Staffers Takes Artwork to Beacon Hill

Elaine Seidel's "Whispers" is one of the pieces of art shown in state Sen. Steven Panagiotakos's Beacon Hill offices

Artwork created by staff members Elaine Seidel of the Information Technology Department and Jacqui Hawk of the Continuing Studies and Corporate Education Department was exhibited through the budget season in the offices of state Sen. Steven C. Panagiotakos.

The show included 33 pieces from a host of Lowell artists. Hawk’s mixed media painting “River Runs Through” and Seidel’s photographs “Whispers” and “Painted Lowell” were featured. Hawk’s work was a favorite of the senator’s staff, which they would have liked to keep; Seidel’s work of St Patrick’s in sunset was purchased by state Sen. Stephen Brewer.

In a reception for the Inaugural Senate Ways and Means Art Show last month, Panagiotakos hosted the artists, dozens of lawmakers, Beacon Hill staff personnel and Gov. Deval Patrick.  The governor pledged to explore the idea of an art show in the executive office.

Panagiotakos, chairman of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, conceived the exhibit as a way to feature Lowell’s “creative economy” in action. Panagiotakos says he hopes to continue to use is office to showcase Lowell talented artists throughout the year. I'm very proud of the art community in Lowell," Panagiotakos said.