By Jenna Furdon

Every October in Boston is sure to guarantee a few things: Salem witches, daylight savings, and a notable absence of the Red Sox from the World Series. While Bostonians are still hoping for extra days of sunlight and a reversal of "the curse" in September, the Dorchester Arts Collaborative is fast-forwarding their clocks to October 25 to guarantee a tradition of their own: the second annual Dorchester Open Studios.

Hard at work duplicating last year's success, the not-for-profit Dorchester Arts Collaborative (DAC) kicks off fall by carrying out its faithful mission: connecting local artists and residents to create a colorful, cultural community. "It's an opportunity to shed a whole new light on Dorchester," says Rosanne Foley, an organizer of Open Studios and DAC member.

The Dorchester Open Studios event is not only important to the art community, but is just as significant&emdash;if not more&emdash;to the neighborhood as a whole. "In Dorchester, especially from the outside, there is a lot of focus on the negative parts of our community and on the rare bad things that happen. Even for the people who live here who can see the good, it wears you down," explains Foley. "But this event shows one of the many good sides of Dorchester. It's a way for people to look beyond their troubles, express themselves, and have a good time."

The dedication of DAC members to their mission is admirable. As a non-profit trying to thrive in a parched economy, some cynics might say there couldn't have been a worse time to launch an organization: On top of overall economic troubles, the art community has also taken a bashing of its own as groups have experienced dramatic fund-slashing. As Foley explains, "When you have the Commonwealth cutting funding to the overall state, it's hard. Fundraising is tough in this atmosphere, so we're all volunteers. Everything is pro-bono."

But these conditions aren't enough to waiver the DAC fortitude. Inopportune times? Perhaps. Impossible dreams?

No way, says Foley. "It's really about a labor of love."

This labor of love is what will bring a contagious energy to the opening gala on Friday night, October 24. The Great Hall in Codman Square will be abuzz with the warmth of community&emdash;where artists, supporters, and newcomers alike will be refreshed by the crisp autumn air, a welcoming environment, and plenty of captivating entertainment.

Last fall, DAC joined the growing Boston Open Studios Coalition, home to the largest open studios event in America, and organized Dorchester's first Open Studios. The turnout was promising: The event drew approximately 1,500 people to the work of 75 featured artists. While committee members find it tough to predict attendance because of the event's infancy, Foley says she hopes to exceed last year's attendance.

With a more diverse artist clientele this year formed by the addition of performing artists and digital artists to the more "traditional" artist base, the event shows a lot of potential. "The performance art pieces like the Tarbox Ramblers on Friday night and the poetry slam [spontaneous poetry] on Saturday will bring in a whole new audience. Seeing those pieces in action is something to really look forward to," Foley said.

Freudian art theorist Anton Ehrenzweig was quoted as saying, "The work of art acts like another person with whom we are conversing." Open Studios adds something else to this equation: One of the most distinguishing aspects about the festival that is largely amiss from art societies today is the ability to have direct, personal connections with the artists. "Open Studios is a way to get art into the public realm, into a part of people's lives rather than in some distant museum or gallery. Rather than standing in a museum, reading a label, you actually get to talk to the artist, and have a conversation about their work. It's not about intimidation," Foley assures.

While the use of public venues is somewhat limited this year, artists have the opportunity to showcase their work in eight public venues on Saturday, October 25 from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The new Humphries Street Studios complex will be a welcome addition to the venues this year, and will house the most artists along with the lofts at Lower Mills. Private studios will also be included on the route. Free detailed location maps and shuttle bus services at the Odwin Learning Center on Dorchester Ave. will provide easy access to get around from exhibit to exhibit.

This year, the planning committee is hoping for more artists and art enthusiasts participation. Joyce Linehan, director of the event's planning committee, told the Reporter two weeks ago that artist recruitment is the most important aspect of the festival, and she is still in the process of recruiting neighborhood artists. Anyone interested should e-mail info@dorchesterartists.org.

Most of the Dorchester neighborhoods have good participation, Linehan reported, adding that she would like to see more in the Savin Hill district.

Lineham said that this year participants and viewers can expect everything to run smoothly and organized. When asked what was the best thing about the Dorchester Open Studios, Linehan answered, "It's a great way to meet your neighbors, support the artists, and start your Christmas shopping early!"

As the latest and 12th addition to the Boston Open Studios Coalition, the mission of DAC will undoubtedly continue to paint a vibrant picture. Foley says, "We have the opportunity to forge ahead and see where artists in Dorchester want us to go. There's nothing written in stone, so it's all spontaneous. It's exciting."

For more information, or to volunteer, visit dorchesterartists.org or call 617-822-8205. The Boston Open Studios opens this weekend in the South End. All festivities are free and open to the public. For more info see bostonopenstudios.org.

Krysten Ogrizovich contributed to this story.