The Waltham Times steps up to support Waltham Open Studios 

Waltham is home to a robust artist community, with dozens of painters, sculptors, photographers and artisans who have made their homes and studios in a group of buildings clustered around the Moody Street Bridge. For most of the year, the artists toil out of public view, creating works that are shown in galleries across New England and around the world. But once a year, usually on the first weekend in November, they fling open their doors and welcome in the world for Waltham Open Studios. It’s one of our city’s cultural crown jewels. And it needs help.

This year the Waltham Times is supporting Waltham Open Studies through a joint fundraiser. One reason, said Caroline Grossman, vice chair of the Times’ board of directors, is that the artists organizing WOS have struggled to raise funds. Many local businesses and individuals – perhaps fearing economic headwinds – have cut back their support compared to previous years. 

“The open studios are a great event for Waltham,” she said. “We want to rally the community to support it.” 

As a nonprofit, the Times can accept donations that are tax deductible. Gifts made directly to WOS, which is not a nonprofit, are not tax deductible, but a gift to the Times, with a portion allocated to the Waltham Open Studios fund, is fully tax deductible. The Times will then make a grant to WOS from the fund.

This coming weekend thousands of art lovers will descend on Waltham, prowling the high-ceiling hallways of the Waltham Mills at 144 Moody St. and Lincoln Studios at 289 Moody St. When they’ve exhausted themselves viewing and buying art, visitors will crowd into the surrounding cafes and restaurants or duck into the shops along Moody Street to get a jump on their holiday shopping. 

Waltham Open Studios benefits not only the arts community and local businesses – It also delights and enriches residents and visitors, bolsters local civic pride and burnishes the city’s reputation as a vibrant environment for young people and creative types.

The funds raised will help WOS head into 2026, its 50th year, on a sound footing, WOS organizer Andrea Tishman said. The money will enable WOS to add exhibit spaces, create a 50th anniversary event, expand outreach to Waltham public school students, improve website capabilities, replace outdated signage and increase the marketing budget to attract more visitors.

To support the joint fundraiser, look for our flyers with the QR code this weekend.