The Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) invites you to tour Bronx artists’ private studios, galleries, and alternative art spaces during the 5th Annual Mott Haven Open Studio Tour on Saturday and Sunday April 30 and May 1, 2011 , from 12-6 pm. On Saturday, BCA’s Bronx Culture Trolley will shuttle visitors from Longwood Art Gallery @ Hostos to Mott Haven studios and art spaces from 12-5 pm. Rides on the trolley and all events are free and open to the public.

The tour offers a rare opportunity to check out private studios not ordinarily open to the public. Almost 50 artists are participating this year. Meet the artists, see how they work, ask questions, view their current projects, and maybe purchase a piece or two of artwork. Maps for this self-guided tour are available at bronxarts.org and during the tour at all participating locations.

The weekend starts early with a kick-off party at the Bruckner Bar and Grill (1 Bruckner Blvd.) on Thursday, April 28, from 7 pm – 12 am. Enjoy DJ Lightbolt spinning his global beats and preview a slide show of artists’ work that will be on view during the tour.

Note: the trolley will not be part of the Sunday event.

5th Annual Event Schedule

Thursday, April 28: KICK OFF! opening party at Bruckner Bar and Grill, 7 pm -12 am.

Saturday, April 30:

o  Artists studios open, 12 – 6 pm

o  Bronx Culture Trolley brings visitors to studios and art spaces, 12 – 5 pm

o  Live Jazz with the Rahn Burton Trio at the Peace Love Cafe, 12-4 pm

o  Write Your Life: A Free Memoir Writing Workshop at the Mott Haven Library
by BCA’s Bronx Writers Center, 2:30-4 pm

o  Longwood Art Gallery @ Hostos hosts Eye Am A Man panel discussion, 3-5 pm

Sunday, May 1: Artists studios open, 12-6 pm (check listings).