SF Open Studios

This month, you’re invited to the studios of more than 900 SF artists. For FREE.

I’m a big fan of the whole program, as it’s a chance to get a glimpse behind the curtain of how some of my favorite artists do their thing, see what they’ve been working on in their own space, and ask the questions about their process that always feel a little out of place otherwise.

That, and there’s a lot of wine and cheese all over the place just calling my name.

Here’s how to approach SF Open Studios

Step 1: Get the guidebook.

If you don’t have one yet, it should be at a coffee shop or gallery near you, or check out one of these specific addresses.

Step 2: Make your schedule.

It’s four weekends long and each weekend highlights different neighborhoods. I recommend getting a bottle of 2 buck chuck, sitting back and picking your favorites. If you just want to sit back and drink the 2 buck chuck, that’s cool. I included recommendations of artists and galleries I know and recommend.

Weekend #1: October 13 & 14, 11am to 6pm
Fort Mason, Marina, Pacific Heights, Russian Hill, North Beach, Duboce, Hayes Valley, Haight, Upper Market, Ocean Beach, Sunset, Richmond, Diamond Heights, Buena Vista, Twin Peaks, West Portal, Glen Park, Excelsior

• Feeling adventurous? Do a winding urban hike from North Beach out to Ocean Beach.
• Find out what 50/50 panels have to do with ice cream at Charley Paff’s studio in Fort Mason.
• Learn about Elizabeth Fracchia’s “Recycle People” project in the Richmond.

Weekend #2: October 20 & 21, 11am to 6pm
SOMA, Tenderloin, Potrero Hill, Dogpatch, Bayview

• Explore the new digs and lab space at Dickerman Prints and see what’s up from Seth Dickerman, Gabriel Aguilar, Audrey Heller, Kimberly Sikora, and Daniel Grisales.
• Ask directions for the Mystic Highway from Victoria Miller.
• Get abstract and ceramic with Barbara Florez.
• Ask Mary Gow about camera-less photography?
• Talk life circles and local color with Soad A. Kader.
• Check out Yuri Boyko’s photo nouveau at Misho Gallery.

Weekend #3: October 27 & 28, 11am to 6pm
Mission, Noe Valley, Bernal Heights, Castro

Weekend #4: November 3 & 4, 11am to 6pm
Hunters Point Shipyard & Islais Creek Studios

Step 3: Report back.

Come back and leave me a comment about an artist you meet, learn about, or want to promote.

But most of all, get out there, show your support for the artists that make SF the enduring pulse of creativity that it is, and tell some friends.

SF Open Studios
ArtSpan
October 13 – November 4, Weekends
San Francisco
Info here