JP’s Thriving Arts Tradition

From distinguished civic leaders to visionary activists, Jamaica Plain has been home to many notable individuals. Artists, in particular, have been drawn to JP and its unique blend of diversity, intellectual excitement, and neighborhood ambiance.

The Footlight Club, housed in historic Eliot Hall, is America’s oldest community theatre and has performed every year since 1877. The Footlight Club is renowned for its creative excellence and has in its history presented three American premieres. The legacy of the Footlight Club continues to this day with annual productions of high caliber.

In the area of the visual arts, JP is particularly strong and serves as home to many of Boston’s painters, photographers, and sculptors. A number of organizations have been established to help promote JP artists. These include the Jamaica Plain Artists Association and Jamaica Plain Arts Council, which hosts Open Studios, a very popular annual event where more than two hundred artists open their studios to the public.

Recognizing the importance of the arts within the community, JPCS launched an event series highlighting the work of area artists. On the first Thursday evening of the summer, selected businesses along Centre and South streets host the work of local artists from 6 pm to 8 pm. “First Thursday Arts” offers residents a convenient way to enjoy the entire spectrum of the visual arts, from painting to jewelry to sculpture.

For more information about the JP’s lively arts scene, please visit:
Jamaica Plain Bulletin, www.bulletinnewspapers.com
Jamaica Plain Gazette, www.jamaicaplaingazette.com
The Boston Globe Calendar Magazine, www.boston.com/news/globe/living/calendar
Boston Herald, http://theedge.bostonherald.com/theedge.bg
Boston Phoenix, www.bostonphoenix.com

Jamaica Plain Artists Association, www.jpaa.org
Jamaica Plain Open Studios, www.jpopenstudios.com
Footlight Club productions, www.footlight.org