It’s almost time! The vision is coming into focus! Good things come to those who wait? We’ve been waiting a long time for the new Artisans Asylum maker space to open!

The latest word is that the Holton Street “clean shops” will open in June, while Antwerp St, home to the “dirty shops” will be opening in August. I cannot wait! The space is being beautifully built-out, in buildings two blocks from Western Ave. behind the Stop & Shop in Allston.

Lars Torres, our former Director did an amazing job making this a reality. He also was keen on telling us we were moving into a great new neighborhood. As part of Boston, we will be eligible for all kinds of Boston grants and our new landlord, Harvard also has some pull in the community.

I first heard Harvard was buying up land in Allston 30 yrs ago! But only recently has it become real to me. Between the billion dollar, 500,000 s.f. SEAS Engineering School that looks like it’s from outer space and the former race track’s horse stables converted into The Speedway brewery & craft show venue, Allston has been transformed. It’s exciting that AA will be in the mix. (But I can’t hide my Somerville pride!) In addition to the engineering building, many other Harvard departments are now located here, including The Education Portal, Innovation Lab, Art Lab and I hear a new theater is being built to house the American Repertory Theater (ART). Harvard Ceramics which has been here for decades have beautiful new facilities. Allston has always been a creative area - housing many practice rooms and recording studios for musicians in the old industrial buildings.

According to The Allston Brighton Arts Culture and Placekeeping Report 2021 there are currently 43 murals, 60 non profit organizations, and 15 public spaces, and a new music venue called Roadrunner opened up at 89 Guest Street. Just driving down Western Ave I see a place called the Podcast Garage and a Pavement Cafe…. 20 years ago there was only one place to eat, its good to see it’s still there. So keep an eye out for The Artisans Asylum Grand Opening sometime in the Fall!