I am writing this review based on the South Boston Open Studios that gives the public, twice year, the opportunity to meander the halls of this old building turned artist live/work space.
This is one of my all time favorite Boston free activities. Two years in a row I've ventured over to Southie, walking from the Broadway T stop, to find this gem. Inside, you are greeted with countless open doors where the art ranges from classic watercolors of New England scenes to massive interactive sound pieces that you can experience first hand. I love the sheer variety of work at the Distillery. You really get a sense of the diversity of the Boston art scene, one that spans young to old and from craft to abstract and sculptural.
The open studios is run superbly well too. Once you enter you are greeted with maps and information from a friendly face. All you have to do is follow the colored ribbons to get through the tour and see everything.
Best of all, you also get a chance to see the art in context; the homes of the artists, which are almost as fun to see as the art itself, provide a unique opportunity to consider art as a process than a static object in a museum or gallery. And all the artists are more than open to talk with you not only about their art but what it is like to live in the Distillery and to be part of the Boston art scene. read more