Local Artists Come Together to Open Square Gallery

Dedham Square will become a bit more artistic this weekend as three art-loving friends will open the doors to a new art gallery on High Street.

The gallery, open four days a week, will sell art created by local artists - from paintings to sculptures to pottery and more.

"A majority [of artists] are [from] Dedham," Hawkins said. "We hope to give each member a show for a couple weeks where they have more space."

On the heels of a widely successful event in May, Kerry Hawkins, Jen Barsamian and Marietta Appollonia decided to open a permanent home for local art.

The Dedham Square Artist Guild currently has more than 20 members with a goal of reaching 30, Hawkins said in an interview this week. The Guild will be open Thursday through Sunday.

"Marietta was real excited about a gallery - and it just evolved," Hawkins said.

The idea started by placing art in empty storefronts in Dedham Square, she said.

Artists will be on hand at times to discuss their art at the gallery - a perk only a local place can offer, Hawkins said.

Dedham Square Artist Guild will hold a preview event on Friday evening, and then a grand opening on Saturday beginning at noon with refreshments and raffle prizes.

And if Dedhamities want to try their hand at creating their own art, Hawkins said the Guild will offer classes in some art disciplines after the holidays.

"This is just another thing for Dedham that is artistic," Hawkins said. "We are all excited."