50 years of creativity with Waltham Open Studios

For half a century, painter Marjorie Minkin has welcomed visitors to her Moody Street workspace during Waltham Open Studios.  

She is one of 78 creators from the Waltham Mills Artist Association, Lincoln Studios and Metalwerx participating in the 50th anniversary event on Nov. 7 and 8. 

“We had a large crowd from the beginning … it was really a major event,” recalled Minkin, who helped create Open Studios five decades ago with fellow artists by modeling it after a similar event in Los Angeles.

While many participants sell their creations at the event, Minkin concentrates on answering visitors’ questions about her work and process.

“It’s sort of like teaching for me,” she said. “People are curious.”

In addition to acrylic paintings, Minkin makes 3D pieces out of LEXAN, a type of polycarbonate, in her studio on the third floor of Building 18 at 144 Moody St. Other artists are located in Building 4, also at 144 Moody St., and Lincoln Studios at 289 Moody St.

The Sudbury resident recalled when she first saw the building’s high ceilings a half-century ago and learned she could measure out the studio to her own specifications. 

“It looked like a great space,” she said, as some of her earlier pieces were quite large. 

As more renters moved in, the building turned into a community.

“I feel this warm connection to my neighbors,” Minkin said.

Meet and greet

As the milestone anniversary approaches, Open Studios assistant coordinator Andrea Tishman said the event is “a nice reflection on the City of Waltham [since] there are very few pockets of artists that have longevity.”

With Waltham’s rents lower than other locations, “people tend to stay a long time” in Waltham, she said.

Part of the charm of attending open studios is how accessible the artists are, unlike in a museum.

“I want people to feel comfortable asking questions” and, if they’re able, participate in demonstrations, said Tishman, a printmaker and painter.

In addition to seasoned art enthusiasts seeking out treasures, there will be music, and youngsters can explore the studios and meet the creators.

“It is really cool to see the kids get excited looking at art,” Tishman said.

Special exhibit

The art of Waltham resident Shawn Laswell, who died in 2025 at age 52, will be on display and for sale on the first floor of Building 4. 

The “outsider” artist was known in the city for “hanging his signature vinyl LP records, splattered in vivid colors, on utility poles all around Waltham,” according to Waltham Open Studios. He is estimated to have put up 2,000 works over 15 years. 

A scholarship was established in his name “to benefit qualifying Waltham graduates in furthering their studies in visual art at an accredited institution,” according to Open Studios. Visitors can contribute to the scholarship fund by purchasing an original work by Laswell during the event. 

Featuring 78 artists, Waltham Open Studios takes place Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 7-8, from 12-5 p.m., at 144 (Buildings 4 and 18) and 289 Moody St.

For a complete list of events, artists, and more information, visit the Waltham Open Studios website. 

The Waltham Times is a media sponsor of Waltham Open Studios.