History of Natick Artists Open Studios

In 2002, a group of Natick artists were brought together by Susan Cohen Thompson, a fellow Natick artist, to organize what has become the Natick Artists Open Studios (NAOS). The group incorporated the following goals to form NAOS:

• Provide a supportive community in which to create a multiplicity of creative visual artists who have diverse experience working in a wide range of mediums

• Invite the community at large to visit artists in their studios to watch them work, ask questions, learn about their art, and provide an opportunity to purchase art directly from artists

• Support collaborations with local schools, organizations and businesses to encourage a broader recognition and appreciation of art in all its forms

Over the next twenty years, artists participating in yearly Open Studios grew in numbers and improved procedures, all while remaining connected to the original goals. Participating artists included wood workers, watercolorists, clay artists, jewelry makers, oil and acrylic painters, glass artists, print makers, pastel artists, fabric creators, and artists who work with paper.

For the first ten years, it was run on a rotating basis by volunteers who served as overall administrators, committee chairs, and on the committees themselves. Appreciation goes to Susan Cohen Thompson, Sylvia Waddell, Carolyn Williams, Paul Pecci, Carol Krentzman, Ginger McEachern, Denise Girardin and Barbara Levine for their admirable efforts during that time. For the last ten years, NAOS has been commendably and tirelessly spearheaded by Deb Sayre and John Holz. Thank you to all for ensuring the ongoing success of NAOS.

Beginning in August 2023, NAOS is under the auspices of the Natick Art Association.

Please join us at this year’s Natick Artists Open Studios in Natick Center and also at neighborhood studios. Enjoy a wide variety of art, meet the artists, learn how they create their work, and experience a world of exciting, fun and memorable art!