Arts: Open Studios

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Massachusetts has a burgeoning community of artists and craftspeople working in traditional and contemporary media. Here’s your chance to meet artists in their work environments; get insights into how and what they create; and take home a painting, sculpture, a piece of handcrafted furniture, or a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry.

You’ll be engaged, inspired, and, on occasion, challenged by the art. You’ll see finished art, works-in-process, and art installations in home studios, artists’ buildings, historic structures, galleries, and storefronts. At some open studios, you’ll come across music, arts and crafts demonstrations, and refreshments.

Take note: All open studios are free. Please check web sites to confirm dates, times, and directions. For additional arts exhibits, festivals, and shows, click here.

Select a Region to find Open Studios
Greater Boston | North of Boston & Greater Merrimack Valley | South of Boston | Western Massachusetts

ARLINGTON
Arlington Center for the Arts: Open Studios
41 Foster St.
www.acarts.org, 781-648-6220
Arlington artists -- painters, photographers, potters, metal smiths, fiber artists, and sculptors – empty out their studios for the weekend and show their work at the Arlington Center for the Arts. Artist demos, live music, and food.

Typical dates: third weekend in October
2010 dates:

BOSTON - ALLSTON
Allston Arts District: Annual Open Studios
1 Braintree St & 119 Braintree St
www.allstonarts.org, 617-254-3505
In a Boston neighborhood named after an artist (painter Washington Allston), 30 or so artists show their work in painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, photography, video, sculpture, jewelry, boutique clothing and accessories, digital art, mixed media, wearables, fiber art, water media, faux finishing, typographic design, ink work, and pastels.

Typical dates: November weekend
2010 dates: Nov 13 & 14, noon-6pm

BOSTON - EAST BOSTON
East Boston Arts Walk
Atlantic Works building at 80 Border St and other locations
www.eastbostonartistsgroup.org
Artists open their studio doors every 3rd Saturday of the month. Don’t miss the great harbor views.

Typical/2010 dates: 3rd Saturday of every month, noon-6pm

BOSTON - DORCHESTER
Dorchester Open Studios
Dorchester Park, Dorchester Ave
www.thedac.org, 617-839-6734
60+ Dorchester artists exhibit in 7 locations throughout Dorchester.

Typical dates: late October
2010 dates:

BOSTON - FENWAY
Fenway Studios: Open House
30 Ipswich St.
www.friendsoffenwaystudios.org, 617-695-9720
Painters working in a variety of styles, from abstract expressionism to post-modern realism, welcome visitors to their studios in this National Historic Landmark building. The studios were inspired by 19th-century Paris ateliers; each is flooded with north light.

Typical dates: mid-November weekend
2010 dates:

BOSTON - HYDE PARK
Hyde Park Open Studios
Several Hyde Park locations
www.hydeparkopenstudios.org, 617-364-7300
80+ artists will be displaying their work; artist demonstrations.

Typical dates: early December weekend
2010 dates:

BOSTON - JAMAICA PLAIN
Jamaica Plain Open Studios
Throughout Jamaica Plain
www.jpopenstudios.com, 617-272-5354
200+ artists in all media showcase their work in their studios and in group shows.

Typical dates: September weekend
2010 dates: Sep 25 & 26: noon-6pm

BOSTON - ROSLINDALE
Roslindale Open Studios
Locations throughout Roslindale
www.roslindaleopenstudios.org, 617-543-7443
“Rosi” artists open the doors to their workplaces and home studios for this art-filled weekend. Neighborhood businesses host shows and special events.

Typical dates: early November weekend
2010 dates:

BOSTON - ROXBURY
Roxbury Open Studios
Hibernian Hall, 184 Dudley St; AAMARP Gallery, 76 Atherton St; and studios in Fort Hill, Dudley Square, and Mission Hill
www.roxburyopenstudios.org, 617- 541-3900, option 2 x327.
Open studios, exhibitions, and artist demos.

Typical dates: early October weekend
2010 dates:

BOSTON - SOUTH BOSTON
The Distillery and King Terminal: Spring Open Studios
516 East 2nd St and 570 East 1st St
http://www.distilleryboston.com
This former rum distillery is a prominent force in the Boston art scene. The open studios feature painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, metalwork, jewelry, woodwork, installation, video, ceramics, and fabric work. The Distillery also includes three galleries.

Typical dates: first Saturday in June & first weekend in November
2010 dates: June 6

BOSTON - SOUTH BOSTON
Fort Point Arts Community: Art Walk & Open Studios
Congress St, Summer St, Farnsworth St, and A St
www.fortpointarts.org, 617-423-4299
The neighborhood’s sturdy brick and timber warehouses, just across the Fort Point Channel from South Station, are home to artists working in a wide range of media: painting, ceramics, textiles, sculpture, video, digital media . . . Open Studios are a long-standing tradition and attract big crowds. Artists open their studios in spring and fall; in December, the Fort Point artists gather to exhibit in one large open space. FPAC also operates a gallery at 300 Summer St and a store, Made in Fort Point, at 12 Farnsworth St.

Typical dates: early May, third week in Oct, early Dec
2010 dates:

BOSTON - SOUTH BOSTON
South Boston Open Studios
The Distillery, 516 East 2nd St, and other locations
www.southbostonopenstudios.org
Artists will be showing sculpture, painting, drawing, printmaking, installation, photography, video, jewelry, ceramics, woodworking, fabric and performance art – both finished art and work in process.

Typical dates: late October
2010 dates:

BOSTON – SOUTH END
SOWA Artists Guild: First Fridays
450 Harrison Ave
www.sowaartistsguild.com
SOWA (south of Washington Street) has developed as a major arts community – studios, galleries, and cafes -- with an eclectic group of artists. First Fridays brings together artists, gallery owners, and art enthusiasts in this vibrant neighborhood.

Typical dates: first Friday of every month, 5-9pm
2010 dates: Jan 1; Feb 5; March 5

BOSTON - SOUTH END
United South End Artists: South End Open Studios
Locations throughout the South End
www.useaboston.com, 617-267-8862
Artists working in a range of media: oils, watercolors, photography, sculpture, jewelry, mixed media, fiber arts, ceramics, wood, glass, metal as well as the performance arts.

Typical dates: September weekend
2010 dates: Sep 25 & 26:

BROOKLINE
Brookline Artists Open Studios
Locations throughout Brookline
www.brooklineartists.com
Artists in their studios and homes: oils, watercolors, mixed media, photography, sculpture, jewelry, and ceramics.

2010 dates: May 1 & 2

CAMBRIDGE
Cambridge Citywide Open Studios
Many locations throughout Cambridge
Cambridge is home to so many artists that the open studio schedule spans three spring weekends. It’s an opportunity to meet hundreds of artists in their studios, live-work spaces, and group shows. Performances, too.
www.cambridgeartscouncil.org, 617-349-4380

Typical dates: late April-late May
2010 dates: North & West Cambridge: April 24 & 25; Central Cambridge, May 22 & 23; East Cambridge, May 8 & 9; noon-6pm

CHELSEA
Chelsea Artists’ Collaborative: Chelsea Art Walk
Several Chelsea locations
www.chelseaartwalk.com
Sculpture, painting, prints, furniture, clay, photography, jewelry, and collage exhibited in galleries, loft buildings, the Chelsea City Café, and City Hall. Plus an opportunity to tour a commercial foundry and see how castings are made. Music and poetry at the Temple Emmanuel, too. Free shuttle bus to all locations.