Current Mission: Essex Art Center inspires and sustains lifelong growth and learning for a diverse community of artists in Greater Lawrence. Our classes, events, and exhibitions harness the power of art to transform lives. History: Essex Art Center was founded in 1993 when three Bradford College classmates—Helen Tory, Linda Maddox, and Leslie Costello—opened a nonprofit art studio that offered classes on Essex Street in downtown Lawrence. In 1995, we moved to our current home on Island Street. We've grown into a thriving arts community working to positively impact the lives of artists and residents in our region.