Spring Open Studios at Hunters Point Shipyard

The artist studios are an amazing collective of talent. There are artists from almost every imaginable genre and some unexpected surprises in different medias. from photographers and printmakers to Painter and sculptures, not to mention some of the jewelry makers, there’s literally something for everyone.
It’s always nice at Open Studios to be able to view and meet so many artists in one day. The only thing I wish for is more outside food options, but that’s not important. The most important thing here is nourishing your creative appetite and covering up your white wall space with amazing local art.
It’s very important to me that this studio space exists within San Francisco. These artists absolutely need your support, they are your neighbors, they are your friends and they are your community.

An awesome event — there is so much creative energy at the Hunters Point Shipyard. I’m so glad the City of San Francisco is continuing to support the artist community here.
It was impossible to even try to see everything in one day – we were at the open studios for a few hours on Sunday and barely scratched the surface. I can’t wait for the next opportunity in the Fall/​Spring!

Hundreds of artists have had studios out at Hunter’s Point since the 80s, but I just recently clued in. Spring and fall they hold a weekend long open studio event. Mr M and I trekked over there last weekend for the spring event to see if anything struck us, as we have lots of naked walls in our still somewhat new-​to-​us fixer house.
Five stars that this type of artist colony exists for artists to mingle, collaborate and make cool things. Hunter’s Pt may sound a little sketchy, but these multiple buildings of art making are set apart in their own ocean side space with plenty of free parking. If you feel comfortable driving to Candlestick then going to the HPS should be no problem for you. We found it easily, a couple of miles off the Caesar Chavez exit.
The buildings themselves are pretty rank, some of the rooms stink and I envisioned all sorts of toxins out there in this former naval shipyard that was decommissioned in the 70s. Enter a bathroom and you’re likely to find one working toilet and 4 stalls that say do not use. Most of the metal sculptors are currently housed in a nearby «off-​base» warehouse for reasons of «remediation work.» That’s the nice way to say removal of nasty toxic stuff. Right? The main building (101?) holds easily over 100 studios on 2 main floors (and a few at the basement level). I believe there are at least two smaller buildings of studios.
The type of art runs the full gamut of mediums and genres. Painting, venetian plaster, sculpture (paper, metal, etc), photography, mixed media, jewelry, etc. I found a bit more traditional and less modern than I was hoping for, but that’s just a personal preference. Most of the artists we encountered were friendly and chatty about their work, though one guy made a snotty comment about us being «early birds» when we showed up maybe 20 minutes after opening time (look, we are parents, we have a busy life with lots of weekend activities so we didn’t have the leisure of spending the whole day). I would recommend coming after the first hour, since many of the artists don’t open their doors right on schedule.
Many of the artists offer up light noshes during the open studios, ranging from wine and cheese to goldfish crackers and oreos. We were there at lunchtime and expected to find food booths, which we did not see anywhere around the main building. Could be we missed them (no signage though) since we didn’t have time to go to the other buildings, but we were kinda disappointed by that.
The open studios are «pet friendly» which I guess is nice, but honestly I found the presence of a large leashed (and well mannered) dog we kept running into somewhat annoying simply because some of the studios are quite small and there is barely room for a couple of people and an artist to stand in them, let alone a big dog.
In the end we came home with a photograph on aluminum that really struck us and a metal side table. There were other things we liked but just didn’t love enough to pull the trigger or were priced above our comfort zone. Prices seemed to be all over the map. Some artists discount their work specifically for the open studios and we did overhear one couple make arrangements to purchase several paintings from a single vendor. Overall though, the crowd was pretty thin and we saw more looking than purchasing happening. On the few occasions we’ve bought art, it’s been because we like it (and not for the investment), but you never know when one of these artists will make it big. Many already regularly exhibit in galleries and shows. I can say with confidence that I look forward to returning for a future open studio event and hopefully I will have even more time to spend.

One of the most fun and unique events in the City has all the components of a great party; a venue teeming with interesting people, great location, free parking, food and beverage and a dazzling diversity of art: sculpture, oil, watercolors, collage, metalworks, and great jewlery.
Spring Open Studios at Hunters Point is Saturday, May 1 and Sunday, May 2. Venture out to the City’s nonpareil art show. Start at Building 101 and see:
Michael Rodman is one of San Francisco’s premier oil painters. His fans are legion and his work is legendary. Michael is a City boy — Lowell High School grad, and he knows all the best sights and sites in San Francisco. An active member of the Artists Guild of San Francisco and you may see him painting on a corner in North Beach, Baker Beach or Nob Hill.
His cityscape and landscpe oil paintings are absolutely remarkable. Guaranteed, they will take your breath away. You will want to own a Rodman.

