More than 250 artists will open their studios in 16 buildings throughout the South End for the 31st annual South End Open Studios weekend this coming Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 15 and 16.
The studios will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both days, and South End artist Jenn Sherr said it is a very unique opportunity to see where artists work.
“It’s the only time all 12 artist buildings are open to the public,” she said. “One thing with the South End Open Studios is this is the one opportunity for the public to meet the artists where they work in the South End and see their working space and buy directly from these artists.”
Artist buildings on Waltham Street, Wareham Street, the BCA and SoWa Galleries – as well as group shows in other locations – will be open to the public throughout the weekend. There are 12 buildings and 15 local artists in group spaces.
United South End Artists (USEA) puts on the show each year, and this is the 31st year for them to open up the studios. It started in 1986 when a pioneering group of artists invited friends and neighbors into their studios. As the celebration grew, the USEA was born and began growing the program.
“It was started by a group of local artists and is now continued by a group of local artists,” Sherr said.
“We do have events throughout the year at different places, but this is the biggest event and the only one where you get to meet artists where they work in their studios,” she continued. “People will have new work ready and they are getting their studios ready so it’s more of a showroom. It’s only one time a year and it’s a great opportunity.”
Complete information can be found at the United South End Artists website, where there are complete directions and details.