Standing tall in Boston’s South End, the SoWa Art and Design District opened their doors yet again for their First Friday event Feb. 7 to celebrate the local Boston artists which allowed people to fully immerse themselves in artists studios.
SoWa serves as a central hub for Boston’s bustling art scene. According to sowaboston.com, the district features more than 20 art galleries in the two-block radius and over 110 art studios between their two studio buildings.
The largest art studio, located at 450 Harrison Ave., houses nearly 100 artists on three floors, giving artists the space to bring their artwork to life.
On the first Friday of every month, SoWa invites the public to explore their art studios and view the work of local talent. They also offer new food trucks every month, gallery talks and a chance to browse through their vintage market.
This event provides an opportunity for the public to engage with Boston’s art scene, while showcasing how SoWa has created an environment for local artists to thrive.
Rachel Brask, a fairly new artist at SoWa, said she enjoys the community it creates. She designs paintings that she calls “rain art” and has felt the support not only through SoWa, but with Boston art-enthusiasts.
“I’ve had more access to interact with the public, than I would just in my home studio,” said Brask.
She never thought art would become the centerpiece of her life. With her unwavering support at SoWa, she has never felt more confident in the path of her life.
“I’ve sold some paintings that I didn’t think would sell because I kept them in a closet, but everyone loves different things,” said Brask.
For Abu Mwenye, having his artwork showcased at SoWa has been a dream for over 15 years. He went from being a Boston art enthusiast to a successful Boston artist who now has two studios, one housed in SoWa, the other in Worcester. Mwenye mixes paintings and jewelry. He carefully places his handcrafted beaded necklaces and bracelets onto his works to add a 3D effect. Through his work he pays homage to African culture.
Mwenye tested out many other career options before joining the art scene fully, but nothing made him feel more like himself except for his craft.
“Art allowed me to be myself, and I love being myself,” said Mwenye.
Ever since he opened up his first studio space in 2017, Mwenye said he has not stopped creating and it has become his lifestyle. His new SoWa studio, which he shares with another Boston artist, is just another step in his journey. With SoWa’s immense community support, Mwenye hopes to make it to New York City, where he can show the world what his art is capable of.
Mwenye said it took some time to get off of the waitlist, but he finds it worthwhile due to the friendships he has made with other artists and SoWa enthusiasts along the way.
Cécile Ganne, on the other hand, took after her grandmother’s influence when it came to art, but it took her quite some time to break into the scene. With SoWa being a centerpiece of Boston’s art scene, she appreciates the entire art studio complex. Now, she has the opportunity to showcase her contemporary paintings to all of Boston.
“I think the community is superb, everyone is doing their thing, but it’s always nice to be a part of a bigger hole,” said Ganne.
She said the only way to make it big in the art scene is to work hard every day, but take every piece of your work at a time, only then it will pay off.
Despite differing art styles, one thing these artists all share is their love for the community.
With SoWa First Friday events, and now being open on Sundays, they invite people to walk in and appreciate the art of Boston. It may be difficult to see an art scene in Boston otherwise, but SoWa artists stay here with open arms to those interested.
From the outside, SoWa may look like every other red-brick building in Boston. However, stepping inside transports guests into a vibrant world filled with color and thought-provoking pieces.
Artists like Brask, Mwenye or Ganne, seem to all appreciate the love and passion formed at SoWa. Whether they have their art pieces in major galleries or not, they all come together to share a common passion; their love for art.
