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October 20th Anniversary Open Studios
October 4, 2025 @ 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Free
Join us for a very special Open Studios on Saturday, October 4th, as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Western Avenue Studios & Lofts.
Immerse yourself in the magic of our creative community during Open Studios. This is not just an event; it’s an experience you don’t want to miss.
Celebrate two decades of art, community, and creative transformation as you explore five floors of working art studios, two floors of artist lofts, a coffee shop, a co-op art gallery, a food truck, and a brewery.
This event is free and open to the public. Dog-friendly, too! We just ask that you keep your pup on a leash.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, there’s never been a better time to experience everything Western Avenue has to offer.
We’ve got a lot of extra energy in the building for this day. Here’s what that we have going on to celebrate 20 years of creativity, community, and the place we all call home.
Rae Mansfield: Morning Acoustic Jam
Come a little early for your morning coffee at Nibbana Cafe and enjoy Western Avenue Loft playwright and performer Rae Mansfield, with her band, holding an acoustic jam session in the pit out front of the Studios. If you see her later in the day see if you can cajole her for an impromptu monologue!
ArtCity HQ: Live Mural Painting Demonstrations, Studio 195
If you didn’t get to see ArtCity’s Mural painting day at the Dutton Street Market there is still time to check out their phenomenal pieces still on display this final weekend over next to the Hamilton Canal Garage–and then hop on the COOL bus to come over and meet the artists. Quest Nine and Famous Attraxion (Jalix Delacruz) will be open this weekend where all sales of ArtCity merchandise and paintings will go towards their next ArtCity After Dark event.
Alisa Sickora: Zombie Makeup Glow-Up, Loft 201
Get into the spirit and witness a live zombie glow up! Visit the lofts on the second floor and learn about professional techniques and simple ways to amp up your spooky style.
ADVISORY: The final makeup will utilize simulated skin trauma and blood fx. Final look may not be suitable for all folks.
Live demo starting at 1:00 outside of loft 201.
Nick Lewis: Sticker Making Station, Studio 445
Nick is offering a chance for visitors to create their own grafitti style sticker in his studio and either take it home or contribute to a community stickerbomb project he’s putting together.
And check out the Mill City Trinket Trader station out side Nick’s studio!
Bring a trinket, keychain, small toy, etc. to trade!
Kay Hartung: Encaustic Monotype Demo, Studio 343
Witness the magic of painting with wax! Created with encaustic paints an encaustic monotype is made while working on a hot box which has a heated metal plate. Colorful one of a kind prints are made with this unique method.
Live demos at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00pm.
Paul Hartung: Jazz Clarinet, Studio 343
Paul will serenade the third floor halls with some soothing jazz compositions outside of Studio 343. Take a moment to pause, listen, and let the music carry you as you explore the studios nearby. It’s the perfect soundtrack for an afternoon of art and connection.
Perfomances at 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30pm.
Todd Davis of Middlesex Bindery: Journal Binding, Studio 318
Come visit Western Avenue’s very own book binder Todd Davis of Middlesex bindery as he demonstrates this incredible traditional craft in the construction of a beautiful leather bound journal.
Rachel Covel: Live Calligraphy Personalization, Studio 537
Come check out Rachel’s calligraphy pop-up! Visitors can bring a small object (ornament, notebook, tag, etc.) to have personalized with calligraphy, or choose from a few small items she’ll have available for purchase. Quick, fun, and portable keepsakes to celebrate open studios!
Stick around to catch her showcasing her musical talent, performing duets with her husband on guitar and bass.
TROODS: $5 Portrait, Studio 493
Here’s a fun one-of-a-kind take home! Patricia Nolan-Brown know as TROODS art will be doing $5 Portraits in her studio. Come get a quick portrait of you or your pet and commemorate your day at Western Avenue.
1:00-4:00pm
Ceramics by Nooshin: Paint Your Own Pumpkin, Studio 409
Looking for another take home project? Nooshin Manoochehri of Ceramics by Nooshin is offering Paint your own Pumpkins! Come decorate your own little ceramic pumpkin, share in the artistic experience of Western Avenue, and get ready for the halloween season.
Price $10, 12-5pm
George Middleton: Nature Painting Demonstration, Loft 109
Nature-inspired artist George Middleton will be demonstrating his realist and abstract painting techniques from his Loft. Check out his breath-taking look at both the serene and turbulent wonders of our natural world.
Debra Ciccone-OConnell: Continuous Line Drawing, Studio 409
Debra will be demonstrating how to create continuous line drawings using pen and ink, adding water soluble colored ink and hard pastel to create finished drawings. She will also demonstrate continuous line blind contour drawing to create portraits.
Michele Boll: Painting Demonstration, Studio 467
Experience Michele’s unique ability to capture and render light as she finishes her latest piece. Her style creates work that seems to glow without any additional illumination required.
Don’t forget our regular overflow parking at Stoklosa Middle School just around the corner! The shuttle to that lot will be running from 11am-6pm and drop of visitors right at the front door. All parking is free, and there are three handicapped spaces in front of the studios building.
Bonus: the shuttle bus takes you to see the beautiful Refuge Art School mural at Stoklosa Middle School!