LYNN — When Kirsten Bassion opened The Clay School in 2005, she persuaded fellow artists in the Lydia Pinkham Building on Western Avenue to open their studios to the public on the same day. About 100 visitors showed up to look at and buy the work of some 10 artists.
On Saturday and Sunday, nearly 60 artists/craftspeople and 40 studios will take part in the 14th annual Lydia Pinkham Open Studios. Last year, more than 2,000 art lovers attended the event, which takes place on the building’s four floors, and Bassion anticipates a larger crowd will visit this weekend.
“It’s a wonderful chance to meet talented artists and buy some unique holiday gifts,” said Bassion. “There will be handmade items, gourmet specialties, artist demonstrations and our excellent new onsite restaurant, Uncommon Feasts Cafe, will prepare lunch boxes.” Lynn Girl Scout Troop 86287 will set up a table of baked goods for sale.
The growth of Open Studios coincided with the creation and curating of a website and social media sites by Kyle Day, of KD Ceramic Design, and his wife Kim Allison, a full-time potter.
Bonnie Garaventi, a potter who studied at The Clay School, said: “I’m obsessed. I asked for a table last year, and this year Kirsten came to me and said, ‘You’ll need a table this year. Right?’ It’s a great opportunity for budding artists to show their art.”
Tim Hansen of Digs Enamels said the Open Studios “is a great showcase for some amazing artists. It’s nice to see the development and growth of this event, and the high quality of art that is created here. People want to be part of it. We support each other, and we’re always hiding out in each other’s studios.”
There will also be a series of demonstrations and talks both days. Photographer Patricia Scialo will show how to make a pinhole camera, music teacher Brad Alderman of North Shore Piano Studio will play, and Family Stories Through Art will share the story of how the Museum of the World’s Smallest Pencils came to be.
Lydia Pinkham Open Studios, 271 Western Ave., Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission and free parking (on the street or at nearby Lynn English High School, 50 Goodridge St.). The building has two elevators, but is not fully handicap-accessible. For details and information about participating artists and businesses, go to www.lydiapinkhamopenstudios.com.
