Spend the weekend studio-hopping Spend the weekend studio-hopping (May 07, 2004)

Local artists open up work spaces to public

By Katie Vaughn

Mountain View art lovers have a unique opportunity this weekend to enjoy works created by their hometown neighbors.

For the 18th straight year, artists throughout the Bay Area are participating in Silicon Valley Open Studios, a three-weekend-long event in which artists open up their studios to visitors. More than 460 artists are enrolled this year, and their works include paintings, drawings, pottery, woodworks, and clothing.

Mountain View artists, as well as those from Palo Alto, Los Altos and other Northern Santa Clara County towns, participate in the second weekend, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 8-9. In Mountain View, 23 artists will exhibit in 11 group and individual studios. Last weekend featured artists from southern Santa Clara County and next weekend, artists from San Mateo County and the Pacific Coast will open their studio doors.

The event gives visitors the chance to meet artists in their studios. But unlike gallery meet-and-greet events, the Open Studios program lets them see where many artists create their work, offering a rare glimpse into the artistic process.

"They see the setup of artists' working space," said Patricia LaFleur, a painter who is hosting a group show.

Mountain View's 23 Open Studios artists will participate in five group and six individual exhibitions throughout the city. Many visitors studio-hop to see a wide range of artists and works.

"It's a great way for collectors to see several different artists and meet the artists face-to-face," LaFleur said.

While some artists reveal their studios and show completed pieces and works-in-progress, others are displaying their art outdoors. Many offer refreshments to encourage visitors to stay and talk with them.

"We hope people can hang out a little bit," said Gladys Robinson, a watercolor painter holding her seventh Open Studios show.

Artists said they've received anywhere from 10 to 100 people per day at their studios, which makes it difficult to anticipate the turnout. Julia Munger Seelos, an exhibiting painter, said the uncertainty is part of the experience.

"You do it with an open mind," Seelos said.

Art lovers can not only meet and talk with the artists, but also purchase art at a lower cost. By selling their works directly from their studios, artists can often offer lower prices than they could in traditional galleries.

"It's a little better value directly from the artist," said Kevin Courter, a painter holding his first group show in Mountain View.

This year marks the first time Open Studios has offered a juried element. A panel of arts professionals reviewed the works of 164 participating artists and rewarded 93 with "star" status. Seven Mountain View artists received this honor: Laura Deem, Jennifer Henderson, Kim Lordier, Swanica Ligtenberg, Ann McMillan, Seelos and Ed Terpening.

Visitors can drive all over the county to meet artists and view works, but they may not have to go far to find studios, LaFleur said.

"It's really fun for people to realize there are artists in the neighborhood."

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