San Franciscan’s are so fortunate to be able to access «now art» at The Shipyard two times a year, spring and fall.
Great prices enable the humblest of collectors to acquire the work of mature artists who are dedicated to their vision in an synergistic environment.
One really needs two days to enjoy the event, since the celebration of the arts is located in 5 separate buildings. Being able to enjoy wine and snacks while browsing makes for a party atmosphere for the whole family.

March 21, 2012
The Hunters Point Shipyard art colony is «the San Francisco tradition that nobody knows about» —- OK a lot of people know about it, probably about 10% of the population of SF. Artists have been there for over 25 years and Open Studios have happened for at least the last 20. 300 artists in 7 buildings… the largest art colony in the US (the world?) But, have YOU been there?
It’s amazing — visitors say «this is incredible… I didn’t even know it was here.» The art seen here is: some of top quality and some of new attempts by passionate beginners. Many artists are represented by galleries. Some will be famous someday —- you decide for yourself who is great.
Meet the artists; view the industrial landscape. Next Open Studio is SPRING OPEN STUDIO, April 28 & 29, 2012. Don’ t lose out on a great experience. Check the website,

Gayle and I went on the Sunday of the Spring 2008 Open Studios. It was a lovely day and a great time to see some excellent art at decent prices. The event is spread over several buildings, with most of the action being on both floors of Building 101. Among the remains of the old shipyard, I was impressed with not only the art, but what the artists had done with their piece of the building. Folks were all very friendly and knowledgable and the place had a nice energy without being overcrowded.

**Note — I attended the FALL open studios, but it seemed pointless to create an entirely different entry when I’m reviewing the same thing six months later**
Alright, sure — this is the only concentrated effort I made to do the Open Studios tour this year, aside from a couple of stumblings in on other weekends, but it was fabulous. It was a gorgeous day, and I really can’t stress how much I’d like a studio down here of my very own. Not least of all because it means I could get all my arts and crafts crap out of my bedroom. Now there’s a fantasy that gets me excited.…
Anyway, I bumped a star off just because things were a bit jumbly and I’m sure I missed tons of cool stuff, and also because I didn’t feel like 200 artists were actually showing. But that’s just me being picky I suppose.
I had a blast at this event, and could’ve spent much longer if I didn’t end up so exhausted. What is it about ambling slowly along while drinking wine that makes one so damned sleepy?
Some of the standout artists for me: Ivy Jacobsen (duh), Deborah Hayner (she’s got this great pistol — you’ve gotta see it), Sharon Beals (her nest photos are gorgeous and striking). Why can’t I afford the art I really like? Maybe I need to become some sort of artist, so I can either trade, or sell some of my own pieces so I can afford the good stuff. Anyone want to buy some really cute stick figure cartoons?

Lucked out on the weather this year, but it is worth the annual pilgrimage to the Hunters Point Shipyard Open Studios even if it’s not lovely outside. Very organized and never overly crowded, this is a great way to sample a ton of local artists’ work all at once. And they are there in person and ready to chat with you in a much less intimidating setting than the First Thursday Art Walk.

Open Studios at Hunters Point happens twice a year, in the spring and fall. I’ve been several times and it’s always amazing.
Over 300 fine artists have their studios there and most of them participate in the Open Studios events. There’s everything from jewelry to painting and mixed media to fiber arts and sculpture. There’s very traditional stuff (boring to me) and very non-​traditional stuff.
There’s something for everyone! Unless you don’t like art at all. In which case you should probably just go to bed instead. But not with me. Because I like art.
Their website kinda sucks — doesn’t give you any indication of the voluminous amount of excellent art you can see there — but it has some interesting history about the community, and has the dates for the next event.

Perfect way… to spend the day. Never do I ever venture these parts of SF, plainly because I have no reason to. I saw a beautiful art piece at a friends’ houae and she told me about the Spring and Fall Open Studios of Hunters Point Shipyard.
A gathering of local artists who get to show off what they’re made of. From paintings to sculptures to jewelry… beautiful art, free wine, cheap snacks, and the warm sun… prices were fairly reasonable (for the art).
Doggies were welcome!!! Can’t wait for the Fall Open Studios, Oct. 28 and 29 (I think)