History Of Open Studio Hartford
"Open Studio Weekend" began in 1989, formed by a handful of artists most of whom relied on the sale of artwork as their sole income. They combined efforts to promote their art and support one another. Inspired by this small group, the growing live-in artist community forming at the Colt Building and more art studios on Arbor Street, by the 5th year, the participation had grown to 50 local artists.
In 1996, Spring Open Studio Weekend was introduced and the inclusion of “visiting” artists was accepted - meaning those artists that lived outside of Hartford could join and show their work in group spaces or in corridors of various venues. That year, there were over 60 artists that came to show in a raw space under the Colt Dome. The event continued to grow with the opening of ArtSpace Hartford. It was a very exciting time for "Hartford Artists' Open Studio Weekend" drawing the attention of the media. In 2003, Artists in Real Time, Inc. (ART) was formed and received its 501(c)(3) non-profit status. The event now known as "Open Studio Hartford" is ART's major undertaking.
25th Anniversary
Click here to see the 25th Anniversary Video RetrospectiveProduced by Connecticut Public Broadcasting
Open Studio Hartford Today - Turning 35 in 2024
OSH is a free, city-wide event, now with events throughout the month of November, starting with a popular Kick-Off Reception, Group Show, Performance Art Weekend and now, two Open Studio Weekends. The city is divided into two sections and each weekend offers completely different artists and venues opening their art studios, galleries, educational institutions, art-related businesses and other creative group locations to the public. It is a collaboration designed to promote the local arts community, the artists themselves and their work and to bring people into the neighborhoods of our capital city for an enjoyable, educational and inspiring event.
OSH has become an event that the artists and the public anticipate. Pre-pandemic in 2019, it had grown to to 400 artists that specialize in any and all genres and a range of media including painting, sculpture, murals, jewelry, pottery, fiber arts, graphic design, digital art, video, interactive installations, etc. Musicians, dancers, poets and other artists perform as well.
The return of OSH took place in the Spring of 2023. It featured four venues and introduced Parkville Market as a unique exhibit space. In November 2024, OSH has worked its way back toward the "arts extravaganza" it has been known to be! Stayed tuned for more exciting information.
Click here to see the 25th Anniversary Video Retrospective produced by CT Public Broadcasting!