When you visit Roslindale Open Studios on November 8 th and 9 th you will be delighted with the display of creativity and entertainment. From 4-foot tall giraffes to an instrument petting zoo, this year’s event is an art lover’s paradise and a smorgasbord of paintings, photography, glass art, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, jewelry, mixed media, printmaking, illustration and musical appreciation.
The postcards and the brochure for the event tell it all – “Roslindale has Art”. Roslindale Village has seen a blossoming of itself in the past few years with a host of new and popular restaurants and now you can add “Art” to the menu. Four years ago when Glenn and Janice Williams put out a “Call to Artists” they were pleasantly surprised that thirty-five artists raised their hands and said they would sign up for a Roslindale Open Studios. More importantly volunteers like Carolyn Thall, Bob Ward and Lisa Monaci Englert offered to help organize the event.
Today, four years later Roslindale Open Studios has grown to be one of the most exciting events in Boston. This year over 90 artists will exhibit in 40 locations (26 home studios, 11 local businesses and 3 group locations). Additionally there will be a number of unique events happening that will offer up a wonderful adventure for young and old.
Whimsical and colorful, Jack Lawrence’s wood sculptures of giraffes are a delightful tribute to the creative mind. Betsy Hinkle will entertain you with her musical group, the Boston Public Quartet. A favorite attraction at the Roslindale Farmers Market on Saturdays in Roslindale Village, Hinkle is opening up her home to music performances and music appreciation both Saturday and Sunday. The Boston Public Quartet will also be the feature at the “Preview Reception” at the Longfellow House, 885 South Street on Friday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The public is invited to meet the artists, get a preview of what will be displayed in home studios and businesses throughout Roslindale and to nosh on refreshments sponsored by Roslindale Village Main Street and Equal Exchange and coordinated by Mari Katsigianis.
Photographer Bob Ward is opening up his home studio to fabulous photos from around Boston with a particular creative lens on Roslindale. He also will display a tribute to "Remembering Bethlehem Lutheran Church", once located at the corner of Cliftondale and Kittredge Streets. Built in 1887, the church was demolished in 2006 to make way for a new condo development. Before and after pictures will be shown as well as stages of the new development.
Kids are invited to the Roslindale Community Center at 6 Cummins Highway (one of the event’s group locations) to do art with volunteers for the Roslindale Arts Alliance. Village Books at 751 South Street will be exhibiting kid’s art in its store.
A visit to Mary Newell DePalma’s home studio will give you an inside view into children’s book illustration. DePalma is the author and illustrator of three children’s books: The Strange Egg, a whimsical tale of wonder, curiosity, and friendship; A Grand Old Tree, a simple and beautiful tale about life itself; and The Nutcracker Doll, about a child’s role in the Boston Ballet Nutcracker. For the past twenty years, Mary has worked as a freelance medical, editorial, educational, advertising, children's book, and semi-technical illustrator.
The Arnold Arboretum, a treasured green oasis in our neighborhood is the inspiration for photographer Erik Gehring and glass artist June Alexandra. Gehring has put together a “must have” classic 2009 calendar of fabulous photos from the Arboretum while Alexandra interprets the beautiful scenery in stained glass. According to Alexandra, “medium, light, color and texture inspire me, and nature is the biggest inspiration of all. The Arnold Arboretum holds infinite landscape visions, and I spend a part of each day there”. Gehring will exhibit in his home studio on Walter Street while Alexandra will display her work at the Pet Cabaret, 4404 Washington Street.
New this year will be artists exhibiting at the Boston School of Modern Languages at 814 South Street (at the back of the Roslindale Commuter Rail Station parking lot). Exhibiting will be a favorite returning artist Kristin Mallery with her “Hearts Happen”. According to Mallery, “Hearts Happen is a series of found hearts, captured with digital photography. No hearts were set up, altered or injured in the making of Hearts Happen.” Also at this location come meet Roslindale artist Brad Harris, the illustrator behind the beautiful Roslindale Village Main Street posters that have been delighting our senses in store windows for the past few months. And don’t miss wine and cheese tasting sponsored by Roslindale’s Solera Wine Shop and the Boston Cheese Cellar from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday.
Roslindale Open Studios is the perfect place to pick up some fabulous gifts for the upcoming holidays. Unique items, priced right, art is always the perfect gift. A number of jewelry artists are participating including Bree Richey who recently opened a retail space at 4266 Washington Street. Textile artist Hiliary Law opens her studio at 20 Belgrade Avenue (upstairs) and offers up original, contemporary floorcloths, handbags, table linens, and textiles. Stylish yet functional, her distinct designs have won awards and have been featured in a number of national and international publications. The majority of her products are made of 100% cotton canvas, painted with water-based paints.
We are honored to invite you to our 4 th Annual Roslindale Open Studios sponsored by the Roslindale Arts Alliance – www.roslindalearts.org. Spend November 8 th and 9 th in Roslindale Village for culture, shopping, fun and dining. We guarantee that you won’t be disappointed. Plan your weekend by going to the web site that lists locations and artists at www.roslindaleopenstudios.org. Brochures can be found in many local businesses in Roslindale as well as the public library and the Roslindale Community Center. Roslindale has Art and now you can too!