This weekend and next, you have a rare opportunity to not only survey some wonderful original artwork created by over 400 local artists, but also to visit the studios & spaces where they create, and chat with them about their work, inspiration & methods - all free! Well, unless you fall in love with a piece you end up purchasing... This annual event has been running since 1979, and spans the entire East Bay. We've been to the San Francisco Open Studios event for many years, and since these are both self-guided tours that require driving from location to location, here are a few tips: * Definitely do a little advance planning. Peruse the downloadable directory and/or online gallery to identify artists you are interested in, and group them together to minimize travel time. * The most efficient use of time is to find a building/ art center where many artists are represented under one roof. Usually we identify one or two artists whose work we like, and look to see who else is in that location, or in close vicinity, to help prioritize our visits. * Don't try to do too much! Plan on maybe 5 or 6 stops in a day, fewer if you're heading to one of the collaborative spaces where you can stroll among multiple studios. Spend time absorbing the space and chatting with the artist as well as viewing the work. * If you do think you may end up making a purchase during the weekend (there are often great deals to be had on unique and wonderful art), bring your checkbook and/or cash - most artists are not set up to accept credit cards, though there is always opportunity to make a purchase after your visit as well. An online gallery to browse work by this year's artists, plus the all-important downloadable directory & maps are available on the East Bay Open Studios page on the ProArts Gallery site.
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