This gallery moved from the Back Bay to the SOWA region before it became the trendy thing for artists to do. Setting the stage is something that comes naturally to Bernard the minute you step into the gallery and see the variety of art that he showcases.

On Friday nights, 5:30-8:30 the South End's once deserted industrial district explodes with bright lights and champagne as Boston's burgeoning boho crowd takes in the gallery openings at SoWa. High rents on Newbury St. drove Boston's community of young artists to this converted warehouse complex on the corner of Thayer St. and Harrison Ave. SoWa (South of Washington St.), founded in 1998, actually comprises 6 galleries, showcasing a variety of local work. Galleries along Thayer and Harrison are also open, such as Bernie Toale and Ars Libra Call ahead for the exhibit schedule and opening times. 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Galeria Cubana, showcasing Cuban art, is opening a Boston location this week. With a Provincetown gallery already outfitting the Cape, the aim of this newbie is to showcase Cuban art. Catering from private collectors to the casual observer, Galeria Cubana aims to have you appreciate Cuba for more than it's cigars.

Space 242 is an "alternative" to the fine art galleries throughout the city. This hotspot is truly the epicenter of Boston's emerging underground art scene. Geared to connecting emerging pop surrealists and low-brow artists with new collectors at affordable prices, this new enclave showcases artwork from many mediums including photography, illustration, painting, mixed media and sculpture. Space 242 hosts a monthly opening reception on the last Friday of every month from 6-8 pm.

A weekend event held each spring. All SOWA galleries, shops and restaurants, many artist studios are open. These streets are the most active: Wareham, Harrison,Plympton, Washington and Thayer Streets. From the website: The SOWA Art Walk is held every spring in the SOWA (South of Washington Street) neighborhood in Boston’s South End. A former mill building district where pianos, canned goods, shoes and other merchandise were made in the 19th century, the district has been home to artists’ studios carved out of the old factories for the last fifty years. Today, the artists have been joined by art galleries, creative businesses, cutting edge restaurants and the recent boom in residential loft buildings. The SOWA Art Walk takes place in late May each year and is a weekend-long standing invitation to visit the artists in their studios. This year, the SOWA Art Walk will occur on Saturday and Sunday May 17-18, 2008 from 11 am to 6 pm. Creative stores, cafes, boutiques and some of the city’s finest restaurants take part in the SoWa Art Walk by opening their doors all weekend, hosting artists who display on their walls and offering special event discounts. The SOWA Open Market, an open-air venue for artists, craftsmen, collectioners, farmstands and other vendors makes its seasonal debut each year in tandem with the SoWa Art Walk HERE. Come stroll through one of Boston’s most vibrant and creative neighborhoods on a spring weekend and you’ll be sure to find a painting, original design/make clothing, a set of antique china … or brunch surrounded by plenty of atmosphere!

The SoWa Antiques Market, Boston’s only weekly antiques market, will be a new fun place to browse and shop among the city’s largest selection of antiques and quality collectibles, including vintage fashion, Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern furniture, jewelry, books, art glass and more. Antiques dealers from throughout New England will join for the first time a wide variety of vendors who gather every Sunday from May 17th through October 25th in Boston’s South End for the SoWa Open Market, which has gained popularity over the past 6 years as a vibrant weekly outdoor marketplace. The SoWa Antiques Market will be held rain or shine at 540 Harrison Avenue in the historic trolley barn. Admission and parking is free. For information call (781) 862-4039 or visit http://www.sowaantiques.com. SoWa Antiques Market is managed by Marvin Getman of New England Antique Shows.

Elisabeth Warman, the sharp mind behind Black Pearl Press, is an artist that specializes in letterpress invitations and stationary. Her studios that are located in the South End are where she not only creates her invitations or stationary on the 3 antique letterpresses, but it is also where she designs all of her custom orders.