SF Open Studios 2009

October is right around the corner and in San Francisco that means two things: Halloween gives us an excuse to wear "normal" clothes and SF Open Studios. ArtSpan, the organization behind SF Open Studios, has put out a guide to take around with you (available at numerous book and art supply stores around the city), as well as an online guide. Last year, I took photos at a couple venues (here and here) and interviewed several artists that are participating again this year. Spanning five weekends, the tour is organized geographically, so there's almost guaranteed to be something in your neighborhood.

The Preview Gala
When: Saturday, October 3, beginning at 6pm
Where: 934 Brannan Street
Details: Enjoy cocktails and hor d'oeuvres while viewing over 400 works by participating artists. Tickets start at $50 and can be ordered online. Suggested attire is dressing and artistically inspired - why not wear a piece by Joui Turandot, as I did to ArtSpan's benefit auction in March?

Weekend One: October 10 & 11
Neighborhoods: Bernal Heights, Castro, Duboce, Eureka Valley, Glen Park, Mission, Noe Valley, Portola
Marie Bourget and Brian McDonald at The Blue Studio
Nining Muir at ActivSpace
Katie Gilmartin in her studio

Weekend Two: October 17 & 18
Neighborhoods: Buena Vista, Diamond Heights, Fort Mason, Haight, Hayes Valley, Marina, Mount Davidson, Pacific Heights, Richmond, Sunset, Ocean Beach, Twin Peaks, West Portal
Fernando Reyes, Javier Chalini, and Noah Dasho at Fort Mason
Barbara Kleinhans in her studio
Phillip Dvorak in his studio
Philippe Jestin in his studio

Weekend Three: October 24 & 25
Neighborhoods: Financial District, North Beach, Potrero Hill, Russian Hill, SOMA, Tenderloin, Bayview, Excelsior
Mike Kimball and Erika Meriaux at SOMA Artists Studios
Phillip Hua and John Haines at the Noonan Building

Weekend Four: October 31 & November 1
Neighborhoods: Hunters Point Shipyard
Mirang Wonne and Leslie Morgan at Hunters Point Shipyards