New Bedford’s Hatch Street Open Studios Event Is May 18-19

If you like spending a few hours browsing in local art studios, then the Hatch Street Spring Open Studios and Sale in New Bedford is the place to be on May 18 and 19.

The Hatch Street artist community, numbering about 65 artists, will open their studio and gallery doors to the public next Saturday and Sunday.

The Hatch Street Studios are located at 88-90 Hatch Street, in a 100-year-old former textile mill in the North End of New Bedford.

Two painters, Lori Bradley and Heather Stivison, joined Townsquare Sunday to preview the event.

Both said the Open Studio event is a great experience for artists and visitors.

"When I see visitors who attend the Open Studio and they have the chance to really engage with artists, they get a sense of the environment of where the work is created, and so they are much more interested, and for me as an artist, the feedback is outstanding," Stivison said.

Visitors are invited to tour artist studios, watch demonstrations, take part in workshops, enjoy live music and purchase unique gifts and fine art. The artwork includes paintings, pottery, woodworking, photographs, fabric art, sculpture and more.

Bradley said she enjoys the atmosphere the old factory building provides.

"Our landlord just put in new windows," she said. "They're bright, they're beautiful, but the rest of the building still has its old charm, which people like."

A reminder, if you are attending the Hatch Street Open Studios, you might want to wear comfortable shoes. There are four floors of studios to visit and lots of stairs. There is also a freight elevator in the building with an experienced operator to get you from floor to floor.

Hours for the Hatch Street Open Studios and Sale is Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday the 19th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you would like your organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please email the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.