Somerville Open Studios featured over 400 hundred emerging and established artists in more than 100 different venues throughout the city. – Photo by Francisco White

By Francisco L. White

With ample sunshine and an impromptu performance of Michael Jackson classics by a lively band at Davis Square, Sunday, May 6, was the perfect concluding day of this year’s Somerville Open Studios. The three-day event featured over 400 hundred emerging and established artists in more than 100 different venues throughout the city.

As in years prior, there was something to satisfy everyone’s art craving. Over the weekend, there were spoken word performances on trolleys, exhibitions at galleries, a mini film festival hosted by Somerville Community Access Television, and a fashion show, among numerous other creative events that highlighted the work of Somerville’s very own artists.

Perhaps the single most remarkable aspect of SOS, however, is that so many artists open their otherwise generally private home studios and workspaces to the public.

Somerville painter and poet, by way of England, Jane Chakravarthy opened her Jay Street apartment near Davis Square for the event, inviting her friend Tonya Rose to display her photography as well. Their work was displayed prominently on walls throughout the interior of the living space. Wine and light hors d’oeurves were also available to guests. When asked how living in Somerville has inspired her or influenced her work, Chakravarthy, who has “no preconceived notion” of what she will paint or write, said, “Wherever I am, I’m inspired by my experience and Somerville is a nice, creative environment. It sets seeds to create because it has an eclectic mix of people, it’s youth-oriented, and there’s so much energy.” In regard to Somerville Open Studios, she said, “SOS is a great vehicle for artists of any level to expose their work. It attracts so many people, not just from Somerville.” The artist went on to explain that this was her third time participating, but her second time opening her home for the event. As for participating again, she said, “I will definitely do it next year, if I’m here.” If Jane is still around, her work is not to be missed.

Art lovers from all over the Greater Boston area, not just Somerville residents, can look forward to the return of Somerville Open Studios in 2013. This annual event is a celebration of creativity and diversity that is a true representation of the spirit and culture of “one of the best places to live.”