East Boston Artist Group Holiday Open House set for Saturday

Artist June Krinsky-Rudder during last year's East Boston Artist Group's Holiday Open House. This year's open house is set for Saturday at noon.

Artist June Krinsky-Rudder during last year’s East Boston Artist Group’s Holiday Open House. This year’s open house is set for Saturday at noon.

Some argue that the sign of a strong community is a strong art scene. Over the past two decades East Boston has become a mecca of visual and performance art with the East Boston Artist Group (EBAG), Zumix, the Veronica Robles Cultural Center, HarborArts and the Institute of Contemporary Art all contributing the fabric of the artist community here.

Each year the EBAG’s Open Studios draws hundreds of people to there group’s building at 80 Border St., renovated over a decade ago by the East Boston Community Development Corp. The building is unlike any other art gallery or studio in Boston. Here the building balances unique workspace for artists with a fine gallery in which to display local art shows with weekly, monthly and annual events to embrace community participation and support.

Four years a few of the EBAG artists got together with the idea of expanding the Open Studios concept during the holiday season. Since 2013 the EBAG’s Holiday Open House has been a great opportunity for art fans and artists to connect during the holidays. While providing resident artists with the chance to meet new people and sell some art the Open House has also been an oasis for those searching for the perfect holiday gift for someone special.

On Saturday, Dec. 2 the EBAG will host the 4th Annual Holiday Open House at 80 Border St. from 12 to 6 p.m.

Artist June Krinsky-Rudder explained this year, thanks to the generosity of the Institute for Contemporary Art and the Boston Ballet,  EBAG  will hold a raffle to benefit the Art Department of East Boston High School. Raffle tickets will be sold on site for $5 each or 5 for $20 with all proceeds to the art high school’s art department. Also Boston Ballet has generously donated four vouchers good for tickets to the iconic Nutcracker Ballet and the ICA has donated a one-year membership to the raffle.

“We are thrilled to support East Boston Artist Group as they raise funds for East Boston High School art programs,” said Deputy Director of Public Engagement and Planning for the ICA Kelly Gifford. “Supporting teen arts education is core to the ICA’s mission, and we look forward to working with the East Boston community in many ways as we prepare to join the community with the opening of the Watershed in the East Boston Shipyard and Marina next summer.” 

Boston Ballet’s Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen encouraged attendees to join in the raffle to support art in the neighborhood.

“Whether they’re seeing it again or for the first time, The Nutcracker inspires and delights audiences of all ages with its beloved score, exquisite sets and costumes, and spectacular dancing,” said Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen. “It is the cornerstone of classical ballet and the perfect way to start an exploration into the art of ballet and dance. It is also a great opportunity for growth within the Company because it is a technically challenging production that allows dancers to explore a variety of new roles and characters.”

For tickets call Diane Modica for tickets at 617 567 7200.

Atlantic Works Building, 80 Border Street is located along the harbor, a short walk from the Maverick Square T stop on the Blue Line. Free Parking is available at the Atlantic Works building and along Border Street.

For additional information, please check the artist studios website at www.eastbostonartistsgroup.org.

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