Griffin Museum of Photography features exhibits from a variety of photographers throughout the year. Other events include juried exhibitions and a summer photography camp for children. The Griffin Museum can be rented for private parties and events. Museum memberships are available and include benefits that extend to other photographic museums across the country. The Griffin Museum supports photographic exhibitions at several locations in the greater Boston area, including one at the Aberjona River Gallery on Swanton Street in Winchester.
The Addision Gallery of American art features nearly 17,000 works ranging from the 18th century to the present, and features permanent installations as well as ever-changing exhibitions. Visitors see paintings and sculpture as well as day-to-day items and photographs that give glimpses of life throughout American history.
The museum strives to keep art and history available to all members of the community by offering free admission and a number of free educational programs for children, teens and adults. Guided tours for groups and college classes are available by appointment.
Stuart Miller has been in the antique business since 1969. Specializing in fine art from the 19th and 20th century, Miller also carries antique furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries at the New England Gallery. Visitors can find picture frames from the same period and specialty items like candlesticks and old books as well. In addition, Miller offers jewelry appraisals.
The Center for the Arts in Natick, affectionately called TCAN, is a local music venue in a historic building that was once Natick's central fire station. The venue is cozy with only 290 seats, so audience members feel at home here. Artists are typically in the folk, jazz, and rock genres but include comedians, Beatles cover bands, and more. TCAN also features family shows, classes, and open mic nights for local folk musicians. Additionally, the lobby functions as a gallery for local artists. TCAN plays a large role in Natick's community.
Parking and public transportation at TCAN
There are several options for parking at TCAN. The closest is a public lot on Middlesex Ave. with an entrance on Summer Street. There is another nearby lot on West Central Street and some spots on this and other streets as well. These are metered but free evenings and weekends. Note that parking in other business's lots might result in being towed. Conveniently, you can also take the Commuter Rail's Framingham/Worcester Line to the Natick stop and walk a block to TCAN.
Getting tickets at TCAN
You can buy tickets in person or by calling 508-647-0097 during box office hours or online any time. The box office is open from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, and one hour prior to showtimes. There is a "no refund" policy except on the rare occasion that a show is cancelled. Discounts are available for most shows for children, seniors, and students with college I.D.'s. A $1 Restoration Fee applies to headline events and goes towards maintaining the historic building. Another $1 fee applies to tickets ordered by phone, and online purchases may incur nominal fees as well.
Types of Concerts at TCAN
TCAN features acts from nationally renowned artists to local musicians and is devoted to bringing the arts to the Natick community. Typically, main stage shows bring folk and acoustic artists, singer-songwriters, rock or pop groups, classic rock cover bands, jazz bands, and classical ensembles. Additionally, you'll find comedians, special guests lecturers, local musicians performing at Folk Open Mic nights, and TCAN's own TCAN Players, performing old and new favorites. There are also many great family shows to choose from.
Other places to visit near TCAN
TCAN is located right in Natick Center, which is a charming area to walk around and has a lovely town common. There are many restaurants to try, so grabbing a bite before or after a show is a must. Walk to The Dolphin for some delicious seafood and cocktails, or drive to Culinary Delights for authentic Chicago dogs, Italian roast beef, and home-cooked Russian treats. For a more gourmet yet still approachable dining experience, try Maxwell's 148, a very short drive or ten minute walk. History buffs will also love Natick's Museum of WWII (by appointment only, Tuesdays through Saturdays but well worth a visit).
Where to stay near TCAN
There are many hotels located in and around Natick. The Crowne Plaza Natick is TCAN's sponsored hotel, but the Hampton Inn in Natick offers TCAN patrons a discount as well. For longer stays, try the Residence Inn in Framingham, and for affordable family stays, there is a Red Roof Inn right off of the Mass Pike in Framingham.
Insider tip for visitors to TCAN
Casey's Diner, Natick's famous and historic ten-stool diner was originally a horse-drawn wagon and offers delicious burgers, hot dogs and a unique ambiance. The place is tiny and also has a pick-up window, but it's worth eating inside if you can get a seat.
Author's bio: Deborah Jarvis is a freelance writer who is from and currently lives in the Greater Boston Area. She never pahks her cah in Hahvahd Yahd and tries not to drive like she's from Boston if she can help it.
Beninato Fine Art Studi offers art lessons for small groups and individuals of all ages. Its coursework includes drawing, painting, mixed media and silk painting. Small class sizes afford those in group lessons ample individual attention. The company's owner and instructor is artist Merry Beninato, whose areas of expertise include oil paintings, mixed media collages, French dyes on silk and mandalas. She offers workshops and demonstration programs in addition to classes. A gallery of French dye on silk, oil and collage artwork is available to view on the company's website.
Mingo Gallery & Custom Framing is an art gallery and framing store. Its specially-made frames serve for the maintenance and presentation of paintings, drawings, photographs, illustrations and others, utilizing acid-free mats and a large selection of moldings. Its exhibit features more than 15 local artists' landscapes, still life and more. Mingo is independently owned and operated.
