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Open Studios Draws a CrowdBy Jen Thomas - October 14, 2007
 | Krishan Rai, 3, plays the xylophone at the Eclipse Mills during the weekend's Open Studios.
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NORTH ADAMS - Attracted by a citywide arts showcase, nearly a thousand people swarmed the downtown this weekend. With everything from painting and photography to jewelry and crafts, the 2nd annual North Adams Open Studios drew visitors from all across New England.
Chairwoman Sharon Carson attributed some of the success of the weekend to a small preview that appeared in The Boston Globe, though she did say many of the patrons of Open Studios were Northern Berkshire natives.
Marta Gennaro's 'Moipeet' dolls were on display in Jane Herman's studio. |
"People are curious because they know [the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Arts] is here and they know that we have a growing artist community but they haven't had a chance to see it. They don't see the big numbers," Carson said.
Along with her husband, Edward, Carson opened up her Eclipse Mill loft to hundreds of visitors on Saturday and Sunday. Both painters, Ed and Sharon said many people were surprised by the sheer amount of artwork on display.
"A number of people have commented on just how much art there is. They didn’t know how much was going on here," said Ed Carson.
Norm Thomas' paintings hang on the walls in the Eclipse Mills. |
Approximately 85 artists set up shop in storefronts along Main and Eagle streets and at Western Gateway Heritage State Park while artists at the Eclipse Mill, the Beaver Mill and the Windsor Mill opened up their studios to the public. An event to help support the burgeoning creative economy in the Berkshires, Open Studios is an opportunity to show off the best art in the city.
"What really speaks to me is the fact that there's all this art and it's all from North Adams. These are your friends and your neighbors and it's an opportunity to see what they're creating," said Veronica Bosley, the program coordinator for the Berkshire Cultural Resource Center.
With free rides provided by the historic trolley and a pass to Mass MoCA as part of the festivities, the event attracted families and individual art lovers alike.
"People come for all different kinds of reasons," said movement instructor Mieke Kohl. "We've got so much to offer."
John Shamburger sketches a piece at 33 Main St. |
Though most of the art on display was for sale, the catalyst for Open Studios wasn't money but bringing together artists in one place to display their work.
"I just love how beautiful everything is," said Jacquie Bollens of Belmont, as she bought a vest from felt-maker Jane Herman in her Eclipse Mill studio.
Shane and Jennifer Dullay, who traveled from New York, said the cool autumn weather made the event worthwhile even for the non-artist.
"We’re just enjoying just being outside and getting a chance to see all of the art," said Jennifer Dullay. "It's perfect weather in the Berkshires."
Jen Thomas can be reached at jthomas@iberkshires.com |
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