Somerville is bringing art into City Hall with the new Community Collections series of rotating art exhibits. The program puts the halls and walls of City Hall to use as a mini-gallery to feature community and student artwork. The series launches Wednesday, April 29, with the RE-discovering Somerville Open Studios exhibit featuring artwork by Somerville Open Studios (SOS) artists, photos of SOS artists in their studio spaces by photographer Aram Comjean, and vintage SOS posters from the past few decades.  An art reception for the show and series will be held on Monday, May 18^th and all are invited.

“As a central gathering place in our city – and in a community that takes so much pride in its art and culture scene – it makes sense to share local art on the walls of City Hall for all to see. Now when you come by to pay a bill or join a meeting – I hope you will take a moment to also be inspired by some art made by your neighbors,” said Mayor Jake Wilson. “In Somerville, we believe you shouldn’t have to only seek out art; art should find you.”

The Community Collections series will offer roughly three rotating local art exhibits per year. Artwork is on view in the halls during regular business hours. Support for framing materials and light refreshments for a reception will be provided to curators. Curators, artists, nonprofits, and community members looking to propose a show may contact media@somervillema.gov. Proposals are welcome from all and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Somerville’s thriving arts and creative community has long been showcased each spring by the independent, annual Somerville Open Studios (SOS) event, which draws visitors regionally. Now in its 27th year, more than 420 visual artists across the city in more than 120 studio buildings will open their doors on the weekend of May 2-3, 2026, to share their work with the public.

This year’s SOS theme explores “RE” and its various uses.  As noted on their website, “Re”, by definition, can mean “again,” “back,” or “anew” as well signaling the repetition of an action (e.g., redo, rebuild) or a backward motion/reversal (e.g., reflect, return).”

“We encourage folks to first enjoy open studios on the weekend and then over the next month or so to come take a closer look at the art and artists – and the great vintage posters – connected to this inspiring citywide celebration of art,” said Heather Balchunas, Somerville Arts Council Art Coordinator.

Come join us! The public is invited to attend an informal art reception with SOS artists, Arts Council staff, and the Mayor to celebrate the SOS show and the launch of Community Collections. The reception will be held at Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Ave., 2nd Floor, on Monday, May 18th, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome.