Vassilios Giavis – Painting Lowell’s Portrait

Photo by Kevin Harkins

The City of Lowell has experienced a welcome resurgence in recent years, due, in part, to an artistic movement that has united varied talents. Together these painters, sculptors, photographers and craftsmen have embraced and revived Lowell’s rich history, culture and character. One artist in particular who has captured the heart of Lowell throughout its growth is painter Vassilios Giavis.

Giavis, 79, was born in Lowell and exhibited natural artistic talent at a young age. But it was not until his brother encouraged him to apply to Massachusetts College of Art that he actively began to pursue his calling. A devout family man, Giavis chose to put his art on hold following graduation, opting instead to focus on his family and their grocery business. It was not until 1975 when he made a New Year’s resolution to paint on a regular basis that his future as a painter finally came into focus.

Giavis’ prolific career as an artist has focused largely on scenes of Lowell, capturing its unique beauty with bold and rich colors. His keen eye for architecture, shadow and light allows him to create pieces that captivate the observer. The settings for Giavis’ work are selected based purely on what interests him visually and, when necessary, he makes changes to the original composition to create the best result. “As an artist,” he says, “it’s our world; we can do what we want with it.”

Giavis’ work has been published in calendars, books and note cards, among other incarnations. He is currently involved in a project to have 26 pieces published in a coffee table book featuring the City of Lowell. His eye for beautiful things is not limited to his art alone; he has collected items in which he once saw beauty and timelessness, explaining that when he was young he felt it was important to acquire things that he admired. Now, he wonders, “What did I want that for?” The important thing in life, he comments, is what you’ve become as a person, not the things you have.

While Lowell clearly holds a special place in Giavis’ heart, he has also painted a series of diners in Worcester and numerous locations in New York City and Boston. In 1985, he settled into his comfort zone at The Brush Art Gallery in Lowell. He has been with The Brush ever since and is content to continue his art here. “I am happy when I am painting,” he says, “especially if I am happy with the subject.”

Giavis Market by Vassilios Giavis

Lowell Industrial Canyon by Vassilios Giavis

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church by Vassilios Giavis