Open Studios this weekend


Janice Williams

Chris Roberts is really busy these days. Not only is Roberts an artist who will participate in Roslindale Open Studios in her home studio, but she is also a dedicated member of the organizing committee. For months now, Roberts has juggled the myriad tasks that must be done to be ready for what some are calling “the greatest show in Roslindale”—the 6th annual Roslindale Open Studios (ROS) taking place on Nov. 6 and 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For Roberts, an accomplished painter and calligrapher, being creative is as important in crafting ideas to make ROS a meaningful experience for everyone as it is in her studio. Her thoughts and actions reflect a desire to share her passion and talents with other artists and with attendees.

“Open studios is an exciting event for the entire community,” Roberts said in a recent interview about the free event sponsored by the Roslindale Arts Alliance. “Everybody wins here. Artists get to show and sell their art, and attendees get a visual art adventure in their own neighborhood. I am energized to be part of this awesome event.”

This year, ROS will host 104 artists in over 44 locations throughout Roslindale. Attendees can expect to enjoy and be entertained with a wide array of art. Unique to this event are over 35 home art studios.

People will be able to take a peek into the creative lives of Roslindale residents and see finished work as well as work in progress along with the tools the artists use. They will be able to talk to the artists in person and learn about their art passions as well as purchase art at reasonable prices. No gallery markups here. They can play Home Studio Bingo, a game created by Roberts, and win prizes.

Seven group sites filled with art will add to the adventure. Art media represented include painting, illustration, drawing, photography, mixed media, sculpture, jewelry, textiles, wood, mosaics and stained glass.

Weekend special events include: a wine and cheese reception on Saturday provided by Solera Wine and Boston Cheese Cellar at the Boston School of Modern Languages, 815 South St., as well as a display of recycled art for kids sponsored by the Roslindale Arts Alliance in the cafeteria at Sacred Heart School, 1035 Canterbury St., 12-3 p.m. both days. People will be able to see an art project by the Sumner School Boys and Girls Club kids at the Roslindale Congregational Church, 25 Cummins Highway. They can also be part of The Saturday Salon with Nina and Dave at 45 Bexley Road from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

To add to the ambiance, there will be several musical performances: JP Jazz Collective at Sacred Heart School on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. and an in-house concert with Glenn Williams and guests Andy Holiner and Tim Casey at Art Studio 99, 99 Belgrade Ave. on Saturday from 3-4 p.m.

The weekend offers opportunity to dine, shop and browse Roslindale’s business district. Many of the businesses will be hosting artists during the event. Visitors to Roslindale Open Studios will have an opportunity to win dinner for two at a Roslindale restaurant.

The weekend art adventure will start with an opening reception on Fri., Nov. 5 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Longfellow House at 885 South St. At the reception people can enjoy light refreshments, listen to the Boston Public Quartet, meet artists and get a preview of home studios artists’ work. A brochure that has a map and comprehensive artists listing to guide your art adventure throughout the weekend will be available there.

A complete listing of artists and events at Roslindale Open Studios is available at roslindaleopenstudios.org.

The writer, a Roslindale resident, is coordinator of Roslindale Open Studios.

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