SoWa Art + Design District

This is an excellent spot to shop local art and meet the artists. We visited on a Sunday when many of the studios were open because of the SoWa open market outside, so we got to see a wide variety of art. There’s a mix of painting, sculpture, jewelry, textile arts, and more at a range of different price points, so we enjoyed looking through all three floors of galleries.

Went on a Sunday and also took a look at the artists studios. Absolutely amazing and loved it! You can buy artists work directly from them and meet the artists as well! There is also a vintage market! Such a wonderful hub for artists!

We visited here after most shops had closed (5pm), and luckily some were still open! They have many small businesses which custom make their products which is fantastic, but they were not within my budget. And they have countless art studios where artists display their works and you can view them through the window. The downstairs displays were all open, and we could view the contemporary pieces from up close. The ladies were very nice and the pieces were interesting to view.

A must visit. The people, food, atmosphere, art galleries and so much more... all great. Recommend you visit Debby Krim whose work spans photography, jewelry, and also painting. Cedric Harper from Haiti (suite 213) is also worth a visit. His contemporary view of technology is quite eye opening and do ask him about where he gets his inspiration. His journey is inspiring. Parking is tough but it’s worth it! Don’t forget he food trucks that are nearby which is a nice edition.

Most of the galleries were open Saturday between 12-4pm. The museums are closed so I wanted to hang-out in this art district. The galleries have awesome artists and their collections. The gallery owners are very polite and they need more people traffic especially in these covid days...

A tourist attraction on Harrison Ave between E Berkeley St and Randolph St. Sweet food booths, boutique kiosks, handicraft souvenir tables, studios displayed artist works, restaurants and many more lined up along the alley. At the end of the alley is the food court, bakery, and farmer market with local produces. On Sunday morning the place is packed with people.

Great place to get inspired and also to buy affordable art. The Artist's on Friday Open house were very open to talking about their processes Sorin Bica you were very interesting to talk to! Thank you for spending time with us.

There are some majory talented people who are creating here. I had the pleasure of talking to several artists during my visit and thoroughly enjoyed learning more about their process/methods.

I came here for an evening and was blown away by the amount of raw talent in our city. I checked out 2 full floors but was unable to see everything because there were so many studios to see. This is a really special piece of Boston, and it almost feels magical to witness so many creative minds in the same building. It's worth your time to check it out. Apparently they also have a parking lot filled with food trucks so it's a perfect date, romantic or with friends.

Honestly I was expecting more from this market considering it's an award winning market. There weren't much food vendors to eat on the spot, maybe at most 3? It was mostly artisan products like hummus, honey, salsa etc. There are two sides, one selling food the other selling artwork and crafts. The surrounding buildings contain art galleries and a vintage underground market selling clothes and nicknacks. It was disappointing to see lack of food vendors and the size of market. I finished this place within 1 hour.

SOWA artist guild is a beautiful collection of fine artists and craftsmen at 450 Harrison Ave in the South End of Boston. There is a building full of working artist studios, including designers, painters, sculptors, textile artists and much more. On the ground level there are also a bunch of galleries featuring the best of contemporary art, next to taking a trip to the Institute of Contemporary Art. I recommend Samson Projects and Anthony Greany Gallery (recently turned Acme Fine Art), as the best galleries to view the more progressive offerings in the Boston area. Samson Projects hosts many New York, and Internationally know artists. First Friday open studios are held the first Friday of every month, and are always an excellent activity to bring a group of guests to showcase the local culture, and serve as a jumping off point for an evening out in the South End. Closest public transportation is the Silver line, second is the Orange Line Tufts Medical Stop.

Head just South of Washington to discover the SOWA artists guild, a building of over 50 artists and 15 galleries dedicated to fostering Boston art scene and helping artists connect with the public! Galleries are open everyday, but make sure to stop by on the first Friday of every month for "First Fridays" when all the artists are in their galleries just waiting to show you their work. It makes a great "cultured date" to head here and out in the neighboring South End afterwards. Don't leave without checking Wayne in booth #224 in what he calls "the original Frankenstein's laboratory" full of crazy blown glass that is filled with gases to create electric sculptures that turn colors with human contact or electrical current! The one the flashed between beauty and truth was my favorite! Remind you of a WAAAAY cooler version of something you might find at Spencer's gift? Yeah, he actually made some of the ones they sold!

