General Event Information
2017 Exhibits and Events
Somerville Open Studios
It's here! The 19th annual Somerville Open Studios (SOS).
Over 340 local artists
are opening their studios and workshops to the public this weekend.
All SOS events and locations are entirely free. There's no charge. There's no catch. Just come experience art and be part of the community!
Saturday + Sunday, May 6 + 7, Noon - 6 pm
Artist Directory
Preview selected sites Friday, May 5, 6-9pm
Friday Artists
or try out our
Mobile Optimized Artist Directory
For 2017, our Somerville Museum show has a new name: SOS First Look.
We are also bringing back the Beyond the Pattern Fashion Show after a year's hiatus.
For a complete calendar view, see our Visitor Calendar page.
SOS First Look Exhibit
April 23 - May 19, 2017
Opening Reception: Sunday, April 23, 4-6:30 pm
Somerville Museum 1 Westwood Road (map)
The SOS First Look Exhibit offers the best opportunity to preview the studios and artists' work. All SOS participating artists are invited to submit work, creating a group show that is unparalleled in diversity and excitement. Come to SOS First Look to plan your weekend.
On Saturday and Sunday of SOS weekend, the First Look Exhibit opens an hour before the rest of SOS.
SOS weekend hours (May 4-7): Thursday 2-7 pm, Friday 2-9 pm, Regular hours: Thursday 2-7pm, Friday 2-5 pm, Saturday noon-5pm
April 10 - May 12, 2017 Opening Reception: Wednesday, April 12, 6-8 pm
Diesel Cafe, 257 Elm St, Davis Square (map) SOS is created and run by scores of fantastic volunteers from within and around our community.
The Volunteer Show highlights work from this dedicated, civic-minded group of artists in Davis Square's
popular and locally owned Diesel Cafe.
This year's show features 73 works of art by 50 SOS volunteer-artists both past and present. View it while enjoying tasty Forge Bakery treats from our friends
at Diesel and perusing your SOS map booklet. Diesel Cafe is open Monday-Friday 6 am - 10 pm, Saturday and Sunday 7 am - 10 pm. April 3 - May 8, 2017 Sidewalk Reception: Thursday, April 20, 5:30-7:30 pm
CVS, One Davis Square (map) Stroll by the CVS window in Davis Square, and stop to enjoy an exhibition by first-time SOS artists. Artists share their style and story in this highly visible art show, on view 24/7 through the month of April and the weekend of Open Studios. This year's Inside-OUT artists are Adam Adkison - Artist, Adrianne Mathiowetz Photography, Susan Altman, Nick Carlisle, Heather Glista, Sarah Hirsch, David Hochbaum, Mirela Kulovic, Adam LoRusso, Michele O'Brien, Jess Romeo, Nicholas Shectman, Karl Stephan, Matt Williams, and Chloe Wilwerding. NEW for SOS 2017! Behold the doughnut. Two glorious ounces of glistening goodness.
Twisted, glazed, iced, filled, topped, or naked, it has been portrayed in various mediums since its (American) invention in the late 18th century. The oozing, dripping, delectable delight is made from flour, sugar, eggs, and milk; but SOS 2017 Donut Art can be made from any medium that can be hung on the wall of Union Square Donuts. Union Square Donuts is open Monday-Friday 7am-1pm, Saturday and Sunday 7am-3pm.
May 1-14, 2017 Cupcake Reception: Sunday, May 14, 3-5 pm Arts at the Armory Cafe, 191 Highland Ave. (map) Work by the littlest of Somerville's Future Artists.
For information on this show, including how to submit art, see the SOS Kids page. April 27 - May 27, 2017 #RESIST is an exhibition of art that speaks to the current political climate in the United States and elsewhere. Themes explored range from alt facts to coal mining to sanctuary cities and more. SOS weekend hours (May 4-7): Thursday and Friday 6-8 pm, Saturday and Sunday noon-6 pm More information on the Nave Annex's #RESIST page Under Primping, a performance/installation by Samantha Fields: April 27 - May 27, 2017 The beauty of creation and the mysteries of the universe form the foundation of many works of art. Whether the artist is capturing the glory of a sunset, or exploring fables and folklore, enchantment is a forceful muse. This large group exhibition of Brickbottom Artists Association member art includes painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture and mixed media. SOS weekend hours (May 4-7): Thursday and Friday 12-5 pm, Saturday and Sunday noon-6 pm More information on Brickbottom Gallery's Myth & Magic page Saturday, May 6, 7:30-9:30 pm The Somerville Arts Council and SCATV present an outdoor ArtsUnion and Cinema Somerville Film Fest as part of SOS weekend.
To celebrate the City of Somerville's 175th Birthday, this year's theme is "Somerville old and new". The short films will be about Somerville or shot in Somerville (showcasing some wonderful neighborhood scenery!).
Films range from fiction, satirical news and cartoons to documentary films celebrating Somerville music, food, politics, history and more! The selection committee plans to screen several short films mixing new submitted footage with vintage clips. The screening will total around 90 minutes.
Thursday, May 4, 2017, 7:30-9 pm A live runway presentation showcasing the dazzlingly diverse work of local artists in fashion and accessories.
See our Beyond the Pattern page for more information.
Tuesday, April 4, 2017, all day; SOS table will be there 5 - 11 pm Eat Tasty Flatbread, Support SOS! A portion of all pizza sales on this day will go to support Somerville Open Studios. SOS artists, volunteers, and the public can pick up the Official SOS 2017 Button at our table starting at 5 pm, and artists can personalize the button with their map numbers. Come and enjoy the company of your favorite SOS artists and volunteers.
Saturday and Sunday 11am-6pm
SOS Volunteer Show
Artworks by Hilary Scott, Rachel Mello, Lyn Brown, and Julie Peck in the SOS 2017 Volunteer Show.
Photo by Ron Newman.
Inside-OUT Gallery at CVS
SOS Donut Art Show
April 15 - May 13 extended to May 19, 2017
Union Square Donuts, 20 Bow Street
2017 Kids' Art Show
SOS member gallery shows
#RESIST
Opening reception: Thursday, April 27, 6-8 pm
Nave Annex, 53 Chester Street
Regular hours: Thursday and Friday 6-8 pm, Saturday 2-6 pm
Myth & Magic
Vox Equalis concert: Saturday, April 29, 7 pm
Opening reception: Sunday, April 30, 4-6 pm
Brickbottom Gallery, One Fitchburg Street
Regular hours: Thursday-Saturday, 12-5 pm
Past events
Cinema Somerville Outdoor Film Fest
Union Square plaza (or SCATV studio in case of inclement weather)
Beyond the Pattern: The SOS Fashion Show
Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave. (map)
Flatbread SOS Fundraiser
Flatbread/Sacco's Bowl-Haven, 45 Day Street, Davis Square (map)
For detailed information about getting to and around Somerville,
visit the Parking and Directions page.