New England Open Markets, owner and operator of South End Open Market, now located at Ink Block, announced details for 2016 season closing event – Haunted #OFFTHEWALL, set to take place on Sunday, October 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Back by popular demand, #OFFTHWALL is all day art celebration including a live graffiti art gallery and block party in conjunction with the weekly South End Open Market. Over 90 of the market’s weekly artists, designers, food and fashion entrepreneurs will join internationally recognized graffiti artists Brand Rockwell, Problak, Geo ‘BOWZ’, Gofive, Wisogee, Imagine, Brian Life, Raodee, Merkthose, Deme Phive, Edmund Amor, Quizm Artworkz, Take1r.gn, Jbeasly183 & more for a day of creation and artistic celebration.
“Boston’s graffiti culture is thriving yet it has typically been seen as an underground form of public art. OFFTHEWALL brings together a group of local graffiti artists from different neighborhoods, cultures and backgrounds and provides a highly visible platform for us to create,” said Rob Gibbs, #OFFTHEWALL Artist/Co-Founder, Artist for Humanity. “With customers of all ages standing steps away from us as we work, the public is given a first hand experience into the creative process of graffiti, signifying a real shift in the acceptance of graffiti as a form of public art in this area.”
The annual South End Open Market Halloween costume contest is also back for it’s 13th year. This year’s theme is the ‘market of living dolls.’ The contest will kick off with a Halloween pet parade and prizes will be awarded to winners of both. Pumpkin painting will be available for children of all ages and will be offered during the live gallery’s hours of operation.
“2016 has been a pioneer year for our South End Open Market with new locations, partnerships, market offerings such as beer & wine, live graffiti galleries, vendors and more,” said Chris Masci, Founder & CEO, New England Open Markets Founder. “The continued growth and vitality of this market is directly attributed to the artists, creators and partners involved. Our closing event on October 30th will not only serve as a celebration for all we have accomplished but a preview of what’s to come in 2017.”
#OFFTHEWALL is sponsored in part by the South End Open Market at Ink Block, Ink Block, Capital One, and the New York Streets Neighborhood Association.
Live Graffiti demonstrations start at 11 a.m., with a costume contest at 1 p.m. and a Halloween Pet Parade at 12:30 p.m. The market closes for the season at 5 p.m.