Somerville Artist David Palmquist is one of many Vernon street artists preparing for December’s Open Studios event. —Photo by Heather Balchunas

By Cathleen Twardzik

This year is the 40th anniversary of Vernon Street Open Studios, which is one of the oldest open studios in the Greater Boston area. A special presentation, Vernon Street Artists’ Anniversary Exhibit, is currently running through December 31 at the Somerville Museum, located at 1 Westwood Road in Somerville. A handful of the original artists and current artists will be present.
Additionally, many of those “founding” artists will be taking part in Vernon Street Open Studios on December 6 and 7 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 20 Vernon Street. The annual event will spotlight the evolution and transitions that this creative “landmark” has experienced over the years.

At the December 6 and 7 event, approximately, 70 artists will participate in the event, such as David Palmquist, Jane Sherrill and Zoe McCarthy.

This event will provide “emerging” artists and those in their mid-career, spanning a wide array of craft media, such as photography, painting, fiber, jewelry, glass, furniture, ceramics, sculpture and print-making, as well as fine art styles, a chance to sell and show their work.

Throughout the years, Vernon Street has taken part in Open Studios, either as a part of bigger Somerville Open Studios or on its own, for many years. It is a “part of both,” according to Heather Balchunas, Vernon Street Studio Coordinator.

Vernon Street, a historic 19th century industrial brick building, was available to the first group of artists in Somerville to bring the studios to the public on February 24, 1974.

“The original 13 artists participating in Vernon Street Open Studios started this particular Open Studios to celebrate the completion of the workshop and studios in 20 Vernon Street. The concept of Open Studios has been around for a long time, dating back to the ever-popular salons in Paris where artists and art lovers could share their work and exchange ideas. Now, this concept has grown and become adopted by members of the art community all over the globe,” according to Balchunas.

“Vernon Street Artist Studios evolved with the help of artist Maude Morgan, a significant member of the art community in the Greater Boston area. She found the building and approached the Rogers Family about the possibility of having artists in the building. They said ‘yes’ with the understanding that the artist would have to fix it up.”

“The value of going to Open Studios is that you get a chance to [interact with the] artist where they work and get a glimpse at their process. People are able to engage with the artist, which can be a much different than experience than going to a gallery.”

For more information, interested individuals may log onto www.vernonstreet.com.