108 Beacon Street
Somerville, MA 02143
Artattack108@yahoo.com
Phone: 617-441-3833
Fax: 617-800-2678
ART ATTACK Wakes Up Boston’s Slumbering Art Scene
By Scott Kearnan
Boston is a city steeped in culture, much of which can be credited to the thriving art
scene. Still, many locals are loathe to step inside those seemingly hostile territories of
pretentiousness: The museums, the art galleries and the other highly enriching (and
highly intimidating) beacons of culture that cut through our contemporary fog of Paris
Hilton television shows and Hilary Duff singles. Sure, everyone needs some disposable
entertainment, but what would you want immortalized in a time capsule for future
generations or anal probing extraterrestrials: The Mona Lisa or Confessions of an
Heiress?
I rest my case.
Still, one local art gallery is establishing itself as an inviting space for those of
discriminating taste and those who want to look at purrty pictures. ART ATTACK, located
at 108 Beacon Street in hipster-friendly Somerville, provides a warm, inviting atmosphere
with some of the finest (and most unique) art available. Besides the free conversation
and affordable art (framed paintings, blown glass, one-of-a-kind jewelry, home décor…)
the surprise secret is owner Heather Somershein. In stark contrast to the uppity snobs
who dominate many of Boston’s art galleries, Somershein (an artist herself) is friendly
and personable, a low-pressure saleswoman but high-energy art lover. Don’t worry, no
matter how uninformed your quips or queries, you will not be clobbered over the head
with a decaf latte and thrown out on your rear by The Art Nazi (“No art for you!”).
Truly, one of Somershein’s goals with ART ATTACK is to make art, culture and beauty
accessible to both the rich and snooty and Joe or Josephine Q. Average: “I don’t treat it
like a museum, I treat it as a place to come and enjoy art without the pressure, without
feeling like you have to know everything,” Somershein says of her business. “Whether
you’re old, young or furry with four feet… the idea is to be open and inviting.” If that’s the
goal, then Mission: Accomplished.
In addition to the unique attitude, ART ATTACK offers some of Boston’s most unique art.
There are gorgeous watercolors and expertly crafted pieces of jewelry that will satisfy
discerning art critics… but there are also bold ventures in mixed media and artistic
double-dog-dares: Where else in Boston would one see a refined oil painting on a
canvas of Legos? (Oh, don’t worry, each piece is carefully numbered so you can
reassemble the original after you play Monet). Somershein describes the pieces as
“sleek but affordable, a contemporary edge that reflects my own taste. It’s not about
being traditional, a traditional oil painting or portrait. It’s taste. It’s my taste, and if you like
my taste you’ll like everything inside.”
Indeed, at only 26, Somershein has already proven she has great taste; after studying
art and international studies at Pennsylvania State University, she managed a gallery in
Pittsburgh before moving to Boston. Once here, she served as director for Wentworth’s
galleries in Chestnut Hill and on Newbury Street. Her work has taken her around the
country, from St. Louis to Atlanta, from Washington, DC to sea to shining sea. She’s
seen every nook and cranny of the local and national art community, and that broad
knowledge is reflected in the eclectic mix of art she exhibits.
Only open a few short months, the early reaction to ART ATTACK has been
overwhelmingly positive. It’s a reaction that doesn’t surprise the confident Somershein: “I’
ve always known that I wanted to open my own business. I knew I had the talent to run it,
but I was waiting for the perfect day. Then I realized the perfect day would never come,
so I made a bet on myself. I bet I was going to make something very successful. And I
jumped.”
The result is a fresh perspective on Boston, its art and its culture. ART ATTACK is
constantly rotating exhibits, with a new show every six weeks (and additional intermittent
events): On April 14, ART ATTACK will host another of its monthly “2nd Thursdays,” (a
thumb-nosing reference to Newbury’s “First Friday” openings), with a silent auction, live
music throughout the night, free food and social butterflies. From April 31 to May 1, ART
ATTACK will participate in “Somerville Open Studios,” when 300 nearby artists open their
doors and display their work in an informal celebration of art and community.
Community is certainly one of ART ATTACK’s strongest points. It is quickly becoming a
safe haven for artists, art lovers, art snobs, big spenders, bargain hunters and curious
passerbys to mix and mingle. Somershein serves as an affable diplomat between these
disparate groups, and emphasizes a love of art as the great unifier.
“I’ve learned over the years that not everyone knows everything about art,” she says.
“But everyone knows what they like.”
Hey, Heather? I like.
Visit www.artattack108.com for directions and more event information.
