Roslindale Neighbors: Rozzie Open Studios

By Amy West

Special to the Gazette

If you are looking for an exciting, family-friendly event filled with art, culture and fun, then don’t miss Roslindale Open Studios (ROS) on Nov. 7 and 8.

The unique annual event will feature nearly 90 artists displaying their work in 25 locations throughout Roslindale. Painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics, woodworking, textiles, jewelry and mixed-media assemblages are just a few examples of the types of art that will be available to view and purchase at group locations, businesses and artists’ home studios.

Now in its 11th year, Roslindale Open Studios is much more than an art show. The weekend will also feature live music, kids’ art activities, a bicycle tour and the Roslindale Congregational Church Kitchen, which will offer lunch, baked goods and kitchen crafts. Residents and visitors are invited to attend and celebrate Roslindale’s rich and diverse arts community.

“As an artist living in Roslindale, ROS is a wonderful opportunity for me to connect and share my art with neighbors,” said Jessica Burko, who will have a showing in “Layer by Layer: Encaustic Art by Boston Women” at a pop-up gallery at 4326 Washington St. “Plus, it is a more intimate event than other open studios in the Boston area, which makes it more accessible and fun for visitors.”

Not sure where to begin? Pick up a map and brochure at one of the four group sites: Boston School of Modern Languages at 814 South St., Emerald Society at 10 Birch St., Roslindale House at 120 Poplar St. or Roslindale Congregational Church at 25 Cummins Highway. Group sites host 10 to 15 artists, and include additional entertainment:

  • Boston School of Modern Languages hosts fun, free art activities with Kids Art Express. Children can meet local artists, and then create their own masterpieces.
  • Roslindale Congregational Church showcases live music by the Tom Appleman Band on Saturday and Trio Ten Tumbao on Sunday (live music is 1:00-3:00 p.m. each day). You’ll also want to stop by the Roslindale Congregational Church Kitchen, featuring lunch, baked goods and crafts.
  • Roslindale House has the Home Studio Artists Gallery, where visitors can preview what’s available at 19 home studios. Visit artists where their art is made and collect home studio bingo stickers. For every six home studios you visit, you’ll be eligible to enter a drawing to win gift certificates to Roslindale businesses.

In Roslindale Square, be sure to see the artists at three local businesses: Boston Cheese Cellar at 18 Birch St., Joanne Rossman at 6 Birch St. and Birch Street House and Garden at 760 South St.

“I, as well as many of my neighboring small business owners, support local artists throughout the year, and it is exciting to see Roslindale Open Studios grow and expand throughout the business district,” said Elizabeth Swanson, owner of Birch Street House and Garden and long-time sponsor of Roslindale Open Studios. “I look forward to Open Studios each year. The weekend serves as my unofficial start to the holiday season because so many people come through my store to see the artists’ work and begin their holiday shopping.”

Visitors enjoying the festive atmosphere should be sure to stop by the shops, restaurants and businesses who generously sponsor Roslindale Open Studios, including: Alfa Auto Fuel, Birch Street House and Garden, Boston Cheese Cellar, Boston School of Modern Languages, Centre Cuts Salon & Spa, Fornax Bread Company, Greater Roslindale Medical and Dental Center, Harrison Refrigeration, Joanne Rossman, Layer-by-Layer: Encaustic Art by Boston Women, Linda Burnett Realty, Open Doors Yoga Studios, Pet Cabaret, Rogerson Communities, Roslindale Community School Council, Inc., Roslindale Congregational Church, Sebastian’s Barber Shop & Salon, Solera, Sophia’s Grotto, The Cooperative Bank and City Councilor Tim McCarthy.

For more information, including a map, event schedule and descriptions of each artist, please visit roslindaleopenstudios.org.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *