Community Integration

We recognize the importance of belonging.

In addition to providing individualized arts based services in our studios, Gateway Arts is dedicated to strengthening the connections with and integration of our artists to their community; Brookline Village, the greater Boston area, and the local, national, and international art world.  Gateway Arts’ community integration programming supports artists in selecting their preferred outings and providing necessary support for each individual.

Actions and Interactions Studio: this studio meets weekly to explore and engage artists in our surrounding Brookline neighborhood.  To prepare for each outing artists use a touchscreen to create their own maps and navigation routes of Brookline, Brookline Village, or particular walks or trips.  Artists visit local galleries, businesses, public institutions, and non-traditional art spaces close to Gateway Arts, and practice social skills.  Recent destinations include: Hunneman Hall photo exhibition, Cutty’s, Emerson Gardens, Brookline Public Library, Bottega Di Capri, and Gen Sou Tea House.

Employment Related Studio Trips: Gateway artists regularly participate in gallery visits, museum visits and tours, and studio visits and demonstrations in Brookline and the greater Boston area.  Artists also participate in drawing from observation sessions in a community setting, and exploring the neighborhood to find inspiration to bring to their work at Gateway.  Recent destinations include: the Cooper Gallery at Harvard, MFA Boston, MIT List Arts Center, Boston Public Library, the Rose Museum at Brandeis, the Mosesian Center, Studios Without Walls, the Stone Gallery at Boston University, the McMullen Museum at Boston College, the New England Aquarium, and the Museum of Science.

Visiting Artists and Studio Visits Working artists visit Gateway Arts or welcome Gateway artists to their studio spaces to facilitate professional development.   Discussion of techniques, processes, and studio practices with working artists enables further career enhancement for artists at Gateway Arts.  Recent visiting artists and studio visits include: Ellice Patterson of Abilities Dance Boston, Corrin Flaherty, Anna Merrow, Jane Feigenson, Julia Sullivan, Yo Ahn Han, Morgan Little, and Noah Britton.

The artists are part of the trip selection process, discussing past and new suggested destinations, and voting on their top choices. We invite artists to attend trips, ensuring each artist has the opportunity to attend should they chose to do so. Choice is a very important part of our process. We provide suggestions, resources, and support.