The Wild, Wild (Metro) West

A CORRIDOR OF CULTURE IN NATICK AND FRAMINGHAM

Easy proximity to Boston by the Framingham/Worcester commuter rail line and major driving Routes 9, 135 and the Massachusetts Turnpike peg these two towns as desirable bedroom communities for commuters. However, a concentration of artists and creative organizers have negated the need for a drive into the city for a dose of culture — re-envisioning the industrial bones of the area as habitats for studios, performance spaces, boutique retail galleries and culinary incubators.

NATICK CENTER CULTURAL DISTRICT

Anchored by a classic, grassy town common capped by a wooden gazebo, the delightfully walkable town center offers quintessential late 19th-century, neo-gothic brick architecture filled with mom-and-pop mainstays and peppered with independent creative businesses.

Just across from the town common, Renew Arts & Industry (19 South Main St.) is a hidden gem for aficionados of Mid-Century Modern design. Wander in to get lost among copious displays of vintage furniture, décor and tableware — plus a thoughtful mix of hand-crafted gifts and objects d’art from regional artists. Renew also features rotating exhibits of fine art, with abstract paintings by Addison Parks and sculpture by Karin Stanley on the calendar for June.

The two-room Gallery 55 (55 South Main St.) operates as both studio and showroom for fine sterling silver jewelry designers John and Sue Ellen Harwood, and as a photo studio for co-owners John Mottern and Anet James. The flexible space hosts exhibitions by primarily local artists. Photography by John Mottern will be featured June 27-July 20.

Meredith Cutler