A new arts space · Downtown Turners Falls
An old downtown building,
becoming something
for everyone.
We're turning a beautiful old church downtown into a place for music, dancing, lessons, and the kind of things a town does together. Still early — come along.
The idea
A beautiful old building, put back to use.
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We picture a place where a kid's first violin recital, a Friday-night concert, and a Tuesday-morning shape-note sing all happen under the same roof — in a room with the kind of acoustics you can't build anymore.
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- ✦ Of and for Turners Falls
- ✦ One welcoming room, many uses
- ✦ Artist-run, neighbor-powered
- ✦ Take care of the building
“The room wants to be used.”
— a neighbor, on first walking in
What happens here
A few different kinds of nights, days, and Sundays.
We're still figuring out the schedule. Here's a peek at what we hope ends up in the room.
Concerts & shows
Folk, chamber, choral, jazz — a stage with extraordinary acoustics, a few steps from Avenue A.
Lessons & workshops
Weekly classes from teaching artists around the valley, for any age and any skill level.
Community gatherings
Shape-note sings, contra and line dances, potlucks, and the occasional town meeting.
Rentals & residencies
A welcoming home for weddings, recitals, rehearsals, film shoots, and visiting artists.
Where we are
We're at the very beginning. Here's roughly the plan.
Phase 01 — Now
Listening & figuring it out
Conversations with neighbors, artists, and town folks to figure out what The Abbey should become.
01Phase 02 — This year
First events
Securing the building, light fixes, and a first run of pop-up concerts and open houses.
02Phase 03 — Next
Fix it up & open the doors
A careful renovation that keeps what's good about the building and gets it ready for a second life.
03
Pitch in
This will only be as good as the neighbors who help build it.
Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation. If any of these sound like you, drop us a line.
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I want to lend a hand
Workdays, event nights, hospitality, hands-on help.
- →
I want to play or teach
Musicians, dancers, callers, teaching artists.
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I want to use the room
Weddings, recitals, rehearsals, gatherings.
- →
I want to chip in
Tools, materials, money — whatever you've got.
Stay in the loop
We'll write a few times a year, when there's something real to say.
No spam. We mean it.
Questions
A few things people ask.
Where is The Abbey?+
In an old church downtown, walking distance from the river, the Shea, and Avenue A.
Who's behind it?+
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When will it open?+
Honestly, we're early. First small events should happen in the coming year, with more after we fix the building up.
How can I help?+
Sign up below — we'll be in touch when there are workdays, events, or anything else worth showing up for.