By Cristal Steuer

This time last year, Alexandra Moore, a senior photography major at Fitchburg State University, was sitting around chatting with her boyfriend about how great it would be if there were somewhere in downtown Fitchburg where musicians and artists like themselves could have a place to share their creative outlets and do what they love.

This simple idea turned into the Fitchburg Artistree, a collaborative of artists, students, alumni and community members working towards the revitalization of downtown Fitchburg through art and culture, in the process bridging the gap between the city and the university.

Moore and her boyfriend, Jeff Anderson, who is the community outreach liaison, applied for a $2,100 grant from the Fitchburg Cultural Council to use towards the initiative. “Because we were starting from scratch, we didn’t have any funds besides money from our own pockets, so we were ecstatic to receive this funding,” exclaims Moore.

The group set up residence at 480 Main St., where they display work by local artists and hold shows featuring local bands and musicians and host open mic nights.  “Our first official art show, Articulture, was held in early June,” shares Moore. “Although I was studying abroad in Italy at the time, I still tried to stay involved as possible. Jeff and our gallery manager Ryan Gardell were the leading forces behind this show, and we had an unbelievable turn out.”

Moore says the Artistree serves many purposes: “If we have allowed musicians and artists to get their work out there, then we have accomplished our goal,” she shares.  “At the end of the day, if we have brought people to downtown Fitchburg and changed their perspective of it and Fitchburg in general, then again, we have accomplished our goal.”

As the founder, Moore wears many hats, including managing all of the Artistree’s social media channels, their website, and their Indiegogo campaign to raise funds in order to keep the operation running. She also works with the musicians, books and plans all of the shows.  “I also run the door with the help of one or two of our other members and I suppose you could say I’m also the ‘house photographer,’ as I take photos at all of our shows,” she says.

While they might not be able to keep their space at 480 Main St. much longer due to the cost of rent, they plan to be around for a while. “We plan to do community projects, pop up galleries, and public art,” Moore says.  “We’d like to engage more with the local businesses to possibly have shows in their space or find other, smaller spaces around the downtown to have mini galleries.”

Anyone and everyone can get involved. “We welcome everyone and their ideas and creativity,” she says. “We especially encourage students to get involved as a means of resume building, whether they are a graphic designer or photographer who needs some work for a portfolio, or a musician wanting to put together a special show or fundraiser.”

For more information, visit www.fitchburgartistree.com.