Really love first Fridays at the SOWA guild. There are always a wide range of studios open and you get a glimpse of painting, photography, weaving, and artisan jewelry. The artists are all very friendly and usually they put out candy and snacks to welcome visitors. It's different every time and with the mix of galleries and interesting stores -- a lovely area to visit. Easy T -- silver line access via the SL5, the stop is East Berkeley, just cross the street and follow East Berkeley up to Harrison Ave.

Very good getaway for entire family. If you get there early enough and go inward in back there is plenty of street parking here and there which is HIGHLY unusual for boston. Be careful to read all signs carefully two or three times before parking or you will get a taste of Boston that might ruin the fair experience. Plenty of nice little restaurants within walking distance. Dog park nearby.

First Friday was awesome. We started off inside 450 - at the smaller studios. While the art was interesting.. and perhaps it was because we were there earlier in the evening - it kind of felt like an awkward high school party. We knew we didn't really belong - the artists knew as well (with a few exceptions) - and there wasn't much wine to remedy the situation. Alas, we decided to go outside to head home and realized the larger spaces on the exterior of the building. This was more of what I imagined the evening to be like (more like the Thursdays in SF). Free wine, awesome art, and a decent crowd. I look forward to going back next month.

First Fridays at SoWa are magical! The combination of art and artists and art appreciators (and wine and cheese and fruit ...) makes you feel like you're part of a community of people who are slighter cooler, but not in a snobby way. It is perfect for people who can't afford art. On a monthly basis you can go stare at your favorite pieces and hang out in your favorite studios for a few hours. Strike up conversations with other imaginary-art-owners or the artists or their mom. I highly recommend stopping by in any season, any weather. You could easily make it a date, an outing with friends, or a nice place to take your parents when they're in town.

I am not an artist, but I do appreciate art. My roommate however is an artist and without her talent we would live in a white box. So it's Saturday morning, we're bored and onto yelp we go. What do we find AN ART FESTIVAL, not only an art festival, a really really cool one! Even I liked it! Okay so - Get on the T, off at Broadway, cross under 93, walk by the kinda sketch Pine Street Inn and hang a left, walk fast... Absolutely amazing. Our favorites for the day Vivian Pratt, her work will blow your mind... Literaly blow it up... Peter Urban, he will make you think and George Shaw's bridge photos made me the rower think.... The farmer's market looked good, but I wasn't amazed. The artist guild craft fairy market area, whatever you want to call it, was pretty cool. I was complaining about the prices, but my roomie justified, Artists need to make a living too.... Keep reading my reviews for our lunch we feasted on later... PS - They have an antique warehouse, I thought was lame, but should be mentioned... Okay summary - It's the weekend, you're not sure what to do, check this place out. It's definitely kid, dog, first date friendly... Actually if you are a dude and you want to impress your artsy girl, bring her here....

Ah, SOWA. At 450 Harrison Ave, you're ultra close to the Gaslight, Hamersley's Bistro, Rocca, re-introducing my inspiration to explore the area's restaurants with fervor! Like Morgan F suggested, SOWA would definitely make a great cultured date spot (free to enter but art pieces are soooo expensive, but tempting nonetheless). Followed by a dinner date nearby, how suiting?! BIKE THERE You're not far from Boston Common, SOWA. By bike, the best way to head there is to take Tremont Street south through the theatre district, which turns into Shawmut Street. Cross over I-90 and take a left on East Berkley for one block (in reverse!). Hang a right on Washington Street to get yourself back in the right direction, left on Perry St, and left on Harrison. Bike racks available on the path to the gallery entrance at 450Harrison. Of course, if you're me, you could always take the most roundabout route possible, explore the dead end/one way streets of the South End, hit Mass Av, realize you've gone too far, and completely back track on Harrison (heart racing - there are some local ghettos in this area). ART THERE On First Fridays, join hundreds who put on their art hats and explore the galleries (open from 5-9 PM) seeking studios serving cheap wine (or champagne!) - not me, of course. I go to be injected with education on the artists' techniques! Encaustic, scrape-aways, wire bending, acrylic on glass, fantabulous hats, and beautiful bags! ...And alcohol. It's funny how, if there's a lot of people in a studio, you can anticipate there being some form of alcohol or food available. Now, that's a technique I can appreciate! =) In all honesty, the artists' are, for the most part, inviting, friendly, willing to answer your boring questions, eclectic, and undoubtedly talented individuals. And all of the rooms offer a diversity of techniques that are sure to inspire anyone.

