By Indigo James, Senior Correspondent
BOSTON, MA — June 8, 2025 — The Dorchester Open Studios event at Humphreys Street Studios wrapped up a vibrant weekend celebration of creativity, drawing hundreds of visitors to experience Boston’s thriving and diverse art scene. Hosted over two days, the event opened the doors of one of the city’s most cherished artist collectives, offering the public a unique glimpse into the creative process of more than 40 local artists.
Held on June 7 and 8 from noon to 5:00 PM, this free, family-friendly event welcomed art enthusiasts, community members, and curious newcomers alike. Attendees had the rare opportunity to walk through the studio spaces of painters, sculptors, jewelers, textile designers, and multimedia creators who work year-round within the converted industrial building.
Located in the Uphams Corner neighborhood, Humphreys Street Studios has been a hub for artistic innovation since its founding in 2002. Known for its diverse range of resident artists and commitment to fostering a strong creative community, the studio has played a pivotal role in the cultural fabric of Dorchester.
Event organizer and mixed-media artist Catherine “Cat” Armistead emphasized the significance of opening the studios to the public. “At Humphreys Street Studios, we only open to the public during Open Studios, so it’s a crucial chance for us to connect with our neighbors in Uphams Corner and showcase our work,” she said. “It’s about visibility, community, and making art more accessible.”
A standout feature of this year’s event was the interactive mural project led by Boston-based artists Ananda Toulon and Pheebz Warner, who collaborate under the name Girly Pop. Their mural, displayed prominently outside the studio building, depicted an imaginative windowsill garden where everyday art tools transformed into blooming plants. Community members were encouraged to pick up a brush and paint alongside the artists, symbolizing the collective cultivation of culture and creativity.
Warner described the project’s inspiration: “My motivating phrase is ‘cultivate culture.’ Humphreys Street has so many people from different backgrounds and disciplines. I envisioned a windowsill piece where plants are actually different tools and art materials used in the building. It represents how we grow together as artists and as a community.”
The event offered more than just visual arts. Local musicians performed throughout the weekend, and food trucks lined the block offering everything from Caribbean jerk chicken to vegan tacos. Blacksmith Andrew Good captured the attention of onlookers with live iron-forging demonstrations, while textile artist Miriam Lin ran a hands-on dyeing workshop for kids and adults.
Fashion designer Jahzara Pierre, showcasing her culturally inspired line Jahzara Fashion House, made her Open Studios debut. A Boston native of Haitian descent, Pierre shared how the community at Humphreys Street Studios helped her elevate her brand. “Since moving into the collective last year, I’ve been able to build up my brand and work with more clients. I’m thrilled to participate in Dorchester Open Studios for the first time and hope to ignite the same passion and creativity in all those who visit,” she said.
The success of the event was also felt by the longtime residents of the studio, like sculptor Westy Egmont, who highlighted the importance of visibility for Dorchester’s creative economy. “Dorchester can sometimes feel like a forgotten neighborhood when it comes to arts districts in Boston. We want to highlight emerging artists here and make the invisible visible,” Egmont said. He pointed out that over 10% of the local population is involved in the creative economy, contributing to major institutions and brands around the country.
Attendees left the event not only with art pieces in hand but also with a greater appreciation for the vibrant community of artists living and working in their midst. For many, the Open Studios event served as a bridge between the neighborhood and its artists, fostering ongoing relationships and deeper cultural understanding.
With its successful turnout, rich programming, and emphasis on inclusivity, Dorchester Open Studios set a new standard for community-centered art events in Boston. Organizers expressed enthusiasm for making it an annual tradition, hoping to draw even larger crowds and spotlight more emerging talent in the years to come.
