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By Laura Drinan
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Needham just seems to exude talent.
For their twentieth anniversary, Needham Open Studios featured the works of over 45 amazing artists that community members could visit and support.
“I think that there’s so much talent in the community,” said Marilyn Brier, creator of Harmony Jewels by Marilyn. She set up her collection of colorful, handmade jewelry at Coldwell Banker, enjoying the opportunity to connect with the community.
“It gives not only the artist a chance to share their skills and the beauty of art, but it is a chance for the community to get to know the artists, their work, and the different kinds of art and creation,” she said. “I think, oftentimes, art can be overlooked, and there are some areas where it’s not really the focus and that art isn’t supported or there aren’t programs. I think that’s what so impressive about Needham: they really support the arts and the artisans.”
Ilene Hoffman, who captures breathtaking moments in nature, set up her prints, framed photographs, and cards at First Baptist Church alongside several other local artists. What fascinated community members was that Hoffman’s photos are primarily shot in Needham. Years ago, she was able to capture photos of sheep at Owen’s Farm, mute swan at the drained Rosemary Lake, and coyote at Needham’s Recycling and Transfer Station.
Her work is often said to focus on the disappearing landscapes, but Hoffman, who founded the Needham Camera Club, has refocused her photography on other subjects, like the friendly green bee, chipmunks, hummingbirds, and Canada geese flying just above the surface of water. She even has amazing shots of a praying mantis.
“It’s nice that we can have this in our town,” said Berline Chao, an artist who specializes in folding origami boxes with stiffened fabric. “We try to keep it up every year, and hopefully we can just get more and more visitors to come. We’re all from Needham; there’s a lot of artists here.”
Bala Muthukaruppan, an artist who creates traditional Indian folk art, has also begun expanding her work because of Needham Open Studios. This year, she added a variety of abstract paintings to her vibrant collection, and has also been working on pamphlet-sized canvases and coasters for those who do not have the space to display larger paintings. Muthukaruppan’s collection included beautifully painted mandalas and acrylic palette knife paintings.
“One of the things that I really like is the fact that people come out for it,” said one of Needham Open Studios’ supporters, Marcy Goldberg. “Especially now with social media, people spend so much time in their own little cocoons and this gets people out and meeting other people.”
“It’s so important,” Brier added. “There really is a need, I think, for art. Art is healing. Art is comforting. And it’s beautiful.”
For information, including contact information, on all of the artists involved this year, visit www.needhamopenstudios.com.
