Archived News & Events

More than 700 enthusiastic visitors spent a glorious weekend (November 9th & 10th) at the National Historic Landmark, ‘Fenway Studios,’ as the artists welcomed everyone into their creative work and living studio space. The interior design of each studio of the 1905 purpose built artist community structure is as diverse as the talent of each Fenway Studios artist; their mediums include: watercolors, pastels, oils, acrylic, mixed-medium—to name but a few.

The annual FREE community event is an excitingly joyful event that not only spotlights the artists, their work, and the architectural splendor of their grand building, but it is also an event that hosts a Food Drive to benefit the vital work of the Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB). This year, through the generosity of the artists and our very compassionate public, over 300 pounds of non-perishable food items were collected.

Friends of Fenway Studios founding president, Lynda McNally, after learning of the tremendous work the GBFB provides to Boston and surrounding communities, proposed the Food Drive idea to the artists and immediately they all agreed it was a wonderful way to help serve the community. That was eleven years ago, and McNally said all the artists have committed to host a Food Drive during Open Studios EVERY year! Additionally she shared that ever since the first Food Drive, Fenway Studios artist, Peter Williams, has always delivered all the donated food to the GBFB’s headquarters in the South End. As McNally says, “The Fenway Studios artists truly exhibit the art of caring.”

Thank you to Harpist, Lishan Tan, of the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, for her stunning performance and gracious manner.

Photographs by Dan Busler Photography

Click photos to enlarge

Two Fenway Studios artists, Ed Stitt and Keith Maddy , had their wits tested on air while participating in the lively contest, ‘Friday News Quiz,’ featured on the always informative and entertaining WGBH/BPR, “Jim Braude and Margery Eagan” radio show.

Friends of Fenway Studios founding president, Lynda McNally, coordinated the opportunity to have the artists appear on Jim and Margery’s show, and said everyone at the WGBH, ‘Newsfeed,’ location at the Boston Public Library are always so welcoming, friendly, and professional. Along with Margery, filling in for Jim during the November 8th, 2019 Friday News Quiz was acclaimed art and culture reporter, as well as host of his weekly WGBH popular show, ‘Open Studio,’ Jared Bowen.

In between the current events questions, both Margery and Jared engaged Ed and Keith in discussions about their, annual FREE community event, “Open Studios,” which was taking place on the 9th and 10th. The artists said they look forward to everyone visiting Fenway Studios so they can experience the 114 National Historic Landmark while enjoying viewing the studios, talking with the artists, and learning about what they are presently working on. They also asked, if possible, if visitors could please bring a non-perishable food item to donate to their annual Food Drive which will benefit the Greater Boston Food Bank.

A fantastic broadcast. Please click this link to hear Keith and Ed with Margery and Jared.

Last year, Boston painter Nan Hass Feldman visited the Museo Rufino Tamayo of Pre-Hispanic Art in Oaxaca, Mexico, and was captivated by the lively, even impish Mesoamerican figurines she found there. The clay sculptures, often made to accompany the dead into the afterlife, chimed with her own ebullient aesthetic. She started drawing and painting them.

When she showed her work to Helen Meyrowitz, who runs the Art Gallery at North Hill retirement community, they struck a chord. Meyrowitz, a 91-year-old North Hill resident and artist originally from New York, opened the gallery in 2012 as a showcase for high-caliber Boston-area artists. As a graduate student of Long Island University in the 1970s, Meyrowitz helped research a pre-Columbian exhibition at the now defunct Fine Arts Museum of Long Island and acquired her own small collection of millennia-old Mexican indigenous art.

Read full Boston Globe article

Beginning in the Spring of 2019, Friends of Fenway Studios Founding President, Lynda McNally, initiated a conversation with the very amicable and professional MA Historical Society (MHS) associates proposing a collaborative event with the Fenway Studios artists. Working closely with MHS President Catherine Allgor, Peter Drummey, Stephen T. Riley Librarian, Brenda M. Lawson, VP for Collections, Gavin W. Kleespies, Director of Programs, Exhibitions and Community Partnerships, and Sarah Bertulli, Public Programs Coordinator, McNally expressed the many commonalities the two landmark institutions shared, and immediately, mutual interested blossomed resulting in a collaborative exhibition which featured the work of present day Fenway Studios artists alongside rarely seen work from a variety of Fenway Studios founding artists belonging to the MHS’s private archival collection. This inaugural exhibition titled, “Fenway Connections: An exhibition by MHS and Fenway Studios” held its opening reception on October 3rd, 2019 at the magnificent MHS locale. During the spirited evening Fenway Studios artists and the MHS associates enthusiastically welcomed guests to the impressive exhibition. The collaboration was more than a century in the making, and yet all the pieces aesthetically dovetailed in the most visually appealing way, proving the work was always meant to appear together.

