This weekend officially kicks off Spring here in Boston with the SoWa Art Walk on Saturday and Sunday May 19-20, 2007 from 11-6. Yeah!

And while you’re in the South End checking out all that fabulous art in the mill buildings, head over to Chris’ gem, The South End Open Market, to mingle and shop all the artists, craftsmen, farmstands and other cool vendors as they open for the season, kicking things off on Saturday and Sunday from 10-4. Free parking and admission is yours at this open air feast for the eyes (and tummy!).

A few places on my list for the SoWa Art Walk:

Boxx Furniture: Custom designed furniture by Pablo and John, check out their furniture and let them help you create something you’ll love. You can find them all weekend long in their SoWa showroom located at 46 Waltham St., Studio #210.

Garage Sale: Gorgeous high-end furniture, art and jewelry that may not be marked at garage sale prices, but you can expect to score some things that you love for at least half of their original cost. This store is located at 55 Waltham Street.

Polly Becker’s illustration studio. Because a Holly Becker must meet a Polly Becker, right? Located at 258 Shawmut ave #5.

Design Salon Group Show “Five Females”, featuring Jennifer Hill from JHill Design, Ann Karash of mittenmitten, Kelly Smith of etcetera media, Jill Rosenwald of Rosenwald Ceramics, and Erica Von Sc of Vonica Designs. Total girl power at 46 Waltham St, Studio 305-A.

Simplemente Blanco – A must stop on my list. I can’t wait to visit with Fernanda and see what she’s been up to. I love her home accessories and soaps. Beautiful things. Don’t miss this studio. 46 Waltham St., Studio #203

Julie Shaw Lutts – Fantastic artist, can’t wait to visit her studio at 450 Harrison Ave, Studio 412-A.

Jennifer Hughes – Another amazing artist that I want to visit. I love the idea of walking around the South End all day from studio to studio, checking out all this beautiful work on display. We did it last year and had such a great time. 460 Harrison Ave.

Linda Cordner – Her encaustic work is beautiful, you have to check it out in person. 450 Harrison Ave., Studio 316-B.

And Yuko Adachi. I don’t know much about her work, but her website is so intriguing, I have to visit. Plus, anyone born in Tokyo and raised in Japan, Paris, London and the USA has to have a lot of cool energy. 450 Harrison Ave., Studio #228.

(images from jhill design (thanks jen!), south end open market, and sowa art walk)