A stunning new mural commemorating legendary Beat Generation writer Jack Kerouac will be officially unveiled at St. Jean Baptiste Church on Sunday, October 13th, from 11AM to 1PM as part of Lowell Celebrates Kerouac. The former church, where Kerouac once served as an altar boy, is the proposed future home of the Jack Kerouac Center, a cultural hub dedicated to celebrating the life and work of the acclaimed author.
The mural became reality with major support from State Senator Ed Kennedy and created by renowned artist Kori Thomas, professionally recognized as the artist Quest Nine. It is a vivid tribute to Kerouac’s life and work, capturing his restless spirit, creative brilliance, and his connection to the church. St. Jean Baptiste Church, which holds a special place in Kerouac’s early life, is the ideal backdrop for this celebration.
“I am truly honored to have been contacted by the Kerouac Estate to create the Jack’s Legacy Mural in Lowell, MA" says Kori Thomas/Quest Nine, "Jack Kerouac has been a constant companion in my lonesome ‘van life’ travels, guiding me through connections with fellow wanderers and in turn inspiring my passion for art. As I delved into his writings, I developed a profound appreciation for Jack—his words, madness, and unique perspective have taught me to embrace and love every aspect of myself. This mural represents not just a tribute to him, but a celebration of his message, ensuring that his legacy endures. With hopes of establishing the Jack Kerouac Center at this site, we aim to create a haven for fellow beat travelers, aspiring writers, and enthusiasts of his unseen works. I am immensely grateful to the Kerouac Estate for this opportunity to share and celebrate Jack’s impact.”
Event Details:
What: Jack Kerouac Mural Unveiling/Dedication
When: Sunday, October 13th, 11AM – 1PM
Where: St. Jean Baptiste Church, 741 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01854
Cost: Free and open to the public
Event Highlights:
Mural Unveiling: The mural by Kori Thomas, professionally recognized as the artist Quest Nine, will be officially revealed and dedicated, offering attendees a chance to see this unique interpretation of Kerouac’s legacy.
Live Music: The Rocking Horse Music Club will perform a few songs live inside the former St Jean Baptiste Church , bringing music inspired by Kerouac’s love for jazz and the road, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.
Jack Kerouac Center Update: Jim Sampas, a key figure in preserving Kerouac’s legacy and nephew of the author, will provide latest information on the development of the Jack Kerouac Center, which aims to become a future cultural hub in Lowell dedicated to the author’s life and works.
Quotes from Key Voices:
Jim Sampas adds: "Kori (Quest Nine) is one of the most innovative and skillful muralists of our time and we are incredibly fortunate that her gifts graced these bricks and mortar in becoming an extraordinarily beautiful achievement that will stand as testament to all those who dare embrace their dreams and set to make them reality through dedication and devotion to their craft. That this magnificent tribute to Jack Kerouac is just a stone’s throw away from the gathering place of his family and friends after the typing ceased, seems to me to be an inspiring way to keep the words from fading and his legacy everlasting.”
The mural and the future Jack Kerouac Center hold great significance for the community. Dave Ouellette, a board member for the Jack Kerouac Center and a longtime Lowell resident and community advocate, shared his thoughts: "This mural and the proposed Jack Kerouac Center represent a deep connection with our city’s artistic and literary heritage. Kerouac’s spirit continues to inspire us here in Lowell, and it’s wonderful to see this tribute come to life in the place where it all began for him."
In addition, Mike Flynn, President of Lowell Celebrates Kerouac, emphasized the importance of this unveiling during the festival: "I am certain that attendees of the 2024 LCK! Fall Festival, who travel to Lowell from all over the US, Canada and Europe every October, will be elated for the opportunity to attend the official reveal of this brilliant work by Quest Nine, adorning the future site of the Jack Kerouac Center, and for the opportunity to actually enter the hallowed former St. Jean Baptiste cathedral where Jack once served as an altar boy and, of course, ultimately had his funeral mass in October 1969. Our motto at LCK! is "Everybody goes home in October", a quote from Jack. This is an event which will take that concept to the next level, I'm sure".
About Jack Kerouac
Jack Kerouac (1922–1969) is one of America’s most important and influential writers. His groundbreaking novel On the Road made him the voice of the Beat Generation and cemented his place in literary history. Raised in Lowell, MA, Kerouac’s Catholic upbringing and experiences in the city shaped much of his writing. More info at jackkerouac.com
About Quest Nine
As a student of Purdue University’s first Creative Placemaking Certification the Artist Kori Thomas recognizes that Public Art can bring a community together, create equity in local business, and breathe new life to a forgotten place. When working within new spaces, Quest Nine’s focus is to create a more connected community and leave residents and youth with a sense of hope, feelings of joy, and inclusion. Joy is defined as an intense momentary expression of positive emotion. Round things, pops of bright color, symmetrical shapes, lightness or elevation all innately bring us joy. The purpose behind artist Kori Thomas' art is to allure the viewer to spend a moment outside their everyday lives and into the present moment. The artist adds “glitches” to her work which symbolize the unpredictability of life itself, bursts of energy, fleeting moments of joy, pain, and emotion. Researchers have found that people working in more colorful offices are more alert, confident, friendly, and productive. In schools and restaurants, attendance and clientele improves, and in public spaces, graffiti disappears.
More info at questnine.co
About the Jack Kerouac Center
The Jack Kerouac Center, proposed to be housed in the historic St. Jean Baptiste Church, will serve as a focal point for Kerouac scholars, fans, and the local community. With plans for literary events, educational programs, and exhibits, the center will preserve and promote the influence of Kerouac and the Beat Generation. More info at jackkerouaccenter.com
About Lowell Celebrates Kerouac!
Lowell Celebrates Kerouac is an annual festival that honors Kerouac’s legacy with events including readings, tours, art, and music inspired by his works. The mural unveiling at St. Jean Baptiste Church will be one of the highlights of this year’s celebration, which draws fans from across the globe. More info at lowellcelebrateskerouac.org
