The 5th Annual Hyde Park Open Studios is scheduled for December 1sth and 2nd from noon to 5 p.m. at various locations throughout Hyde Park. The inspiration to host an Open Studios event in Hyde Park started 4 years ago with three artists who all had work space at the Sprague Street Studios. Realizing that there were a growing number of artists in Hyde Park, the three decided to plan the event, even if they ended up being the only exhibitors! In the end, over 40 artists throughout the community participated. Since then, the event has grown with 80 plus artists expected to display their works this year. Hundreds of people attend Hyde Park Open Studios annually, and the organizers hope to increase attendance this year as well.
With its affordability and accessibility, Hyde Park is fast becoming the place for artists to live and work. The benefits of an event like Hyde Park Open Studios are many, to the artists and community alike. According to Fay Grajower, a painter and one of the original organizers, Open Studios is like a big networking event. “Artists get to interact with the public, their work is seen, and they get to meet other artists as well. Many artists sell their work, receive invitations to place their work in galleries or participate in other art shows, and everyone makes a lot of valuable contacts.” Fay also points out the benefit to local merchants, with an increase in foot traffic in the downtown area meaning local businesses also see an increase in their sales and exposure during the weekend.
With so many artists participating, the public is sure to see some wonderful and interesting work including photography, painting, sculpting, etchings, glass work, stained glass, textiles, mixed media, jewelry, drawing and many others. While part of the fun for attendees is to see the artists in their own work environment such as the Sprague Street Studios, local businesses like No Sweats located at 1415 Hyde Park Avenue, as well as the Hyde Park Library will also be hosting art exhibits during both days of the weekend. Attendees should plan on spending time in both the Fairmount Avenue area (where parking is available at both the Hyde Park Cooperative Bank and Hyde Park Savings Bank) as well as the studios on Sprague St. While bridge construction on Sprague Street may necessitate a detour this year, signs will clearly mark the route and there will be a trolley to take you to each location.
Be sure to come back to this website for up to the minute information, maps and directions. Also, additional detour information will be available through the HPAI phone line the weekend of Open Studios at (617) 364-7300 extension 17. The Hyde Park Open Studios is organized by a dedicated group of volunteers, and underwritten through the generosity of First Highland Management, with additional support from the Hyde Park Arts Initiative, the Hyde Park Art Association, and Friends of the Hyde Park Library.
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