A Heartfelt Thank You to the Lowell Community
As I settle back into Lowell, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the warm welcome I’ve received. It has been heartening to reconnect with familiar faces and meet so many new ones who have taken a moment out of their days to introduce themselves, share their stories, and make me feel right at home. I am truly honored to be back in a community that values connection, collaboration, and kindness.
During this week, I’ve been reminded of the incredible strength that comes from working together. Whether through small conversations or shared visions for the future, I believe that by joining forces, we can continue to create meaningful change. There is so much potential here, and I am eager to contribute my efforts to building an even more vibrant and thriving Lowell.
As I embark on this new chapter, I look forward to developing strong partnerships, working alongside each of you, and discovering the many ways we can uplift our community. Together, we are stronger. Together, we can achieve great things.
Thank you again for welcoming me with open arms. I am excited for what lies ahead and am committed to serving the Lowell community with all of my heart.
With kindness,
Gabby Davis, Executive Director
Executive Director Welcome: Embracing the Spirit of Community in Lowell
Dear Community Members of Lowell,
As I step into my new role as Executive Director of DIY Lowell, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement to join this extraordinary community. There’s something truly magical about this city and its people. Lowell is not just a place; it’s a tapestry woven from innovation, resilience, and a vibrant spirit that shines through every corner.
I have spent over a decade in community development, and I am inspired by how Lowell embodies the belief that when we come together, we can create something truly special. I am here not just to lead, but to empower each of you—to listen to your dreams and to help turn those dreams into reality.
My mission resonates with the core values of DIY Lowell, aiming to spark ambitions and nurture success. Together, we can continue nurturing a vibrant Lowell where every voice matters, and every idea has the chance to grow. I believe in the strength of grassroots efforts and the power of local voices to ignite meaningful change.
Thank you for the warm welcome and for the incredible work you’ve already accomplished in our community. Your creativity and passion are what make Lowell unique. I am honored to be part of this journey with you, and I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and work alongside you all.
Let’s keep supporting our Lowell community and work together to make a difference. I’m excited to see what we can do!
With kindness,
Gabby Davis
Upcoming DIY Lowell Events
Keep track of events for all groups here! Groups can always use assistance getting their projects off the ground. Contact info@diylowell.org if you want to help out a group!
New Call for Art – Sign Panels!
DIY Lowell is seeking art for pylon signs at the trailheads of the Centralville River Path! Artists of all types are encouraged to apply. The selected work will be printed on three panels that will be installed on a temporary sign and, eventually, a permanent sign. The panels will wrap around the sign as in the illustrations (the area colored orange is the area for the artwork).
Please reference the graphic below for the full call for art or download a PDF of the call for art here.
Executive Director Search
DIY Lowell wishes to share an exciting opportunity: we are hiring for a new Executive Director Position!
The Executive Director will be the Chief Executive Officer of DIY Lowell. This is a new position with the opportunity to help our small organization grow and become sustainable. The Executive Director will report to the Advisory Committee, a 13-member volunteer board. The Executive Director will assume leadership of the organization and will focus on program facilitation, fundraising and finance, outreach, and strategic planning.
This position is ideal for candidates who wish to become immersed in the City of Lowell’s thriving arts and multicultural community. Candidates interested in community development, nonprofit administration, and/or all-ages civic engagement education are especially encouraged to apply. This position is partially grant-funded, and continued employment will depend on continued fundraising.
To apply, please review the full job description (PDF) and submit a resume and cover letter to info@diylowell.org. Applications must include both resume and cover letter.
2023 Community Chill Night
The 2023 Community Chill Night is DIY Lowell’s fifth annual chili and stew cook-off event! Experience music, games, community awards, and a DIY “Chilly” Dessert fun for everyone! Our goal is to build community in Lowell by bringing together young people and elders, downtown and neighborhoods, townies and newcomers. This annual fundraiser celebrates the projects and events that have activated our underused spaces, brought diverse populations together, and made Lowell better. Check out the Community Chill Night page to donate/RSVP, nominate an individual or group as Volunteer of the Year and for the Community Transformation Award, register a chili/stew contest entry, volunteer, and more!
Call for Artists
DIY Lowell is offering a unique opportunity to showcase your art along the Centralville River Path! Seven pieces will be printed on 11.5’ x 2.25’ feather banner flags that will line the north side of the Merrimack River. Pieces will be jury selected. The art should embody themes of Centralville, the Merrimack River, or the Merrimack Valley. $150 stipend for right to use work, artist keeps original. Click the button below to download the full call for artists!
New art is not required–any works created in the last 10 years that fit the listed requirements are eligible!
Download the PDF for full information and submit entries to info@diylowell.org
DIY Lowell Sunset Showcase
The 1st Annual DIY Lowell Sunset Showcase fundraiser will be an evening for building community, and building funds, to support community-led projects. We will be sharing stories and news about our past, ongoing, and future projects on Gallagher and Cavanaugh‘s beautiful rooftop deck in downtown Lowell. Tickets are $50–or $150 for a business sponsorship with two tickets–and includes appetizers from local favorites Southern Twist and Powerhouse Juice. You’ll also be treated to beer, wine, and dessert.
Community Chill Night
The 2022 Community Chill Night is DIY Lowell’s fourth annual chili and stew cook-off event! After two COVID years off, we’re back with music, games, community awards, and a DIY “Chilly” Dessert! Our goal is to build community in Lowell by bringing together young people and elders, downtown and neighborhoods, townies and newcomers. This annual fundraiser celebrates the projects and events that have activated our underused spaces, brought diverse populations together, and made Lowell better. Check out the Community Chill Night page to donate/RSVP, nominate an individual or group as Volunteer of the Year and for the Community Transformation Award, register a chili/stew contest entry, volunteer, and more!
2021 Community Idea Summit
Get ready for the 2021 Community Idea Summit! RSVP via Facebook here, and if you aren’t ready for in-person, Register via Zoom here for the hybrid option.
We’ll kick off the top projects chosen with over 70 votes:
Along with a Wildcard Idea chosen at the summit and the Multilingual Poetry Trail, the result of DIY Kerouac!
