit, say museum staff, with poet John Keough saying: “Performing at the museum was wonderful. The environment was full of artistic spirit, and the fuel of artists supporting other artists.”

Museum officials said they “want to fill the galleries with that artistic camaraderie more often!

FAM @ Night showcases

The next showcase is Thursday, March 5, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Simond Gallery at the Fitchburg Art Museum, 185 Elm St., featuring Nasih Thomas, Meg Smith, Em Judkins and Rikhav Kothari.

Showcase performances will emphasize the eclectic arts community in and around Fitchburg.

“We’re keeping it local-ish because there is simply so much talent here!” museum staff said in a press release.

These will be nighttime shows which will also give people free access to the museum’s galleries.

“Seeing art in a new perspective can change how you respond to it, and joined together with spoken word or music it’s a whole new experience,” museum staff said.

Open mic nights

The public is also invited to be part of the magic of the museum at the Openest Mic.

There will be open mic events during which the museum invites people to sign up for brief performance sets. Sets will be one song or four minutes of spoken word, have to be originals, and can’t be hateful.

“Let a century of art witness your talent and remind your community of all there is here,” museum staff said.

Want to be showcased?

There are limited spaces available for these showcases. To be considered, email [email protected]. Include your bio and website if applicable. Only performers doing original works will be considered.

The success of these endeavors depends on people’s attendance. People are encouraged to show up and show out for the people in your community who want to engage you in a dialogue about self expression.

Poets, speakers and musicians are as much a part of Fitchburg’s artistic legacy as the sculptors, painters and photographers whose work fills the museum, staffers said. The Openest Mic and FAM staff want to inspire creativity and encourage further appreciation of every kind of art.

“All we need is for you to come be part of it.”