Richmond artists' Open Studios

by Jonathan Farrell

As October brings some of the best weather to San Francisco, it is also the best time for artists to display their wares at the annual Open Studios event. This year, artists in the Sunset and Richmond districts invite the public into their studios to view their work on Oct. 11 and Oct. 12.

This is the 33rd year Open Studios has invited people to view artist's work up close in their own working-studio environment. A very unconventional grass-roots approach when it was founded by a group of city artists in the '70s, the event was created because the founding artists were frustrated with the art gallery routine.

What had simply been an attempt by artists to get their art to the people has now become a long-standing tradition.

"Open Studios has continued to be the longest running and most extensive art event in the nation," said Wendy Norris, an art consultant speaking on behalf of the event.

Familiar with the arts in San Francisco, especially with her work at the M.H. de Young Memorial Museum, Norris said San Francisco's Open Studios has "served as a model for cities around the world, such as New York, Boston, Tokyo, etc ... all seeking to create similar annual events."

According to Norris, last year "Open Studios resulted in nearly 60,000 visitors citywide and nearly $1.7 million in art works sold. Each year the event grows."

The non-profit organization ArtSpan coordinates and organizes the five-consecutive-weekend event.

Lindsay Barrick, who serves as operations manager for the organization, described ArtSpan's mission as "one that is to build a community by connecting the public to visual arts in San Francisco."

"Through SF Open Studios, youth and adult education and art-centric events, ArtSpan is able to create a platform for artists to thrive," she added.

This year, more than 800 artists will participate.

Norris believes one reason why Open Studios has endured for these many years is because of its grass-roots "homespun feeling."

She cites a report issued this past June by the National Endowment for the Arts which determined San Francisco has the most artists per capita for a metropolitan area.

"For the artists, it's a chance to develop their people and selling skills and, even more importantly, to make a living," she said.

Sunset District artist Emily Clawson is pleased to be participating again. She hopes that by sharing her work space visitors will in turn share their thoughts and ideas.

"The studio is a solitary work space by necessity so I enjoy the social quality of open studios," Clawson said.

"Open studios is all about making connections and finding inspiration," she said. "Most visitors to my studio last year were people I had never met."

Open Studios begins its five-consecutive weekends run with a gala and opening exhibition reception on Oct. 4.

For more information about Open Studios and a list of all participating artists citywide, visit the Web site at www.artspan.org or call ArtSpan at (415) 861-9838.

Richmond Artists

Ravi Anand: abstract landscapes - 1600 Lake St.

Robert J. Aston: photography - 123 Sixth Ave.

Katherine Bellevin Lamenade: glass, furniture and sculpture - 562 Ninth Ave.

Susan Bostrom-Wong: painting, mixed media - 493 Eighth Ave.

David Carr: still lifes, landscapes - 325 Cornwall St.

Marie Cirillo: painting, landscapes - SFJCC, 3200 California St.

Ailene H. Coffino: painting, landscapes - SFJCC, 3200 California St.

Rachel Deist: ceramics, jewelry - 217 Fourth Ave.

Fong Fai: painting - 239 12th Ave.

Joel Hoyer: mixed media, painting- 596 46th Ave.

Barbara Landis: photography - 689 37th Ave.

Larry Lurie: sculpture, figurative - 21 21st Ave.

Jody McMillan: printmaking, drawing - 59 Sixth Ave.

Rachel Murray Meyer: mixed media, still life - 1101 Lake St.

Vince Meyer: sculpture, furniture - 1101 Lake St.

Nancy Rodger: painting, landscape - SFJCC, 3200 California St.

Joseph Smooke: photography - 366 10th Ave.

Mike Tikinsky: photography - 186 Arguello Blvd.

Natalie A. White: painting - SFJCC, 3200 California St.

Marie Wylan: painting, still lifes, landscapes - 325 Cornwall St.

Jesus Perez Zamarron: painting, drawing - 562 Ninth Ave.