In additional to the treasured friendship that formed between Fenway Studios and the MHS throughout the collaborative preparation, it was during an exhibition-planning luncheon McNally arranged hosted by Fenway Studios artist Constance Jacobson, and attended by her fellow artists Oana Lauric, Robert Baart, and Berio Gizzi, as well as MHS associates Lawson, and Kleespies when it was revealed by Lawson that MHS would extend an opportunity to house Fenway Studios’ archival materials. This tremendous gesture by the MHS will ensure the preservation of the documented history of Fenway Studios; and it is with endless appreciation to the MHS for their generosity that Fenway Studios will forever be grateful and welcomes the chance to collaborate with the MHS on another spectacular event.

Photographs by Dan Busler Photography

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By Kathleen Fahey, Curator
July 12, 2018

A lovely c.1915 oil painting by Mary Brewster Hazelton returned “home” last month when it was delivered to the Fenway Studios in Boston for conservation. Hazelton (1868-1953) graduated from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in 1892 and was one of many notable artists who occupied the Fenway Studios after they were opened in 1905 on Ipswich Street. Hazelton had a studio on the third floor and enjoyed the natural light provided by the twelve-foot-high, north-facing windows. The painting titled “Nina Rubinoff” was likely painted in this studio and was donated to the Wellesley Historical Society in 1986 by a local Wellesley family.

The painting was in need of cleaning, paint consolidation, and repair of a small tear it sustained before it was donated. I had the pleasure of dropping the painting off at the Fenway Studios office of painting conservator Peter Williams. Peter’s spacious, first floor studio was flooded with natural light as he gave me a tour of his workspace, which would have been similar in size and shape to Hazelton’s studio on the third floor. Peter will use museum-quality conservation techniques to bring this painting back to life and ensure that it can be enjoyed for another hundred years.

The Wellesley Historical Society has a collection of sixty paintings by Mary Brewster Hazelton as well as hundreds of sketches. The Society also houses the Hazelton family papers featuring Mary’s personal and business correspondence. Many of Hazelton’s paintings are in need of conservation and the Society is accepting donations for the care and restoration of this important collection. To donate, please send a check to “Wellesley Historical Society” to the attention of Kathleen Fahey, Curator at 229 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02481.

Peter Williams and Kathleen Fahey with Hazelton's c.1915 painting entitled "Nina Rubinoff." Rubinoff worked as an artist's model and was a friend of Hazelton.

Peter Williams uses a conservation-grade solvent to reveal the original color of the painting hidden under 100 years of grime.

Click here to learn more about Mary Brewster Hazelton.

Click here to visit Peter William's website.

Nan Hass Feldman, Chair of “Open Studios” and Fenway Studios artistm has just learned that “Fenway Open Studios” will receive a $1,000 grant from the city Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture "Opportunity Fund." The grant is the result of the efforts of Julia Ryan, who is the Artist Resource Manager in the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture, and will help defray costs of PR, Designer services, printing, entertainment and other expenses.
Good work, Nan.

Click photos to enlarge.

To herald the arrival of the annual, Fenway Studios ‘OPEN STUDIOS’ Weekend Celebration, this year taking place November 11th and 12th, 11am – 5pm, the non-profit organization, Friends of Fenway Studios (FOFS) has generously funded five sets of custom, ‘Open Studios,’ banners.

Founding FOFS president, Lynda McNally, shared the exciting news of the board’s approval of her proposal for the banner project, “They immediately understood the promotional impact the banners would create; and they agreed the banners provided a great opportunity to visually welcome the public to Fenway Studios.” The impressive banners stand tall at the corner of Mass Ave and Boylston Street, as well as at the corner of Boylston and Hemenway, and directly in front of Fenway Studios, 30 Ipswich Street.

Professional photographer and graphic designer, Anastasia Bogushevsky-Gareginyan, www.dekko2.com created the striking banner images. “Anastasia really captured the imposing architectural construction of Fenway Studios,” remarked FOFS president Vcevy Strekalovsky, “and the production and installation of the banners was effortless working with local manufacturer, Accent Banner.”

