SF Open Studios

Psst… want to look at etchings? Oils? Acrylics? Sculpture? Watercolor? Photographs?
Don’t let another opportunity pass by to enjoy the Open Studios at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard. There’s really no equivalent anywhere in the world to the hundreds of studios you can visit here in a single afternoon. It’s one of my #1 favorite things to do in the City and it’s completely free.
For two weekends each year (in October and April), hundreds of artists throw open their studios and invite the public in to view (and purchase) their work. You can talk to the artists about their work, watch them work, or walk on silently, after you’ve helped yourself to the wine, cheese, chips, or candy that the artists generously provide gratis. It’s nothing short of a perfect afternoon.
Parking? Gratis as well and, if you’re worried about the sketchy neighborhood, don’t be: The whole area is secured. Volunteers man both the front gate and the secure parking areas it includes. You won’t need to step foot outside the shipyard.
With its long, big hallways and multiple floors, the main building is a good place to get lost. It alone houses hundreds of artists. Start there, or at any of the outlying buildings. All are a short walk away from one another. This biggest studio building is protected and should remain an artist’s colony for the foreseeable future; the outlying buildings don’t have the same fate. See it now, before this slice of history is gone.
Kids welcome, dogs welcome, and you’re welcome. You can thank me later.

There is no better opportunity to see and buy some amazing art than this! Sure, museums and galleries are great, but what you see is being dictated by the taste and sensibilities of the curator. At Open Studios you are able to peruse a wide variety of genres and styles and experience the artist’s world first hand. You can hear their stories from their mouths and actually see the progress they have made with their work. Some of the best interactions I’ve had have been at Open Studios and I always find myself leaving reinvigorated and excited. How I wish I could spend every day amidst a sea of creative people and surrounded by beautiful things!

This is my first year of open studios, and I think it’s rocking. Although some of the art is not to my taste, I’ve been really impressed by the quality of much of what we saw –going into it, I thought that I wouldn’t be tempted by anything, but by the end of the day yesterday, I had bought a couple of pieces, and had my eye a few more. The studios at 19^th and Alabama are highly recommended and worth the trek from BART.

I think everyone should give the Open Studios a try at some point in their life. Lots to see in terms of art– from painting, photography, jewelry and sculpture. Some of the best studios are not even listed on the map, the artists just open their doors on their neighborhood weekend. It’s always great to see artists’ spaces– where they live and work– and to interact with them in person. Folks forget that in this economy, artists need support too, and buying a little something for your home is a win-​win for both parties.
While there is something for everybody (and I encourage people to buy what they like) I wouldn’t consider a majority of the work to my taste. I usually pop into Paul Madonna’s studio, a few jewelry designers, and visit artist friends who happen to be in the neighborhood.

During the month of October. Artists throughout San Francisco open their studios to the public. Sometimes it’s a private home, sometimes it’s a live work space. Grab a Catalog, studio’s are in different sections of the city each weekend. The final weekend is at Hunter’s point. Hundreds of studios, ton’s of great art! Lot’s of fun! A great free way to spend the day,… unless you buy some art!

As is said, the annual San Francisco Open Studios is one event that should not be missed! Every year, it’s an incredible opportunity to see amazing works of art, meet and talk to the artists, and find some work at affordable prices — before the artists become famous. Each weekend features a different neighborhood. You might get tired of walking, but try and keep going and fill your senses with a day or even two days of a wide range of media, styles, materials and concepts. That empty wall at home is just waiting for one of these artist’s works to adorn your home. Don’t miss it.

eeeeek, I looooove this event.
Over the course of a month, artists open their studios to the public on the weekends. Different neighborhoods are featured each week. I choose studios by location: let’s start here and walk to all the studios we can until we get cranky and go home. You could also choose to see studios based on art medium/​style, but this is a great way to see art outside of your comfort zone.
Each studio is different. Some are STUDIOS like in movies (which realistically starving artists can’t afford but Hollywood says they can); others are rooms in their house or in their garage. But every one is great. (I saw some great houses; I wanted to move in. Jealous.)
Most of the artists also have little snacks to munch on. I feel kinda weird because artists are supposed be starving and here I am eating their food: «I swear, I’m here for the art. I just happen to be eating too.» But the snacks are nice when you get hungry hitting up all the studios.
One of my favorite locations was in SOMA. It’s a real studio with ~30 artists that’s normally closed to the public. One artist had shadow boxes, but her’s are so much cooler than ones I’ve seen before. She (I think she) made social and political statements while being twisted funny.

Great effing idea.
If you don’t lean toward a specific style of art, and you’ve already «been there, done that» with all the local museums, the open galleries are the way to go to be exposed to some really great stuff. I recommend the larger events that show pieces from several artists, or the Hunter’s Point weekend, which is a good collection of all sorts of different art. Also a great way to snap up some pieces before the artist realizes how amazing they really are and start charging what they should.
I had fun making a leaf for the combined art effort at the pARTicipate pARTy at SomArts, even if it wasn’t the best art event I’ve been to in SF. What’s better than getting inspired and then having all the stuff right there to be creative yourself?! Cheap wine while you do it, that’s what!

anyone know what’s the deal with their map/​guide on their page? guess it is maybe just not up yet? love checking out the open studios. there are some great deals to be had on original artwork.

Whether you are an artist or an art connoisseur, San Francisco Open Studios is a ‘not to be missed’ event in San Francisco. During the month of October, over 700 local, practicing and emerging artists open their studios for all to see, shop and learn during what has now become an annual, much-​loved city tradition. Each weekend features different neighborhoods.
The program gives both emerging and more established San Francisco artists the opportunity to invite the public into their workspaces, sell artwork, build mailing lists and gain exposure. Open Studios is also a unique and fun way for the public to meet artists, see where artwork is created, explore San Francisco’s diverse neighborhoods and build collections.