Coffy, Art, & Open Studios All Over San Francisco
Be inspired by the creative power of San Francisco Bay Area artists this fall at ArtSpan’s SF Open Studios (SFOS). ArtSpan invites the public to visit the creative spaces of local artists to see where their magic happens and to purchase work directly from creators. A beloved annual tradition since 1975, ArtSpan’s citywide SFOS offers residents and tourists the free opportunity to engage directly with the artists responsible for the unique creative culture and vibrancy that attracts admirers from all over the world.
This week we are highlighting SF artist Joshua Coffy, whose studio is in SOMA and can be visited November 11th and 12th during weekend 3, along with many many other artists and studios!
Artist Name: Joshua Coffy
www.undersong.com
@GiftProlific
Medium(s): Acrylic Paint
What kind of things have you done with ArtSpan over the years?
I’ve volunteered extensively with ArtSpan for several years. I was the Co-chair of the Open Studios Committee for a bit and even helped develop the Mentor Team, where artists who have experience with open studios offer up their knowledge to people just getting into the game.
Why’d you start making art?
When I was young I mostly wanted to emulate comics and skateboard art. And when I was in need of newer better art supplies a very kind Grandmother encouraged me a lot. Then I started painting after my family moved to New Mexico and I saw several Georgia OKeefe paintings on a school field trip.
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Your art recently explores…
Birds! I love painting birds and other animals in often whimsical settings. I love to juxtapose the animals with design elements to tell stories.
What’s the scene like at Arc Gallery?
Arc is awesome. There are about a dozen artists that are chasing their passion, most of them full-time artists. They are all very community oriented and the vibe is great. I always have my door open so people can stop by and say hello. I also share an open wall with Heather Robinson so we talk over the wall when we are both there. Hehe.
Arc Gallery & Studios – 1246 Folsom Street, San Francisco
Any artists you think people NEED to see at Open Studios 2023?
All of them! In fact this year at Arc’s Open Studios we are doing something a little different than other studio buildings. We have created a ‘Passport to Art’. When you come in the front door you get a passport and if you get that checked by each artist and drop it off when you’re leaving your name will get entered into a drawing for original art or prints! It’s very much a thank you for coming out to support art on this local level.
Plus you might discover artists like Dianne Hoffman, Rachel Liebman, and Henry Bortman. Don’t miss this chance to explore our lovely studios. We promise we won’t exhaust you or give you Art fatigue. And you may just end up winning some art to show off to your friends.
Favorite place to see art in the Bay Area?
Oh jeez. STUDIO Gallery on Pacific has also been one of my long-standing favorites for local artwork. I also can’t get enough of the phenomenal shows at Modern Eden!
What’s coming up next for you?
This year Heather Robinson and I have decided to revisit a collaborative series we did about five years ago. She makes these amazing paintings and then asks me to put my work over hers. Mixing her color palette with mine and hopefully meeting in our sense and love of design work. This year we are making 16 smaller more affordable pieces together. Hopefully to invite folks to get on board with our stories.
ARC OS Info:
www.arc-sf.com/artspan-open-studios-2023.html
ArtSpan Open Studios Weekend 3:
11AM-5PM on Saturday November 11th & Sunday November 12th
Preview Reception: Friday, November 10th 6-9PM
Arc Studio Artists: Henry Bortman, Joshua Coffy, Nathalie Fabri, Angela Han, Dianne Hoffman, J.L. King, Clare Kuo, Rachel Leibman, Pamela Mooney, Priscilla Otani, Barbara Pollak-Lewis, Debra Reabock, Heather Robinson, and Stephen C. Wagner
Guest Artists: Elizabeth Addison, Silvi Alcivar, Carrington Arredondo, Laurie Blessen, Johnny Botts, Jeanne Hauser, John Kraft, Sean O’Donnell, Larraine Seiden, Debra Cook Shapiro, Tamiko Sidore, and Tanya Wilkinson
All Open Studios 2023 EVENT LINEUPs & MORE HERE
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