In addition to featuring over twenty gifted and diverse artists during Open Studios, Fenway Studios also annually hosts a food drive to benefit the tremendous work by the, ‘Greater Boston Food Bank.’ If possible, we would be grateful if you could bring a non-perishable food item(s) when you visit, thank you so very much and we look forward to seeing you in November.

Mark your calendars for Friday, November 10th, 2017, 1:25pm………..when Fenway Studios artists Nan Hass Feldman and Peter Scott will be participating in Jim and Margery’s NEWS QUIZ, as well as discussing the history of the National Landmark, while appearing on the WGBH Boston Public Radio show, broadcast live from the Newsfeed Café, at the Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston Street.

Please join us for what will surely be a spirited segment……bring your friends and family, but, arrive on time, for it’s certain to be SRO! However, if your schedule will not allow you to attend, please treat yourself and listen to the broadcast live streamed on 89.7 FM.

“It is very exciting to have the Fenway Studios artists partake in the NEWS QUIZ; everyone is such a fan of Margery and Jim’s show,” stated Lynda McNally, founding president of Friends of Fenway Studios who coordinated the WGBH opportunity, “their shows are always topical, thought-provoking, and informative, it will definitely be a wonderfully engaging afternoon.”

We hope to see you on November 10th at the Newsfeed Café…….but if you cannot attend……please be sure to TUNE IT!

Jim Braude

Margery Eagan

On September 21st, 2017, the Fenway neighborhood experienced another delectable and incredibly deeeeelicious fun and festive evening during the annual, ‘Taste of the Fenway,’ (TOTF) hosted by the non-profit organization, Fenway Community Development Corporation (FCDC).

Friends of Fenway Studios founding president, Lynda McNally, coordinated with the TOTF’s dynamic event organizer, Iris Tan, and this year she shared the TOTF both with Fenway Studios artist, Nan Hass Feldman, and her husband, poet Alan Feldman, resulting in a very lively and creatively interactive evening for everyone.

We sincerely thank all our friends at the FCDC for this spectacular opportunity, and for their unwavering commitment to the Fenway neighborhood. We are already counting down the days (but never counting the calories) until next year’s fantastic food festival in the Fenway!!

View photosfrom Taste of the Fenway 2017

Nan Hass Feldman with Aspiring Artists

TOTF 2017 Alan Feldman, Nan Hass Feldman, Lynda McNally

Check this site on a regular basis for news about the upcoming schedule. If you would like advance notice of upcoming events, please see the Contact page.

Friday, January 27, 2017
Noon to 1 pm
YMCA
316 Huntington Avenue, Boston

You are sure to be floored when you gaze upon the wall mural created by gifted artist, Luis "Luti" Castro. The enchanting mural is located in the children’s daycare room of the magnificently renovated, YMCA, 316 Huntington Avenue, Boston, a proud member of the Fenway Cultural District.

YMCA Executive Director Aaron Donohue and Director of Operations Lance Kennedy invite you to celebrate in a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the stunning mural. You will delight in seeing Luti finalize the mural as he deftly demonstrates his craft while he paints in the remaining animals—truly a must see!

Artist representative Lynda McNally, owner, ‘No Naked Walls,’ coordinated the curation of the mural for the YMCA and was thrilled when Aaron and Lance immediately saw the merit and voiced interest in supporting artists and featuring their work for the public to enjoy.

Light treats will be shared. All are welcome, and we are looking forward to celebrating with you!

March 30th 2016 will be recognized as a prominent day in the 111 year history of the National Historic Landmark Fenway Studios. Working with Chief of Staff Daniel Arrigg Koh, Deputy Chief of Staff Meghan Aldridge, and Scheduler Nora Doherty, Friends of Fenway Studios (FOFS) Founding President, Lynda McNally coordinated Mayor Walsh's inaugural visit.

During a brief welcoming presentation, Fenway Studios President, Laura Richardson, on behalf of all the Fenway Studios artists, gifted the Mayor with a stunning print of the building by fellow artist, Peter Scott, as well as a portfolio folder containing postcard examples of each Fenway Studios artist's work; additionally Richardson gave the Mayor a bound copy of the building's 1998 National Historic Landmark application.

FOFS Vice President, Libby Millar, on behalf of her fellow board members and the Fenway Studios artists, presented to the Mayor, because of his dedication to cultivate and elevate the arts, with a commemorative certificate recognizing him as the, 'Honorary Chairman' of Fenway Studios.

Mayor Walsh expressed his admiration for Fenway Studios and its artists, and praised it among Boston's impressive art communities. The Mayor engaged in a lively 'Q&A' and voiced reassurance for collaborative projects with Fenway Studios, and the Fenway Cultural District.

