Luminosity & Songs for Change
Luminosity & Songs for Change
by Joan Clifford, Executive Director
First Friday March, at the Milton Art Center, Luminosity & Songs for Change will fill the Milton Art Center on Friday, March 6, from 6–9pm, bringing together the glow of Vincent Crotty’s light filled paintings and the power of music that speaks to resilience, hope, and community. The evening will serve as a second reception for the stunning Luminosity exhibition by Vincent Crotty, whose atmospheric paintings have drawn visitors in with their depiction of place and radiant use of light. Paired with live performances of songs connected to social change and the human spirit, this First Friday invites us to gather, and feel uplifted as we all emerge from a long stretch of snowy weather and an exhausting political climate.
Vincent Crotty’s Luminosity painting series includes striking views of the red brick and back of the buildings of Lower Mills, scenes many of us may pass by without a second glance, the parking lots and puddles that usually slip beneath our notice. What makes his work especially compelling is the way he transforms these familiar spaces through light. In many of his paintings, the glow of streetlights, warm amber, blue-white, or misted by rain look theatrical, turning an ordinary corner into something contemplative, and beautiful.
Crotty is a longtime admirer of the Ashcan School, an early 20th century American art movement rooted in urban realism, and you can see that influence in the honesty and immediacy of his work. The Ashcan painters, Robert Henri, John Sloan, George Luks, and this group, believed that true beauty could be found in the unpolished parts of city life. Their brushwork was loose and expressive. They painted street corners, working-class neighborhoods, and everyday activity, a commitment to capturing life as it is.
The night’s musical theme, Protest and Social Change, brings together local performers and musicians who will share songs that have shaped movements, challenged injustice, and given voice to hope across generations. Their selections highlight how music has long served as a catalyst for awareness, reflection, and action.
Benny Appleby, performing with The Relegated, will perform “Killing in the Name” by Rage Against the Machine and Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)” (written by Roger Waters).
Claudia Wellington and Kevin Dambruch will perform Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne’s cathartic “I Won’t Back Down” and Bob Dylan’s timeless “I Shall Be Released.”
Owl Haus, Ben Zoll & Jen Myers — will perform “Ohio” by Neil Young (for CSNY) and an original song, “November.”
The Relegated’s set taps into both protest and punk roots: L7’s “Pretend We’re Dead,” Bunny Wailer’s “Roots, Radicals, Rockers and Reggae,” and “One Last Time” an original.
Ron Fletcher will perform either a Clash or Billy Bragg selection along with Nick Lowe’s “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding,” a song that feels especially poignant this year.
Steve Cousineau chooses Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising” and “Fortunate Son,” both written by John Fogerty, to perform. Additional musicians haven’t declared their songs yet and we look forward to listening to what they will perform.
We want to shine a spotlight on a friend and supporter who has been with us through thick and thin. Sullivan Insurance Inc., located on Central Avenue in Milton, has been the Milton Art Center’s trusted insurance provider since we started in 2012. . As an independent agency serving our community and all of New England with personal, business, home, auto, and life insurance, Mark Sullivan alongside Bill and Stephen Sullivan bring a thoughtful, personal approach to protecting what matters most to local families and organizations like ours. Their generosity and long-standing support have made life easier for us at the art center and we are grateful to honor them as our sponsor this month.
It’s been a long winter. Call a neighbor and friend to meet you on First Friday to catch up and be uplifted. The event runs from 6–9pm at the Milton Art Center, 334 Edge Hill Road. Admission is free, and all are welcome. Music starts at 7:30pm.