Nothing brings me more joy than being able to see what other loyal art laborers have for exhibit. The old button factory has since been converted into a labyrinth of artist studios(inspiration, color, and life around each corner). Once a year, the artists open their studios and exhibit their work to the public… ~~OPENSTUDIOS is usually the first weekend of December(2011: DECEMBER3 and 4, 2011OPENSTUDIOS! 11−5pm!!!) admission fee 0 $~~ *Several of the artists offer classes(painting, sculpting, quilting, etc). *My favorite studios to visit: Emma Ashby(an increeedible wax artist — her work breaths life and brightness), Erin A. Ellis(an aspiring childrens book illustrator who has created this adorable creature: the chubbikin), Jen Murray(wonderfully talented photographer — — - great to keep in mind for wedding planning couples, or collectors of unique prints), Sarah Minor(painter of canvas floor cloths), and Roger Goldenberg(crazy awesome, 3-dimensional paintings!). *For SALE!!! Yes, some works are a bit… costly, but these are pieces which will last a lifetime(and then another… and another). Spread the love, invest in art! Just when the holidays are shifting into fourth gear, it’s a wonderful way to spend an early-December morning. Great(brilliant!) people, a unique space, and(of course) enough artistic eye candy to light your own wee inspiration candle.
Don W.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Biddeford, ME
The Button Factory Studios are a collection of artist studios about ½ mile from downtown Portsmouth. It’s not the only mill building to be converted into artist’s studios, but I think they’ve done the best job. More than any other similar building, when I’m walking through the halls of this place I just want to chuck it all and pretend that I can paint. Or draw. Or make furniture. Or maybe jewelry. You get the idea. Just being around all of the creativity in this building(actually several buildings) is habit forming and I want to be a part of it. Every year they have a weekend called Open Studios. Many of the artists open their studios to the public and other artists rent space in the hallways, and they’d all be happy to sell you whatever they’ve made. Since this is during the holidays and it’s in a fairly artsy community, it’s popular. Parking is horrible, it’s hot inside, and you won’t get anywhere in a hurry because of the crowds, but the stuff you’ll see is amazing. I have no idea what the day to day issues of working in this space are. I don’t know if the owner keeps on top of things, I don’t know who pays the heat or picks up the trash. All I know is that this space is one of the coolest and most creative spots in a very cool and creative city, and there’s a waiting list to get in so having a studio here is probably a terrific thing.
