Open Studios Offers Meet & Greet with Needham Artists

Over 55 of Needham's finest artists are opening their homes and studios and the community is invited.

This weekend, Needham Open Studios kicks off its 12th year of showcasing artists and their work in a non-juried, town-wide event. From Gorse Mill Studios on Thorpe St. to the Needham Art Association's Spring Show in the downtown area, and several residences in between, residents will have a chance to meet their artistic neighbors in their natural environments.

"We really like to encourage people to go into the community and see the artists work in their homes or studios," explained Devra Bailin, an artist who is now in her third year of helping to organize Open Studios.

Originally attracting between 20 and 30 artists, Open Studios was conceived as a means for residents to park a car in the center of town and stroll along the sidewalks, visiting Needham businesses and homes to greet local artists. While the last few years have slightly altered the concept to include locations all over town, event patrons have even more to see with the event now averaging over 50 artists per year. 

"It's a good mix of people who do this for fun and as a hobby," Bailin said of the artists participating, "and people who do it full time."

The realm of artistic styles involved ranges greatly, as well. Open Studios will feature pottery, paintings, decorative objects, jewelry, origami, leatherwork, sculpture, photography, printmaking, glassblowing, mosaics and decorative objects. All artists will be available to talk with, serving as a way to not only meet new neighbors, but also peak the interest of budding artists in the community.

"There's really a wide variety of styles," said Bailin, "and most artists can demonstrate what they do and how they do it."

Before Open Studios kicks off on Saturday, Gorse Mill Studios is hosting a special Gala Preview tonight at 6 p.m. Light refreshments will served and guests can speak with many of the participating artists as their work surrounds the room.

"People can come here, which will house the largest exhibition this weekend, and meet the artists and get a small taste of what lies ahead Saturday and Sunday," said Bailin.

The Open Studios website is also hosting a preview of the event, with a map of the event, as well as artists' names and biographies listed. Additionally, each artist's bio contains three examples of his or her work. Should the piece really speak to an Open Studios patron, most of the works will be available for purchase this weekend.

"It's really important to see how the artists in town work and it's nice to put a face to these pieces," Bailin related. "It's really a fun event, especially if the weather is nice."

Needham Open Studios takes place at several locations around town this Saturday and Sunday. The event kicks off tonight, though, with the Preview Gala at 31 Thorpe St.