Photographs by Bo Yang and Lining Feng

Click photos to enlarge.

Fenway Studios opened its doors to visitors

View Artistic Weekend article (The Boston Guardian)

Finding Inspiration at the Ballpark

View Anne McGhee article (The Boston Guardian by Tanner Stening)

Boston artist makes a living commissioning folkloric paintings

View Samuel Gareginyan article

The Mission Hill / Fenway Neighborhood Trust (MHFNT) recently approved a grant application for much needed lighting improvements in the entrance and lobby of Fenway Studios. The application was prepared by Founding President Lynda McNally who accepted the check on behalf of Friends of Fenway Studios on June 13, 2014 at MASSART in the Fenway Cultural District.

Enjoy podcasts by Fenway Studios artists, Berio Gizzi, David Lowrey, and Peter Williams at the Culture Now website. On the Culture Now website, simply scroll down to the appropriate artist to enjoy these podcasts. Please check the Culture Now website from time to time to hear new podcasts of other Fenway Studios artists.

See following link for information about a major restoration project by Museum Services' Peter Williams in Gloucester, MA
Gloucester Times

From Ancient Greece to the Oval Office: Restoring New England's Historic Patrimony

Peter Williams will discuss the highlights of his 40-year career as an art conservator at the Museum of Fine Arts, The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and in his private practice at Fenway Studios.

Thursday, April 17th, 2014, 6:00 pm

St. Botolph Club
199 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02116

Special Thanks to our event hosts: Ernie & Barbie Greppin and David & Lucinda Lee

If you missed the lecture by conservator and Fenway Studios artist Peter Williams From Ancient Greece to the Oval Office: Restoring New England's Historic Patrimony, you can view a video of the lecture here.

A two-part look at New England's live/work communities, past and present.
Read Article

Arts Centers in Boston, Gloucester, Lynn, Pittsfield & Rockport Launch New State Initiative

(Boston, MA) - The Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) today named five vibrant, diverse centers for arts and cultural activity across Massachusetts as the first state-designated Cultural Districts. They are:

• The Fenway Cultural District in Boston
• Gloucester's Rocky Neck Cultural District
• The Central Exchange Cultural District in Lynn
• The Upstreet Cultural District in Pittsfield
• The Rockport Cultural District

Read full press release

Friends of Fenway Studios are now joint members of The Fenway Alliance which represents the cultural institutions in the Fenway Cultural District. Click here for more information on the Fenway Cultural District.

To honor Preservation Month, Friends of Fenway Studios will host docent tours of Fenway Studios led by Rick Heym, AIA, President of Friends of Fenway Studios aided by a long-time resident artist. Tour will include visits to at least 3 studios with the opportunity to meet with and discuss the artist's work.

Each attendee will receive a Welcome packet that will include short histories of Friends of Fenway Studios and Fenway Studios, drawings of the original building as well as a list of artists working in the building listed by studio from its construction to the present. Note also that Fenway Studios is not wheelchair accessible and access requires climbing stairs.

Tours will be held Wednesdays, May 1 and May 15 at 5:30 PM and registration is required. To register, email [email protected], and give date and number of attendees. Cost is $25 which may be paid by clicking on the Donate button above or by check or cash at the door.

These presentations were on a variety of subjects and periods of interest to lovers of art and featured connections to Fenway Studios artists. Our 2011-2012 Series focused principally on artists of 'The Boston School', many of whom had a close connection to Fenway Studios.

Nov 3 & 4, 2012, 1am–5pm

This year was again a great success, with over 23 studios open for view, increased number of visitors and generous food donations raised for the Boston Food Bank. Exposure of Fenway Studios continues to rise as does its appeal.

Fenway Studios participated again for the 2nd year in the area-wide cultural event sponsored by The Fenway Alliance on Monday, October 8, 2012.

“The Provincetown-Boston School of Painting Connection”
June 5, 2012, 6 pm

Read about Elizabeth Ives Hunter talk on boston.com website.

“Philip Leslie Hale and the Matunuck Summer School of Painting”
May 1, 2012, 6 pm

Erica Hirshler, Croll Senior Curator of American Paintings, MFA

“Studios of their Own: Boston Women Artists and Fenway Studios”
April 3, 2012, 6 pm

Read about Erica Hirshler talk on "Visit Boston" website.

“The MFA, the Boston School, and Me”
November 1, 2011, 6 pm

“Jack Kramer, Fenway Studio Artist and Boston Expressionist”
December 6, 2011, 6 pm