This weekend’s solstice marks the point where days stop getting shorter and begin gaining sunlight. Hoorah! We are also in the middle of Chanukah, and Christmas is on its way, in case you hadn’t noticed. These December days are perfect for going to see art, especially if you want to procrastinate on your gift shopping. If you haven’t seen the Gorky show at the Armenian Museum, head on over this weekend. Another art exhibit is the art of Watertown High School students in the second floor gallery of the library. It’s available anytime the library is open. If you are free on Friday midday, Gore Place is offering free tours of the mansion. (It usually costs $16.) It will be decorated for Christmas and their gift shop might be a good place to do some holiday shopping. If you are in the mood for some holiday music, go to the Residence in Watertown Square for a musical Christmas celebration on Saturday afternoon.
GORKY ART EXHIBIT
Thursdays-Sundays 12-6 p.m.
Armenian Museum of America, 65 Main St.
An exhibit featuring the artwork of abstract expressionism artist Arshile Gorky opened on Dec. 12 and closes April 26. Gorky lived in Watertown for a time, arriving in 1920 as part of a third wave of Armenians immigrants looking to escape persecution. This is the first exhibition of Gorky’s work in an Armenian museum, and it caps off a series of programs initiated by the “100 Years of Arshile Gorky” Committee in the City of Watertown.
Explore the life and legacy of Arshile Gorky (c. 1904–1948), a self-taught artist whose work helped launch Abstract Expressionism and transform modern art in America. This exhibition highlights Gorky’s journey from his early life as Vostanik Manoug Adoian in Watertown to his emergence as a celebrated artist, emphasizing the relationships and sense of community that shaped his art. Through works shared by family, fellow artists, and the Armenian Diaspora, the exhibition reveals how Gorky used art to process loss, build connection, and redefine what it meant to be an artist in America creating not just compositions, but a lasting community.
The exhibition is sponsored by the JHM Charitable Foundation and curated by Kim S. Theriault, author of Rethinking Arshile Gorky.
For more information: Click here
WHS ART SHOW
Available when the library is open
Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Arsenal St., second floor
The Watertown High School Art Department invites you to the fourth Annual WHS Art Showcase at the library. The student exhibits will be on display for the entire month of December on the second floor of the Watertown Public Library. Please go and support our student artists.
For more information: Click here
FREE TOURS OF GORE PLACE
Friday Dec. 19, 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.
Gore Place, 52 Gore St.
This is an opportunity to tour the mansion at Gore Place for free. The mansion tour takes you through the beautiful 1806 home of Christopher and Rebecca Gore. You’ll see the house bedecked in holiday decor courtesy of Farmer Scott, visit Christopher Gore’s newly repainted office, and enjoy views looking out at the estate. The gift shop is sparkling with fairy lights and new handmade crafts. Stay after the tour to browse holiday gifts like Devils Wallpaper Mugs and handmade wreaths and ornaments or pick up some last-minute holiday cards. Parking is free. Please park in the main lot by the Carriage House and walk up to the Mansion. Ring the bell for the door at the right. If you need accessible parking, you may drive up to the Mansion and park in one of the marked accessible spots. The tour involves two flights of stairs and lasts approximately 45 minutes. If you or someone in your group needs an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact them before registering!
For more information: Click here
HOLIDAY MUSIC CELEBRATION
Saturday, Dec. 20, 3:30-5 p.m.
The Residence, 20 Summer St.
Join the Residence, a senior living community for a holiday sing-a-long. Celebrate the magic of the season with festive music and warm community spirit. Enjoy light refreshments while getting into the holiday spirit with family and friends. There will also be a live performance by Volunteer Vocals, an a capella group from Arlington High School.
For more information: Click here
Email Amanda Walker if you plan to attend: awalker@residencewatertown.com