May Markets & Workshop Schedule — Boston Art Events, Rain‑or‑Shine Markets, and My Last Workshops Before Fall
May is here, and with it comes one of the most exciting months for Studio Reta. Outdoor markets return, the studio opens its doors, and Boston finally begins to feel alive after a long winter. If you’re looking for Boston art markets in May, rain‑or‑shine handmade events, or botanical watercolor workshops, this month is full of opportunities to connect.
StudioReta setup in outdoor market
Markets Are Rain or Shine — And Yes, They’re Tricky
Boston markets are beautiful, vibrant, and… unpredictable.
Most outdoor markets here are rain‑or‑shine events, which means we show up no matter what the sky is doing. Weather affects everything — foot traffic, setup, sales, and even the mood of the day. One hour can be warm and sunny, the next windy and cold.
It takes time (and a lot of trial and error) to figure out which markets fit your art and your business.
And truly… have I mentioned they’re tricky?
But when the weather cooperates, markets are magical. You meet people who genuinely love handmade work, you see returning customers, and you get to share your art in a way that feels personal and meaningful. This is the absolute best way to meet nice people and discover a lot of artists.
May Market Schedule — Where to Find Studio Reta
Here are all the places you can find me this month. All events are rain or shine.
May 9 — NEOM Market ~ New England Open Market
A lively local market with a great community feel. Just right next to the Public Garden, in Boston, on Boylston Street.
I’ll have prints, postcards, and new spring pieces.
May 10 — SOWA Market
One of Boston’s most beloved art markets. Perfect for a Sunday stroll, Farmer’s Market vibe with lots of handmade art—coffee in hand, and discovering local artists.
May 16 — Seaport Summer Market
A beautiful waterfront art market — you might know its winter counterpart, Snowport. This is the summer edition of that vibrant market.
May 31 — SOWA Market
Closing out the month back at SOWA — always a favorite place to meet new people, my vendor and artist friends, and share my botanical watercolor work.
🎨 May Botanical Watercolor Workshops — Last Ones Before Fall
If you’ve been wanting to join a watercolor workshop in Boston, May is your moment. These will be my last workshops before I take a summer break to rest, travel, and gather inspiration for the next season. Actually, I will have two in June too, but the others are private classes.
If you are interested in a private event (birthday, bridal shower, corporate team-building event) with a watercolor workshop, check my website here.
Botanical Watercolor for Beginners
Date: May 12
Location: Albertine Press
Subject: 2 hours, gentle introduction to watercolor techniques, color mixing, and painting seasonal florals, this time Iris and Peony. Beginner- friendly class, all tools are provided.
Botanical Watercolor Craft Evening
Date: May 14
Location: Studio Reta, Studio 400
Subject: 2 creative hours at my studio, bring your project, or I can give you watercolor exercises, not a normal class, I am going to be there but not actually teaching, lots of tools are provided.
Botanical Watercolor class with peonies for Beginners
Date: May 17
Location: Matriarch, Newport, RI
Subject: Peony class in Newport! 2.5 hours, gentle introduction to watercolor techniques, color mixing, and painting seasonal florals. Beginner- friendly class, all tools are provided.
Why I Love May for Markets and Workshops
May is when Boston finally wakes up. Flowers bloom, people wander through SOWA with iced coffees, and the studio fills with sunlight. Even on the unpredictable days, there’s a noticeable shift in energy. Workshops feel especially good this month — everyone comes in with fresh post‑winter motivation, and it makes the whole room feel more alive.
Visit the Studio This Month
If you’re in Boston and want to explore local art, meet artists, or shop handmade botanical pieces, you’re always welcome to stop by:
SOWA First Friday (next one: June 5 )
Sunday Open Studios (every Sunday 11 am - 5 pm)
May and June workshops (last ones before fall!)
Markets on May 9, 10, 16, and 31
Our studio is a warm, welcoming space with lots of plants :) where you can see new originals, prints, postcards, and behind‑the‑scenes work.
See You in May — Rain or Shine
Markets may be unpredictable, but that’s part of the charm. Whether the sun is shining or Boston surprises us with another chilly breeze, I’m excited to share new art, meet you in person, and celebrate the start of the season.
With love:
Reta
