Needham Open Studios

by Karen Mahoney of City by the Sea Ceramics

Needham Open Studios 2010 is Saturday, May 1 and Sunday, May 2 with a Preview Gala Friday, April 30. The map includes 19 stops, many with multiple artists representing themselves. It's a great chance to get out for the day with your family and friends for some free fun. There's even an activity sheet for kids to fill out as they make their day visiting with artists and seeing what they do.

The Preview Gala will take place in the Jared Branfman Memorial Gallery inside Gorse Mill Studios at 31 Thorpe Road from 6-9 on April 30. The gallery will represent many of the artists of Needham, giving a glimpse of what you will see at their private studio. Work will not be for sale at the Preview Gala, but artists will be present to meet and discuss their art.

Once Saturday and Sunday get under way Gorse Mill Studios will be a major stop, creating a small bit of chaos for the weekend in our quiet residential area. The reason is because there are 3 floors with over 30 artists having a huge range of mediums. Pottery, paintings, jewelery, glass, story telling, encaustics, mosaics, tailors, photographers, illustrators, all in one stop! Who could resist?

I have a few favorites in GMS. The encaustics of Ruth Lague, studio 201, are fantastic. Her landscapes have amazing colors and an energy that sucks you right in. Everytime she hangs a new one in the halls of GMS I smile.

The pottery of John Dorsey, studio 106, is another favorite. His pots have an earthy warmness to them as well as a definite Asian influence, two qualitites I love in pottery.

Jeweler Todd Krieger in studio 203 makes pieces out of recycled bits of computers and other electronics. He uses the internal parts to create something truly unique to wear.

In addition to these and other artists who own spaces in the building, Gorse Mill Studios will be hosting other artists from Needham in vacant studios in the basement. I am included in that group and will have a studio L-111 filled with new work for the craft fair season as well as a few pieces inside the Potters Shop Gallery in studio 206. Stop by and say hi!