What does Art and Pickle Ball Have in Common?

It’s fun to watch people stop dead in their tracks on the way to play pickle ball. Who expects to see an amazing piece of art on their way to the gym? It spite of the name on the building, The Plymouth Arts and Recreation Complex (PARC), people are surprised by the quality of art on the walls.

People are busy-busy. It’s one of the biggest reasons U.S. adults say they don’t enjoy the arts according to the National Endowment for the Arts. They want to, they just don’t have the time.

The PARC Art Gallery, located in a long hallway between the building's gym and pool is designed to reach people who may not visit traditional galleries. It works. Recreational enthusiasts love the art, and the artists sell paintings.

The art is for everyone, not just recreational enthusiasts. The public is welcome to come view the art, too. Every Tuesday an adult autistic group meets in the gallery to discuss what they see. Other groups use the gallery as a meeting space. It is a beautiful setting. The current show features 25 artists and over 75 pieces of art.

The PARC Art Gallery is untraditional in other ways too. It is operated by volunteers and no commissions are taken. No commissions mean the art is more affordable. The typical gallery may take anywhere from 30 to 70 percent of the artwork’s sale. Plus, if anyone wants to buy an artwork, they work with the artist directly. Traditional galleries do not provide that type of personal connection.

PARC visitor, Nancy Blum, fell in love with the work of mixed media artist, Alessandra Collar Lipman. Lipman invited Blum to tour her studio. Blum shares, “It is such a wonderful experience to get to work directly with the artists. For me, to be able to see her art, learn about the process and go to her studio really made it an enchanting experience.”

Every exhibit offers a Meet the Artist Reception that includes free music, wine and nibbles. The next one is November 30, 2023 at 5pm.

One of my favorite feel-good moments in the gallery was an exchange with a young Mom who told me that every time she brings her elementary-age daughter to PARC for her weekly activity, they have to walk the art gallery first. The Mom said the gallery is her daughter’s favorite place. I can’t think of a better way to get focused for a sport.

The PARC Art Gallery rotates the exhibits every two months. This keeps the art fresh and the recreationalists surprised.

Open to visitors anytime PARC is open, the gallery’s general hours are 10am to 9 pm, 7 days a week. Holiday hours vary. Click to learn more about the current show.