FITCHBURG — For one fall weekend, art lovers — and those simply curious about the creative process — will have the opportunity to step inside the places where local artists work, create and share their talents.
Fitchburg Open Studios returns on Saturday, Oct. 17, and Sunday, Oct. 18, offering a free, self-guided tour of artists and their creative spaces in Fitchburg and neighboring communities.
Now in its sixth year, the annual event, coordinated by the Fitchburg Cultural Alliance, invites visitors to create their own itinerary and explore as many participating artists and locations as they wish.
“The event is designed to be as much about the experience as the artwork itself,” said Helen Obermeyer Simmons, vice president of the Fitchburg Cultural Alliance.
Visitors can meet artists in their own studios and workspaces, see demonstrations, learn about different techniques and get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. Artwork will also be available for purchase directly from the artists.
“’Open Studios’ provides an opportunity to experience art in a more personal way — not simply viewing finished pieces in a gallery, but seeing where and how those pieces come to life,” Simmons added.
The tour is centered in Fitchburg but extends into several surrounding communities, making it possible for visitors to combine an afternoon of art with a scenic autumn drive through the area.
This year’s participating venues include Main Street Studios, the Fitchburg Arts Community, the Fitchburg Art Museum and the Boulder Gallery, all in Fitchburg as well as Creative Connections in Ashburnham.
“For people who are already passionate about art, the weekend offers a chance to meet other artists and enthusiasts, exchange ideas and ‘talk shop’,” said Simmons. “For those who are new to the art scene, it provides an informal and welcoming introduction to the region’s creative community. And for the simply curious, it is a chance to see something they might otherwise never experience: artists at work in their own creative environments.”
The event also benefits the artists themselves, giving them an opportunity to introduce their work to new audiences, establish connections and build relationships that can continue long after the weekend ends.
Visitors can pick up a brochure, map out their stops and spend the day exploring the participating studios and galleries at their own pace.
With fall foliage adding another attraction along the way, Fitchburg Open Studios offers a distinctly local way to spend an autumn weekend – discovering art, meeting the people who create it and seeing the creative side of the region firsthand.
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