108 Beacon Street
Somerville, MA 02143
Artattack108@yahoo.com
Phone: 617-441-3833
Fax: 617-800-2678
Somerville Journal 2-17-05
By Samantha Conti
neighbors packed the small Somerville space at 108 Beacon Street Friday night to
examine paintings, sketches and landscapes painted on legos at Art Attack Gallery’s
opening of “American Landscapes.”
“I couldn’t get out of the corner,” said Art Attack Gallery owner Heather Somershein,
who hasn’t seen a crowd this large since her grand opening in October 2004.
Though “American Landscapes” features Boston-based artists Anthony Petchkis,
Christopher Speakman, and Karl Frey, the gallery holds works from twenty-five
artists—works that range from landscapes to Moroccan lamps to origami earrings.
“My musical tastes, my art tastes—everything is eclectic,” said Somershein.
Somershein, 26, moved to Boston about two years ago to take over as director of the
Wentworth Gallery on Newbury street. In September, after having worked for the
Wentworth chain for four years, in Philadelphia, New York, and finally Boston, she
decided to start her own business.
Previously unfamiliar with Somerville, Somershein saw the space advertised on Craig’
s List, and soon realized what a good location she had found. Several people come
in a day, according to Somershein, many more than visited the gallery on Newbury
Street.
“It’s nice to get off the beaten track and see phenomenal art,” said Somershein.
Being a gallery owner and artist is about educating said Somershein. Her goal is to
create a non-intimidating environment where art is accessible to everyone. She
supports and showcases a variety of styles and mediums.
“I love art, and I don’t discriminate against art,” said Somershein. “It just has to be
good.”
The city of Somerville claims the second-highest number of artists per capita, after
New York, according to Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, and Somershein said she
understands why—the city is full of “undiscovered gems.”
“The arts are booming in Somerville where they aren’t booming in other parts of
Boston,” said Somershein. “Of course the arts are prevalent everywhere, not just
Somerville, but so many talented people live here.”
Beginning March 10th Art Attack is hosting “Second Thursdays”, a series that
features local musical talent ranging from experimental to hip-hop to indie rock.
Somershein’s next exhibition, featuring New Hampshire artist Shanti, will begin April
1st, followed by Somerville Open Studios April 30th to May 1st. Somershein said she
looks forward to the warmer months and hosting even more events, including poetry
readings.
Art Attack Gallery is here to stay said Somershein. She can’t wait for the day there is
a line out the door of 108 Beacon Street. Meanwhile, she said she will “keep it fresh
and change things all the time.”
Somershein said she has no doubt that Somerville is a great place to be.
“When you cross over into the Somerville border, you get a vibe.”
