Arts & Entertainment

'Art Walk' Stays True To Its Name

Sunday's event puts the spotlight on local talent.

These days, it’s tough to keep track of the dozens of festivals, markets and celebrations taking place in SoWa. There’s SoWa Sundays and First Fridays, a and a Farmers Market, artist studios and art galleries.

And then there’s Art Walk – an annual event that brings it all together while celebrating the neighborhood’s heart and soul: art.

This Sunday, from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m., over 400 artists will be opening their studios to the public, including mixed-media artist Jessica Burko, who will be offering demonstrations of paper quilt making in her Wareham Street studio.

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For Burko, who doesn't have regular open studio hours, the event is a way to share current projects with the public.

“I love having the occasion to show my work in my own space, and to speak about art and creativity with studio visitors,” Burko wrote in an email. “Art Walk is scheduled each year when spring is blooming and it's a delight to meet new visitors to my studio who are out enjoying the day.”

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Like many artists, Burko has been participating in Art Walk since opening her South End studio in 2005. Each year, the event has gotten progressively bigger, with local restaurants and shops taking advantage of the large crowds.

Michael Kubo, Director of Pinkcomma Gallery, said he's looking forward to being in the center of the action in his gallery's new space on Waltham Street. Pinkcomma, one of 25 galleries participating in the event, will be displaying over 100 colorful design templates in an exhibit entitled ‘Tailoring Form.’

“We are always happy to share the design work displayed in our gallery and architecture office with the public,” Kubo wrote in an email.

Just down the street, is planning a special Art Walk sidewalk sale of merchandise priced at 30-75% off. The one-day sale was organized through a partnership with Washington Gateway Main Streets, which is helping local businesses take advantage of increased foot traffic during the event. Eight shops are offering unique one-day deals through discount cards available at the Washington Gateway office and the SoWa Open Market.

But the event isn't just about profits - artist John Borchard only has two new pieces to show this year, but he's looking forward to gauging the public's reaction to his new style.

"They are always interesting," he said of the event. "[I see] many of the same faces year after year. Quite an art Mecca."


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