Erector Square Open Studios 2026 (ESOS) showcases 120 artists and creatives on October 17 and 18, 12pm – 6pm, presenting their art, opening their studio doors, and filling the hallways with their original works. This is a great opportunity for visitors to meet some of New Haven’s wonderful artists, designers, and craftspeople in their studios at the Erector Square complex (315 Peck St., New Haven). The weekend also features dozens of guest artists, family art-making, live entertainment, interactive events, local food trucks, and the popular ESOS scavenger hunt. Visit erectorsquarestudios.com for details on:
- Family Art-Making with EcoWorks
- An Instrument Petting Zoo at Music Haven
- Japanese Crafts and A Beginner’s Japanese Flower Arranging Workshop with Ikebana master Keiko Ishibe Sensei
- Interactive Collage Making with artist Marian Wittink
- Letterpress Demonstrations at Dexterity Press
Erector Square’s new gallery, Color Local, open since March this year, will have a special Open Studios Group Show. After stepping down from day-to-day management of her textile company, ESOS artist Jenny Krauss has transformed her former workspace into Color Local – a fresh venue for Connecticut artists.
In addition, Music Haven is hosting a Wellness Concert with movement and sound healing led by Elizabeth Voytershark, and live classical music performed by Linda Numagami on viola and Jacob Wang on piano. Three local bands — Greylily, Hard March, and Farview — will perform at Bregamo’s Theater.
This will be the fourth artist-led Open Studios, a group effort led by Eric March and Niko Scharer, working with many other Erector Square artists including Jenny Krauss, Martha Willette Lewis, Liese Klein, Oi Fortin, Karen Hibbs, Jihyun Lee and many others. Maxim Schmidt (from the Institute Library) is once again organizing a wonderful group of volunteers to help visitors find their way around the eight buildings of the Erector Square complex.
Most of the ESOS studios are only open to the public during this annual event, so it’s a rare chance to get to know fascinating local talent, see how their art is made, and purchase unique artwork, jewelry, and handicrafts. Part of Open Studios New Haven, Erector Square Open Studios 2026 is free and open to everyone. For more information, visit erectorsquarestudios.com.
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