Live graffiti gallery comes to South End Open Market

The South End Open Market has been supporting local artists and vendors since it started 13 years ago, but this week it’s branching out to highlight a different medium: graffiti.

On Sunday, the market (located at InkBlock) is hosting #OFFTHEWALL, alive graffiti art gallery and block party that the market says is the first of its kind in Boston.

“When we first launched our markets 13 years ago, we were the only group dedicated to supporting the livelihood of independent artists,” said Chris Masci, CEO and founder of New England Open Markets, in a news release. “Today, we see art and farmers markets popping up on every other block. In order for artists to thrive in today’s world, we must constantly reinvent ourselves, but more importantly serve as champions for local talent.”

Masci added that the #OFFTHEWALL artists are “globally sought after” for public art installations and yet, he said, Boston is unaware of that kind of creativity right in its own backyard.

The #OFFTHEWALL evet includes such artists asBrand Rockwell, Problak, Geo ‘BOWZ,’ BrianlifeandImagine.

“Boston is quickly emerging in the international graffiti scene as a city home to some of the world’s most talented graffiti artists, yet we have not established that reputation locally,” said Brand Rockwell, co-founder of #OFFTHEWALL.

The “live” part of the graffiti gallery means aritsts will be creating murals on site, and the completed graffiti murals will remain on display in the South End’s New York Streets neighborhood after the event.

In addition to the livegallery, #OFFTHEWALL is an all-day block party featuring mimosas, craft beers and a Motown-beats soundtrack provided by Saucy Lady Music, a Boston-based singer and DJ originally from Japan.

South End Open Market opens at 10 a.m. on Sunday at Ink Block, located at 375 Harrison Avenue. The graffiti gallery will be live from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.