We're coming up on the second weekend of the 33rd Annual SF Open Studios:
"For over 30 years, San Francisco Open Studios has provided the public with an opportunity to see artists in their workspaces. As the largest and first open studios program in the country, San Francisco Open Studios showcases artists without judgment and invites art lovers to make friends and start or build their art collections."
Each weekend presents opportunities to see artists in different neighborhoods. This weekend I'll get to stroll around my neighborhood to meet some of the artists who live near me.
Weekend 2: October 11 & 12, 11am-6pm
Buena Vista,
Diamond Heights, Fort Mason, Haight, Hayes Valley, Marina, Mount
Davidson, Pacific Heights, Richmond, Sunset, Twin Peaks, West Portal (see the full map)
I love SF Open Studios. It's a terrific excuse to wander around the city and meet some neighbors, and a great way to explore a neighborhood you don't know very well. It's also fascinating to see the space where an artist works, and discover some of the creations that are being made inside buildings you may pass by every day. Many of the artists make a bit of a party out of it, serving wine and snacks and offering up conversation about what they've been working on. And if you fall in love with a work of art, you can buy it directly from the creator. There's nothing better than that.
Speaking of buying art directly from the artist, I'm kicking off my art-filled weekend tonight by going to see a new exhibition by Annie Galvin (aka Wexford Girl) called 49 Reasons Why.
Two of Annie's paintings hang in my bathroom and serve as a constant reminder of life's mysteries:
(Read the story behind these paintings.)
Artists do important work. They strive to know themselves, tap into their inspiration and persevere against the odds to turn the vision in their heads and hearts into tangible works we can enjoy. We should support them and celebrate them, and this weekend in San Francisco gives us plenty of opportunity. So get out and enjoy some art!