Located at 399 Liberty Street in Rockland, the Wright Building is often passed by without a second glance or care for what is going on inside. It was an old shoe factory, but its days of fabricating soles and heels are long gone. Instead, it has new residents known as the 4th Floor Artists. These residents bring a much more interesting, lively and bright atmosphere than the dusty old shoe factory probably ever did. The artists inhabit all of the floors (not exclusively the fourth), and vary in all aspects: from age, expertise, medium and background.

 Joan Dalto, the artist of studio 101, joined the 4th Floor Artists in 2009, and has been with the group ever since. She is just one of the incredibly talented people that make up the organization. While most of the time the artists are left to paint and sculpt and otherwise “do their thing,” two times a year the doors are opened and the general populous is welcomed into Open Studios. “Open Studios,” Dalto explains, “is an event where all of the artists open their studios, so the community can see what we do and how we do it.”  Open Studios is held in the fall (November 21 and 22) and again in the spring. Along with the artists opening up their workplaces, the gallery is also free to enter, and displays a multitude of artworks and art styles.

At Open Studios, everyone is free to roam around the six floors of the building, and drift in and out of the artists’ rooms. However, don’t mistake this event as something just for your grandmother (although, surely she wouldn’t mind an invite); Open Studios is open to all ages. There are snacks all around and music. All in all, it’s just a good time. There is a boutique on the first floor that sells all kinds of scarves and hats, and a jewelry store with all sorts of handmade bracelets, earrings, necklaces, rings and any other kind of jewelry. Open Studios is about fun, so if you find yourself with nothing to do on November 21 and 22, you can go to the open house – if not for the art, then at least for the snacks.

www.4thfloorartists.org