Erika Meriaux’s Punishment of Hera.February 2010ArtSpan Open Studios Exhibition draws South-of-Market Crowd with Hip, Quirky ArtBy Lori HigaFree tastings from Napa winery Artesa, Pernod absinthe cocktails, and a mix of works by local artists – from sculpture and photography to 3-D collage, paintings and lithographs – drew an eclectic, large and lively crowd to a sleek Market Street gallery in a neighborhood more famous for its grime, crime, graffiti, junkies and homeless than art last month. The opening reception for Selections 2010, produced by nonprofit ArtSpan, creator of San Francisco Open Studios, featured the work of 20 Open Studios artists, chosen from a field of more than 300. Selections 2010 jurors included artist Ray Beldner, author and arts writer Alison Bing, and Inga Fischer, director of the California Modern Gallery, where the show was held. Featured artists included Steven Allen, Tim Baskerville, Flora Davis, and Schnetzler Photography. Launched in 1975 by ArtSpan, Open Studios connects artists directly with buyers and fans four weekends every year, when artists open their studios to the public to sell and expose their work. Open Studios is one of the few opportunities available that gives artists complete control over pricing their work and the ambiance of the exhibit space, usually their own workshop or studio. According to Fischer, Selections 2010 supports emerging and established artists, providing many with their first experience in a professionally curated exhibit. “Selections is an exciting showcase not only for local artists but for ArtSpan’s many wonderful programs,” said event director Jennifer Mullen. To help artists, ArtSpan partners with California College of the Arts to host skills building workshops, and offers artists residencies at Bessie Carmichael Elementary School and the Arts for City Youth program. For more information: www.artspan.org, info@artspan.org or 861.9838. |
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