Firefly Out in the World! Somerville Open Studios

As part of our efforts for year-round community engagement, Firefly Arts Collective artists recently participated in SOS, Somerville Open Studios.  Read more about this event, and how to get involved with other Firefly plans through the summer and autumn!

[“Firefly Boxes” and “Tarot Cards” (hanging), “Dancing Blobs” (on railing)]

SOS is an annual citywide event that provides the public with opportunities to experience the breadth of visual art created by people living and working in Somerville. Through open studios, exhibitions, and community engagement, SOS encourages visitors not only to view finished works, but also to interact directly with artists, encounter creative processes, and engage with the diverse artistic communities that shape the city.

The event reflects a strong commitment to accessibility, public education, and an expansive understanding of what visual art can be. This year marked FAC’s first participation in the Somerville Museum “First Look” exhibition, where our collaborative piece Burner Art Models highlighted Firefly art installations and previewed several works featured during open studio weekend.

The exhibition introduced local audiences to participatory Burner art while helping connect FAC artists with the broader Somerville arts community. It also created opportunities for meaningful public engagement around interactive art, volunteerism, creative collaboration, and the kinds of civic-minded community building that often happen behind the scenes within Burner spaces.

[“First Look” show display: Burner Art Models]

During Open Studio weekend, FAC transformed our studio space, Somerville Dojo, into a public-facing gallery showcasing Burner art in context. This featured work from multiple community artists alongside in situ photographs of the artwork installed at regional events and Burns, interactive prompts, and opportunities for visitors to engage directly with the pieces. 

Throughout the event, visitors were able to learn more about participatory arts culture and connect with artists about the process of building installations of large-scale collaborative work. The weekend was a chance to share the mission of FAC outside of regional camping events and Burns: building collaborative, participatory, community-centered art experiences year-round while strengthening positive relationships with our neighbors, local arts organizations, and the wider Somerville creative community. Huge thanks to everyone who helped exhibit, volunteer, hang out in the space, and represent the community so thoughtfully. 

[“A friend in the dark” (L), “Elvis” (C), “Manic Mirror” (R)]

If you’re excited to help build (or participate in) Firefly events throughout this summer and autumn, please get in touch with the Events Committee at events@fireflyartscollective.org!