ArtUp is not your average exhibition. The viewers are here for a different reason — they are visiting doctors and health professionals.

Jurors who sorted through hundreds of submissions after a prospectus was sent out by local arts organizations curated the artwork. Donors have the opportunity to purchase the work to be permanently exhibited within the hallways and common areas of the Lowell Community Health Center. Some are purchased in memory of a loved one; others are donated by community members who want to support the health center that has proudly provided access to high quality, affordable health care to children and adults of all ages since 1970.

“It’s a new model of philanthropy, one that I think a younger generation can get behind,” said Caroline Gallagher, ArtUp webmaster. “The health center gets a financial boost and the local creative economy gets a boost because the artists get a share of the money as well.”

The project model was developed with the help of local art professionals and steered by attorney Michael Gallagher, founding partner of Gallagher & Cavanaugh, LLP and one of the health center’s biggest proponents. It’s a perfect arrangement because local artists, health center staff and patients all benefit in some way.

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