THE MUST-SEE FESTIVAL GUIDE

by Sarah Frichey

Living up to its trademark, “an exhibition the size of a city,” this year’s New Haven City Wide Open Studios festival has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to discover new talent, get your hands dirty in a workshop, tour studios with a museum curator, explore projects relating to the festival’s theme or experience something entirely new, this guide features six tailored routes, making sure you hit all the right spots.

The key to navigating these venues is knowing how they’re organized. The festival is produced and presented by Artspace, a 30-year-old non-profit exhibition and program space, with the support of participating artists and volunteers. Most of the action takes place over three weekends in October.

From October 10-11, 180 artists install pop-up workspaces in the historic Goffe Street Armory (290 Goffe St).

From October 17-18, 50 local artists open their private studios in New Haven, North Haven, Westville and Hamden.

From October 25-26, 120 artists open their year-round studios at Erector Square (315 Peck St.).

The festival kicks off on Friday, October 2, with an opening reception and exhibition at Artspace (50 Orange St.) that features one work by each artist. As day turns to night, the energy moves outdoors, as an awe-inspiring exhibi- tion of light installations, videos and projections illuminate the streets. With the majestic fall landscape as backdrop, October in New Haven is the season for art and adventure.

To read more, pick up a copy of our latest issue! Click here to find a pick-up location near you or Subscribe Here.