West Medford Open Studios April 27th & 28th

Abstract paintings by Jason DeWaard at last year’s West Medford Open Studios.

In this Medford neighborhood common signs of spring include blooms of azaleas, tulips poking up in yards, tree leaves returning to shades of green, and on one weekend, bright blue balloons that mark the sites of the West Medford Open Studios arts weekend. West Medford Open Studios, an annual event showcasing the local arts community, returns on April 27 & 28 from noon to 5 pm. WMOS is a free open studio event that invites visitors from all over to experience exhibits of local art & crafts, musical and literary performances, and live arts demonstrations over the course of the weekend.

The 2013 WMOS will showcase over 70 artists participating at 25 sites—including community buildings, private homes, and studios—located throughout West Medford. Guided by an event map, visitors can drop in on each site at their leisure, all weekend long.

Though the number and diversity of participating artists have grown considerably in the 14 years since WMOS first started, the event planners have managed to keep it within the area of this lovely West Medford neighborhood.

“We try to group the sites close together so that visitors can experience as much as possible within the weekend. We are proud of the fact that our open studios event is enjoyable for people of all ages and art interests. Visiting open studios is a great way to see the exciting range of art that is being creating locally and connect with artists that are creating it.” Says board member and artist Stephanie Todhunter.

Every year, visitors to WMOS are impressed by the quality and variety of the art on display. This year’s featured work will include paintings, glassworks, jewelry, up-cycled furniture, textiles, pottery, turned wood, photography, quilts, mixed media, and more. A number of exciting free performances and demonstrations will also be offered: highlights include the music of Al & Katrin Peterson (of Porch Party Mamas), a performance by a student-teacher rock band, open jam sessions, pottery demonstrations, readings of original material by seasoned (and up-and-coming) writers, a showing of the documentary “Have You Seen Andy?” with producer Melanie Perkins McLaughlin, and a live metal pouring and studio tour by internationally renowned sculptor David Philips.

In addition to the map which can be found on the website WMOS.ORG, visitors to the springtime event will be guided from event to event–and from artist to artist-by WMOS’s signature bright blue balloons tied in front of each site location. So take a stroll, meet up with a friend, listen to some music, enjoy and buy some art, or take a studio tour, 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 information about West Medford Open Studios, visit WMOS.ORG or contact Tanya Howard (781) 706-0451.

– Information from West Medford Open Studios