Hull Artists’ annual Open Studios event returns July 12-13, offering visitors a chance to explore the studios of more than 30 local artists and discover the work being created right here on the South Shore. Always free and always fun, Hull Artists’ Open Studios runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Among the participating artists are Nanci Jaye, David Kunitz, and Joe McKendry – each shaped by distinct experiences, materials, and motivations.

Nanci Jaye, a longtime Hull resident and member of Hull Artists for more than 20 years, draws deeply from the coastal landscape. Her pieces are influenced by the colors and movement of the ocean, and she operates a frame shop and studio open daily by appointment.

“Creating my art gives me joy and centers me,” she said. “I am influenced by living by the ocean. The colors, light and nature bring me inspiration.”

David Kunitz spent his career designing toys for brands like Star Wars, Matchbox, and Transformers. After building a wood shop in Hull, he began working with reclaimed wood, merging his background in playful, purposeful design with a commitment to sustainability. “Creating art allows me to express my creativity and passion for sustainability. I love working with rescued wood, each piece with its own unique story,” he explained. His interests in metalwork, beekeeping, and ceramics also inspire his work. “Overall, art is a fulfilling way for me to contribute to environmental conservation, inspire others and myself,” he said.

Joe McKendry, a watercolor painter and professor at the Rhode Island School of Design, is most often found painting around Hull in the early morning hours. His current work focuses on water surfaces and the way they reflect light and color. As a teacher at one of the country’s top art schools, he credits his students with keeping him sharp and inspired.

“My most recent work centers around water surfaces: how they reflect light, color, and are constantly changing. Water is both fascinating and calming – Hull residents know this well,” he said.

Hull Artists Open Studios is a chance to meet more than 30 Hull-based artists where they work, learn about their process, and explore art through their eyes. Plan your visit and explore the full artist map at www.hullartists.com/openstudios, or, pick up a map at Gallery Nantasket, 121 Nantasket Ave.

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