Current Exhibits
In the Shaira Ali Gallery
Symbiosis
Presented in partnership w/ Jean Flanagan, Arlington Poet Laureate
On View: April 3 - June 11, 2025
Opening Reception: Thursday, May 1, 6-8pm
Our Opening Reception will feature a special performance from local poet and author, Steven Ratiner and musician Todd Brunel
Mask-Only Gallery Hours: Wednesday, May 21, 6:30-8pm
Arlington Center for the Arts is excited to partner with Arlington Poet Laureate Jean Flanagan to present Symbiosis, a unique exhibition that pairs visual artwork and poetry from creatives across the region. This exhibition explores the dynamic nature of community and change, from evolving family relationships to complex feelings about history and identity, and even the flora and fauna of our own backyards.
The works in this show were submitted independently and grouped together through an intensive jurying process. Symbiosis presents dichotomies, harmonies and new ways of thinking through the juxtaposition of words and visuals. What themes emerge when different disciplines come together? How may a poem and a painting, created separately, speak to the same idea? Does an unexpected pairing change the meaning of each work? We invite you to explore these questions and leave with a new perspective about the arts' ability to inspire reflection, conversation, and community.
Please note that some of the poems in this exhibition may contain sensitive content. ACA encourages viewers to process the work at their own pace and take space as needed.
​
This exhibition is made possible in part by support from Arlington's Poet Laureate and the Grants Committee of the Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture. Symbiosis is presented as part of the Arlington250: Untold Stories of Menotomy Celebration happening through 2026 throughout Arlington, MA.
Exhibiting Artists:
Missy Arellano | Eben Bein | Mary Bonina | Samantha Brough | John Burt
Glenn W. Davis | Wendy Drexler | Jaimee Dunham | Jean Flanagan
Elizabeth Foughty | Jamie Gibbons| Iris Hazelton | Bruce Hoppe | Martha Ingols Colleen Kirby | Varsha Kukafka | Miranda Lamenza | Katherine Lobo
Sophie Lucas | Karen McCarthy | Lisa Nelson | Jo Pitkin | Steve Rapp
Steven Ratiner | Monica Raymond | Mia Robertson | Minna Rothman
Amy Rothschild | Connie Saems | Judith Ellen Sanders | Alice Sipple
Jacqueline Sullivan | Anna Thai | Anastasia Vassos
Symbiosis Free Programs + Events
CREATIVE DROP-IN HOURS
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - 9:00-5:00PM
Monday, June 9, 2025 - 9:00-5:00PM
in the Shaira Ali Gallery
Looking for a quiet space to write and create? Join us for Creative drop in hours in the Shaira Ali Gallery and meet other poets and artists doing work independently. Get inspired by the exhibition and find new ways to explore your mediums. Bring your journals, sketchbooks, or tablets. Please no wet media. Tables and chairs will be provided.
COMMUNITY ARTS NIGHT
Thursday, May 15, 2025, 6:00-8:00PM
in the Shaira Ali Gallery
Try your hand at writing poetry with a free lesson from local poet, Tom Daly, who will lead the audience through simple writing exercises to unlock the poet in everyone! After, join featured artists and poets to learn more about their work and inspirations, and hear a few poetry performances.
MASK-ONLY GALLERY HOURS
Wednesday, May 21, 6:30-8:00PM
in the Shaira Ali Gallery
​
Join us for some extended visiting hours in the Shaira Ali Gallery. Visitors during this time frame will be asked to wear a face mask in the gallery and other ACA spaces. Masks will be available at the door for anyone who may need one.
If you have any questions, please email info@acarts.org or call 781-648-6220.
OPEN MIC NIGHT + LINDA MARKS PERFORMANCE
Thursday, June 5, 6:00-7:45PM
in the Shaira Ali Gallery
Join ACA as we host an Open Mic Night showcasing original work, with a special invitation to local musicians, writers and poets. Following the open mic presentations, enjoy a free performance from local singer/songwriter Linda Marks.
.jpg)
In the Hallway Gallery
Photographs by Kris Snibbe
On View: May 1 - June 30, 2025
Opening Reception: Thursday, May 1, 6-8pm
​
Kris Snibbe (he/him) was born in Manhattan, New York. He began his photography pursuits in high school, taking a course taught by Jack Savage in Carmel, CA., beginning a long-term project photographing skateboard culture.
His photography projects have revolved around sociopolitical aspects of Buddhism in Tibet, China, India, and the Boston area. He has also photographed in France, Mexico City and San Francisco.
He has a Bachelors of Science in Photojournalism from Boston University, and a Master of Liberal Arts degree in Studio Arts and Film from the Harvard University Extension School (honors). His thesis about Alex Webb's photojournalism won The Dean's Prize for Outstanding A.L.M. Thesis in the Humanities at the Harvard University Extension School.
​
"For me, photography is a way of learning, communicating and phrasing questions that culminate in a fraction of a second. In my life, photography represents a moment of discovery that occurs independently of the photographer's intentions.
When photographing, you let go of yourself and at the same are authentically yourself in such a way that the photograph emerges as a by-product of this process.
People often allow you to photograph them even before acknowledging your presence because they respond to your emotional temperature. When photographing, you are living in the absolute present, which is a blissful experience!" - Kris Snibbe
Gallery Information
Gallery Hours:
Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
(Evening and weekend visits may be possible by appointment. Please email info@acarts.org to inquire.)
Purchasing Artwork:
To inquire on purchasing artwork exhibited in this show, please email ACA's Education and Programs Director Delia Tharnish at delia@acarts.org
