Roxbury Open Studios

By Nakia Hill

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In its 10th year, it's fair to say that Roxbury Open Studios is one of the most slept on events in the city. The event features talent such as Kristian Roman—a homeless graffiti artist turned graphic designer—showing his gloss and altered graphic work. Photographer Derek Lumpkins will showcase his Flower and Dudley Square series. Michelle Green, known for her famous gift boxes, will display handmade mosaic mirrors. Textile artist Gloretta Baynes, poet Askia Toure, designer Isaura-Noemi Brito and sculptor Walter B. Clark are a few more of the 170 artists participating. "I wish this event had more press," says Green. "I wish more people understood that this is not just a community art festival, it's an all-people festival." With venues from Egleston to Brigham Circle, ROS is also co-sponsoring a walking tour [Sat 10.4.08. Dillaway-Thomas House, 183 Roxbury St., Roxbury. 617.427.1006. 1pm-2:30pm/$5. discoverroxbury.org] with Discover Roxbury, conducted by Candelaria Silva, one of the organizers of this year's event. "Unfortunately, a lot of people overlook Roxbury in favor of the 'traditional' arts hot spots," says Lumpkins. "The combination of street, emerging and experienced artists gives ROS a dynamic that is sometimes missing in some of the other open studios. And, with so many artists of color, the variety of artwork in ROS reflects a wide range of cultures and interests."

[Roxbury Open Studios. Sat-Sun 10.4.08-10.5.08. 11am-6pm/free. Various locations, Roxbury. 617.541.3900. ros.xbuild.com]