The Open Doors Exhibitions or The ODE is a pop-up art gallery showcasing local artworks on certain themes. Each themed exhibition is tailored to selected towns and local cultures to promote conversation and bridge ideas. By creating physical space for exhibitions, workshops, and events, and by partnering with local businesses and artists, the ODE offers a unique and enriching experience to suburban communities for social impact.

At The ODE, art is used to mediate. Locals are welcome to engage in a creative space to appreciate artworks and connect with one another.

Art is supplied not only to educate but to bridge cultural gaps through collaborative efforts, creating opportunities for growth and social change in a time of divergence.

REASONS TO GIVE

We want to make a difference in the community & the world at large, that's why 100% of your contributions are used to provide outlets for creative expression and exploration for social impact through our mission-driven programs.  

We want to make a difference in the community & the world at large, that's why 100% of your contributions are used to provide outlets for creative expression and exploration for social impact through our mission-driven program.  Donations of $75 or more may receive a tax deduction by written request through our sponsor, Allied Arts Foundation. For more information, contact [email protected].

We:

• Collaborate with local small business, arts organizations, artists, and real estate owners/agencies to encourage lasting partnerships

• Foster community engagement by providing access to local art that would otherwise not be seen

• Encourage dialogue and critical thought on immediate social and cultural issues through themed, curated art exhibitions

• Use art to bridge cultural gaps and promote commonality within the human condition and stimulate overall appreciation for the arts

• Grant 2 x 1 Avid Artist Scholarship Award, helping more female artists be seen and heard

WHAT'S MORE? 2 for 1 SCHOLARSHIP MODEL

For every $1000 in membership dues or 2 New Avid Artist Memberships, we will provide a Full scholarship to a female artist in Massachusetts who meets certain financial needs. This 2 x 1 Scholarship allows more emerging artists the opportunity to exhibit their artwork and participate in our social impact platform.

Becoming a member gives you easy access to our programs, exhibitions, additional submissions to open calls, exclusive members-only events, socials, merch, and so much more.

Why IFW?

We are raising funds through IFW to help develop the Open Doors Exhibitions program. Your contribution will help us…

• Lease gallery space in locations throughout suburban communities surrounding Boston to execute our Pop-Up Galleries, including event insurance, utilities, necessary space renovation & design

• Cover personnel for program direction, art scouting, marketing, and research

• Invest in equipment, supplies, and art handling for exhibition

• Bring in expert guest speakers, catering, and entertainment for successful opening receptions

• Cover overhead costs so we can continue to carry out our mission to provide art & social impact throughout Massachusetts & beyond, including providing free events and workshops throughout Massachusetts. 

Meet the Woman Behind the Program

Linda V. Ferrer was born of immigrant parents and raised in Miami, FL, where she grew up with a variety of cultures around her. She began making art at a very young age and had her first group exhibition at the Omni in Miami when she was 8. Her film, Chest Hump, was premiered at the Miami Museum of Contemporary Art in 2004. Linda later moved to South Carolina in 2007 to raise a family and is the mother of two middle-school-aged daughters. She began hosting avant-garde art shows in Greenville in 2011 while continuing to make art in different mediums under her umbrella of arts, BD Productions. Linda earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy with a minor in Ancient Greek and Roman Studies from Furman University, studying art history and religion abroad in Turkey, Greece, Italy, and Rome. She then earned a Master of Arts degree in Coexistence and Conflict Resolution from Brandeis University where she studied Diversity, Sustainable Development, and Mediation. While at Brandeis, she realized she was at the center of conflicting political ideas and increasing division amongst her community. This was the fuel for her to create a platform where all ideas could be expressed and conversation could be had without fear of repercussion. Thus, Linda Ferrer founded the Nonprofit arts organization, Art in Suburbia, in 2017. Using art as a connector and the skills of mediation, her organization approaches social issues holistically. 

Thank you from the bottom of our heart!

"Our organization is committed to bringing awareness to issues that require attention in our communities and society as a whole, and to do so through the power of art. We are eternally grateful for all who generously give to our cause to realize our mission."

---Linda V. Ferrer; Founder, Executive Director