13th Annual West Medford Open Studios April 28, 29

Follow the blue balloons for a great weekend of arts!

Photographer Devon Barrett with his work during last year’s West Medford Open Studios.

West Medford prepares to spring into spring with the return of a lively weekend long arts celebration that is West Medford Open Studios on April 28 & 29 from noon to 5PM. WMOS is a free open studios event that invites visitors to experience an exhibit of local artwork throughout West Medford. In addition to the wide variety of visual art is an exciting array of musical and literary performances as well as live arts demonstrations throughout the weekend.

Going into its 13th year, WMOS continues to grow rapidly but at the same time stay within the area of the lovely West Medford neighborhood.

“We try to make our event accessible and enjoyable to visit by having small groupings of artists at locations that are fairly close together. This way people can experience as much as possible within the weekend,” says board member Monique Doherty.

The 2012 WMOS is showcasing over 70 artists participating at 28 sites throughout West Medford. Site locations include community buildings, homes, and studios in the neighborhood. Using a WMOS map, visitors have the opportunity to visit all the sites at their leisure throughout the weekend.

The extensive range of visual art will include paintings, stained glass, jewelry, refurbished furniture, pottery, quilts, bead work, bird houses, turned wood, photography, textiles, and more. Performance highlights of the weekend will also include a church choir, an urban folk band, a student-teacher rock band, open jam sessions, cooking demos and tastings, pottery demonstrations, a short film, a live metal pouring, and readings of original material by local writers.

As well as by using the maps, visitors can look for the signature bright blue balloons tied to fences, trees and signposts to help wind their way through this wonderful arts festival that truly has something for everyone! So take a stroll, meet up with a friend, listen to a band, enjoy and buy some art, but just don’t miss out on the festivities of the West Medford Open Studios!

West Medford Open Studios is a non-profit organization supported by the Medford Cultural Council, participating artists, Tufts University, local businesses, and friends. For more a map, performance schedules & more information about West Medford Open Studios, visit www.wmos.org or contact Tanya Howard (781) 706-0451.

– Submitted by Tanya Howard