In 1984 artist Jerry Beck launched TRM with “The Little Train That Could… Show,” an installation in 12 abandoned railroad cars in Boston. It was then a “nomadic institution dedicated to transforming abandoned and/or underutilized public spaces by innovative arts projects which foster civic dialogue about art, the natural environment, site history and social concerns, and create a sense of community between artists and the public.” With attention-getting shows in New York and Boston, TRM gained national recognition as a pioneer in public art. In 1988 they began working with Boston youth, and in 1996 TRM was incorporated, with a home at the Boston Wharf—30,000 sq. ft. of studios, galleries, a theatre, a darkroom, an office and a workshop. But Boston Wharf developed other plans, so in 2002 the City of Lowell invited TRM to relocate in the historic 1859 Lowell Gas and Light Building. There TRM has created murals, sculptures, installations and performance art pieces, a schools program, a film series, concerts, gallery exhibits and visits from regional and national artists. TRM works with 200 teens annually, on projects attracting 20,000 spectators. They have earned several NEA grants, and this year a Commonwealth Award for “Community” by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Here is art that matters.