First Fridays is an awesome monthly event and I would like to give kudos to whomever thought of it. Get there early if you really want the free wine and nibbles that the artists offer but remember, they are artists and not made of money so don't be greedy. When you walk by the artists guild during the day, it doesn't look like much. SOWA, the area it's in, isn't very pleasing to the eyes. But at night, at least on First Fridays, it's beautiful. They light up the little alley between the buildings and you can just see all the people swarming around, admiring all the creativitiy. I'm definitely going to return next month as my friend and I had only allotted about 45 minutes to perusing before our 8pm dinner reservations at Gaslight. 45 minutes got us around 1 floor of studios so definitely alott more time to the event to get an even better experience.

This is a great place to go for an introduction to the artist community in Boston! If you have never been here before, go on the First Friday of the month when all the galleries are open for new visitors to check out! I finally went to this for the first time last week, and had a great time! It's fun to check out new art while sampling wine & cheese. And, if you think you aren't 'into' art or can't afford it, you won't feel out of place at this event. Its the perfect time to show off your art appreciation skills, learn about new art mediums or techniques, and meet new people! Don't think about going, just go! :D

I've been twice, once in March and once in October. I saw an ad on the local TV station about it so I decided to go alone the first time, rather than drag someone else out in case it wasn't a good event. I had a lot of fun, I drank a lot of FREE wine and ate a lot of FREE snacks from each of the rooms. The artist are very nice and will answer any questions. One guy remembered me 7 months later, so they really are attentive and care about their customers. I bought a necklace from the "wire guy" in March, unfortunately it was $15 cheaper when I went in October. In October I went with one of my girl friends and we enjoyed the wine and snacks and looked at the art. I bought a beautiful headband at the "galvanized lady". I really enjoyed it, it's great to go to alone, with a friend, or even a date. There are local places to eat like Rocca's a few feet away after feeling sick of eating too many snacks and not a real meal.

Mark your calendars for the first friday of every month because things come alive here at 450 Harrison Ave....the wine is flowing, the art is inspiring and the crowd is bustling. Great way to start the weekend!

I went to First Friday at the beginning of the month and loved it! It was my chance to be all fancy shmancy without actually having to know much about art or have enough money to buy it. Not only do most of the artists open their workspace during this event, but the actual galleries around there are also open. Hours are from 5PM-9PM. make sure to show up early before all the wine is gone!!

hated it. unless you like endless rows of tents selling cliche jewelry and prints then this isnt the market for you.

I do love first fridays here. Various artists are offering wine and everyone is just hanging out. I wish there was more of a festive air of people out for a joyous evening, but I love the artists and the people watching is to die for. Most of the artists just want to chat about their work. We met one guy that had some great pieces and told him if we ever one the lottery, we'd come back for one. He offered us a beer and told us we should just print out one of his pictures from his website. It was pretty funny. All in all a lovely outing and a great neighborhood tradition.

Even in the dead of the winter, the First Friday event was full of artists sharing their creative spirits and personalities with us. It was my first time attending and I look forward to going back, perhaps when the 6 feet of snow has melted. We hear that there is a farmer's market nearby seasonally and that often there is music played nearby , those would surely make the whole experience even more complete. We arrived right at 5, and simply started on a self-guided tour through the building looking for open doors, beautiful work and cheerful places. You can't help but pick out favorites as you go through, and sometimes that means a purchase, and more often for me a mental note, so I can come back when I'm ready for a real art purchase.

This was a fun place to run through on a free weekend day. Many local shops bring their arts, crafts and foods. Here is not the place though for deal hunting. Lots of talented merchants here so if your looking to jazz up your living area, here is the place to come.

In the interest of full disclosure, I'm one of the SOWA Artists Guild members in 450 Harrision Ave -- I am a jeweler, and I share my studio (#203) with a lovely and talented handbag designer. I LOVE the vibrant and colorful crowd that comes through our door every First Friday. My only regret is that I don't have more time to explore other artists' studios. Come visit!

wow! after reading all those positive review i decided to go check it out... i started from the top floor & make my way down to each floors... most of the artists from the top floor ignored me when i walked into their studios to check out their art works... their art work are amazing (that's why i'm giving them 2 stars for their art works) but it was weird vibe as soon as i walked into their studios... their conversations stop w/whomever was there before me.... when u stop talking & looked toward my direction u could at least say "welcome" or just simple "hi" would be good.. none of that happen... looked toward my direction & went back to their conversation... (*not all of the artists did that but it was enough to ruin the experience*) but it did get better on the other floors...some of the artists were really friendly & talked about their art works... (that's why i'm giving an extra 1 star)...overall experience could have been better i was a bit disappointed... would i return? probably not unless i'm grabbing dinner in the neighborhood & i have some time to kill...