Exhibition dates: October 18 – December 6, 2025
Opening Reception: Saturday, October 18, 2025, 2:00 - 4: 00 PM
Lawrence, MA – Essex Art Center invites you to step into a world where imagination knows no bounds. Our latest exhibition, “Worlds To Life,” running from October 18 to December 6, 2025, features immersive works by four contemporary artists: Frenemy, Gregory Pierce, Mariana Martins, and Popil.
Essex Art Center’s Sidell and Beland galleries will be transformed by a mix of surreal and whimsical creations, including an underwater world where you can interact with a teary, 7-eyed shark, an enchanted forest where you’ll encounter an elf girl and magical mushrooms, a larger-than-life wooden owl totem, and a Saturday morning cartoon experience that will transport you back to your childhood. Each installation invites guests to explore the interior landscapes of the artists’ minds. The works are crafted using elements of animation, painting, illustration, and sculpture.
Meet the Artists
Frenemy
Frenemy is a multidisciplinary artist with over twenty years of experience in street art, murals, illustration, tattoos, and video games. Known for crafting whimsical universes filled with quirky characters, Frenemy has showcased his art across Asia and collaborated with notable clients like Converse and Universal Music. Currently, he is working on a graphic novel titled "Cosmic Safari" and the immersive video game "Imaginarium.” His children’s book, "Kimbop Was Born To Explore," is also available on Amazon.
Gregory Pierce
Gregory Pierce is a true Renaissance man, blending artistry and craftsmanship in every project he undertakes. Whether sculpting or creating stop-motion animations, he meticulously handcrafts every detail to bring the wild and imaginative visions from his mind to life. Describing his process as a compulsion to create, Gregory draws on a wealth of skills acquired through trade work and his bachelor's degree in stop-motion animation. His innovative approach combines various fabrication techniques, resulting in pieces that integrate both physical and digital elements. Beyond his own artistic endeavors, Gregory is a dedicated supporter of fellow artists, fostering creativity within the community. His work has been showcased at Superchief in Los Angeles.
Mariana Martins
Mariana Martins is a Brazilian American artist who weaves magic into every frame with her stunning 2D animation. Fascinated by the eerie and whimsical, Mariana explores the enchanted realm where the physical world meets imagination. She has created unique works for cultural icons like Cheech and Chong and the prolific artist Ralph Steadman. Mariana’s work has come to life in Times Square, New York City, and during live painting events hosted by local organizations, including The Lawrence Partnership and Mass Development. As an active member of the International Creative Community “Ghost Club,” she constantly seeks ways to push the boundaries of her craft.
Popil
A dynamic illustrator, painter, animator, and Augmented Reality teacher at Apple, Popil captivates audiences with her vivid style and creative storytelling. Her adventures around the globe fuel her artistry, inspiring her to produce content with profound impact. Having authored seven books in Asia and participated in environmental causes in the Arctic Circle, her animated work "Coral Reef Chronicles" has garnered acclaim at international film festivals, showcasing her rich life experiences and understanding of the world.
Join us at Essex Art Center to experience “Worlds To Life,” where creativity knows no limits and the unexpected awaits around every corner. For more information about the exhibition and the artists, please visit www.essexartcenter.org.
About Essex Art Center
Established in 1993, Essex Art Center is a nonprofit organization offering fine arts education, community outreach, and contemporary art exhibitions in Lawrence, MA. The Center has an ambitious curatorial vision and sees art as a connector in our community and a platform to communicate new ideas and issues that matter. We seek to highlight underrepresented artists and give them a platform to elevate their work. Essex Art Center's galleries and correlating special events are always free and open to the public.
Contact
Please email Essex Art Center's Executive Director, Monica Manoski, at Monica@essexartcenter.org for any questions.
Address
Essex Art Center
56 Island Street
Lawrence, MA 01840