Boston Arts Festival — a showcase for local fine artists and musicians

Celina Colby

Celina Colby is an arts and travel reporter with a fondness for Russian novels.... VIEW BIO

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More than 50 artists will gather outdoors in early September for the Boston Arts Festival, a two-day gathering of fine art and culture on the Boston waterfront. This annual event has been celebrating local artists for 22 years.

Unlike many of the small business and handcraft fairs and markets hosted throughout the city, this festival focuses particularly on visual art and jewelry. Organizer Jen Matson says the goal is to showcase fine art often found in museums and galleries, but in a more personal and accessible setting.

The Boston Arts Festival brings artists and musicians to Boston’s waterfront for a two-day showcase of local talent. PHOTO: COURTESY OF BOSTON ARTS FESTIVAL

While visitors explore the artwork, they’ll also enjoy live music by 10 different local artists over the course of the weekend. Samatha deLuca, Katie Dobbins, In Lieu of Flowers, Fly by Brass Band, Jessica Woodlee, The 94s, blindspot, Nick Zaino, James McCarthy and Ava Valianti will perform this year. To get into the groove before the event, music lovers can listen to a playlist of previous performers on Spotify.

“I try to keep the event consistent and true to our goal, which is showcasing talented local musicians and fine artists,” said Matson. “It’s unique, it’s once a year, it’s very special.”

The festival originated in 2003 under Mayor Thomas Menino; Matson participated as an artist from the beginning. In 2015 the city planned to cancel the event permanently, and Matson, also a champion and organizer of the Beacon Hill Art Walk, stepped in to save it.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF BOSTON ARTS FESTIVAL

“I didn’t want the artists themselves to lose such a great event,” Matson said. “I think it’s important for the residents as well to have free access to fine art and original music.”

The festival has no entry charge and allows families to engage directly with artists in a way they can’t always at museums and other cultural institutions. Matson estimates 30,000 to 40,000 people come through the park during the festival, putting a lot of eyes (and ears) on local artists.

The artists are chosen by a juried selection process to maintain quality standards. Though sales are a benefit of the experience, it’s also an opportunity for artists to make connections and meet community members in person.

The Boston Arts Festival will take place Sept. 6 and 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Christopher Columbus Park on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. The event is open to the public and everyone is encouraged to make a day of it.

“I love when people bring chairs and blankets and picnics and kids and dogs and hang out on the lawn for the afternoon,” said Matson. “It’s a beautiful location on the on the waterfront.”