Greenpoint Open Studios is a grassroots effort by a team of volunteers and local organizations that aims to provide a free and open platform for local arts that builds, sustains, and supports the thriving creative community in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
For one weekend, hundreds of artists and designers open up their studios to the public to showcase work in a wide range of mediums. From paintings, sculptures, film, photography, weaving/textiles, ceramics, and more, there are seasoned artists to be visited and emerging artists to be discovered in the northernmost tip of Brooklyn.
HISTORY
2011
In 2011, when the L magazine was alive and well, Greenpoint Open Studios emerged to produce a series of local art shows and events alongside what was known then as “Northside Open Studios.”
Brooklyn Street reported “Open Studios is teaming up with L magazine this year to bring you NORTHSIDE OPEN STUDIOS, a four day event celebrating a burgeoning art scene in Greenpoint and Williamsburg, Brooklyn. NOS is a collaborative effort between artists, organizations, businesses and volunteers to build a creative platform in which all members of the community can foster and contribute to a support system that encourages the sharing of ideas and relationships. As artists’ studios and exhibition spaces continue to emerge in the neighborhood, we hope to facilitate the growth of a thriving art community.”
2014
After a 3 year hiatus, Greenpoint Open Studios re-emerged with “A whopping 265 artists” for a festive fall weekend.
Spearheded by Jen Galatioto, who was Publisher of Greenpointers.com at the time along with the media support by Hyperallergic.
Artnet reported “Greenpoint is known for being a tight-knit community, and while it often gets lumped in with Williamsburg and Bushwick, the area has a vibe all its own. ‘[Open Studios] connects people to the neighborhood,’ Galatioto said. ‘They go around to places they haven’t been to before.’ She added that, as a precaution against another sudden demise, she is creating Greenpoint Open Studio Group”
2016
Greenpoint Open Studios took another break as the original team of organizers moved out of the neighborhood.
With the new publisher of Greenpointers, Julia Moak at the helm the third iteration of GOS happened in the spring of 2016 with over 300 artists.
Bedford & Bowery reported “While Bushwick Open Studios is fighting back against the bro-vasion of a festival that started out, anyway, as a means of celebrating local artists and the neighborhood where they live and work, Greenpoint Open Studios has remained the nerdy (not actually related) little sister …We’re guessing this has something to do with the G train– whatever it is that’s holding back a heavy influx of too many non-art and non-Greenpoint related interests, keep doing what you’re doing.”
2017-2019
Greenpoint Open Studios got a fresh new look when Creative Director Megan Penmann (and former Content Manager of Greenpointers) joined the team to give GOS a makeover.
GOS continued to be spearheaded by Greenpointers and has been a platform for local emerging artists and a draw for visitors to experience the best that Greenpoint has to offer.
2023
WE’RE BACK!
After the pandemic shut down and a 3 year hiatus, Greenpoint Open Studios is bigger and better than ever! Now operating under a nonprofit corporation, GOS is on its way to official 501c3 status. In the meantime, we have applied for fiscal sponsorship through the New York Foundation for the Arts to enable us to take tax deductible contributions.
Greenpointers will continue to act as the official media sponsor for the event.
2024
And the show goes on..
After bringing GOS back the previous year following the pandemic shutdown, we are continuing to build the arts community in Greenpoint. GOS is a non profit organization which is run primarily by artist volunteers and is on its way to official 501c3 status.
Greenpointers will continue to act as the official media sponsor for the event.
