Visit MCA Institutional Member, Running With Scissors Art Studios during Maine Craft Weekend for Open Studios on Saturday, October 4th!

News from MCA Institutional Member: Running With Scissors Art Studios,
located in East Bayside, Portland, Maine.

Get a glimpse into the lives of local artists at the Running With Scissors Art Studios (RWS) Open Studios from 12 – 4 PM on Saturday, October 4, 2025 in celebration of Maine Craft Weekend. Over 30 members will be in the studios to show you where they bring their inspiration to life, the art they make, and–if you’re lucky–how they make it. Live demonstrations include clay throwing, Lego printmaking, paper marbling, etching, painting, a wood shop talk, and other fun activities.

RWS has been a dedicated makerspace for 22 years and now serves more than 80 artists and fine craftspeople working in various and sometimes multiple mediums, including printmaking, ceramics, woodworking, painting, photography, metalsmithing, textiles, and more. Members possess varying degrees of education and experience ranging from emerging to established. The studios’ objective is to help each artist reach their independent creative goals. This will be some members’ first Open Studios experience. “I’m excited to just have people into my studio space for the first time and have finished paintings alongside works in progress. I feel like there is more opportunity for conversation as opposed to at a market. I don’t know many other members, and I’m excited to see other people’s studios and work.” – Emma Garcelon, Woodnote

RWS is a community where members share equipment, ideas, tools, and support. Stop by and be a part of our creative community for the day. We’d love to hear stories about your creative practice, what you enjoy about art, or what art form you are curious about. It’s an opportunity for us all to be seen, feel heard, and have fun. “Open studios create space for people to experience art in a more personal way, by stepping into the studios where it’s made. Viewing and experiencing art can be grounding and even healing. When it happens in a community setting, it opens the door to genuine conversation and connection. In the midst of so much noise and heaviness in the world, I find these in-person exchanges to be especially meaningful.” – Rebecca Volynsky, RVOL Creative

RWS only opens its doors to the public twice a year. Located at 250 Anderson Street, RWS occupies a 16,000 square-foot muraled industrial building in the eclectic East Bayside neighborhood of Portland, ME. It is a closed-door facility that includes private studios, open-air studios, associate workspaces, and communal areas. The three main departments in clay, print, and wood are managed and supported by a staff of working artists. “I love Open Studios. It’s the best because it is only about the art; the artists and the public coming together, with no holiday pressure or frantic present buying. It’s my favorite perk at Open Studios. I can’t wait!” – Joyce Ellen Weinstein

Support local artists and learn more about RWS at this family-friendly and free event! Make a day of it and stop by the annual RWS 6×6 Exhibit at Belleflower Brewing (66 Cove Street, Portland) where you can see and purchase finished works by our members from October 3 – November 30, 2025. An informal artist meet and greet will be held there on Friday, October 3rd from 5 – 7 PM.

RWS welcomes the public back into the studios December 12 – 14, 2025, for the annual RWS Holiday Sale. Studio tours are also available by invitation and appointment.

Instagram: @rwsartstudios
Facebook: Running with scissors art studios
Contact: rwsartstudios.com.