May 10, 2005

Glimpse art at its heart during Silicon Valley Open Studios tour

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

If you are passionate about art, or simply wish to peek inside an artist’s studio, the Silicon Valley Open Studios tour, presented by Silicon Valley Visual Arts and sponsored by Times Media Inc., will fulfill your desire.

During the first three weekends of May, Bay Area artists will open their studios to the public, displaying their creations where they’re created. In this intimate setting, visitors will have the opportunity to meet the artists, as well as discuss and purchase their art.

More than 400 artists will be featured in the Open Studios tour, with artwork ranging from ceramics to collage, digital imaging, painting and sculpture.

Silicon Valley Open Studios (SVOS) connects local artists with art enthusiasts, collectors and the general public. “Our artists have grown in talent and diversity,” says Kerri Lawnsby, Executive Director of Silicon Valley Open Studios. “We are thrilled to continue offering the largest public art experience…in the vast geographic area we cover.”

Families are also welcome during the tour. “It is always satisfying to see parents bring their children out to discover the world of fine art,” says Lawnsby.

The 19th annual self-guided Open Studios tour encompasses San Mateo County, Northern Santa Clara County, Southern Santa Clara County and Santa Cruz. The Map Guide, which aids art lovers in plotting their course, includes local areas such as Almaden, Evergreen and Willow Glen.

Artists in San Mateo County will participate on May 7 and 8, while artists in Northern Santa Clara County will open their studios on May 14 and 15. Studios in Southern Santa Clara County and Santa Cruz will be shown on May 21 and 22.

Tour hours are from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This year, Silicon Valley Open Studios will partner with Wine & Roses Limousine Service and Livermore Valley Wineries to offer Art & Wine Limo Tours for Open Studios.

Come join Times Media Inc., exclusive sponsors of this event, for an inside view of art during the Silicon Valley Open Studios tour.

An Artists Directory and Map Guide are available online at: www.svopenstudios.org. Map Guides may also be found at San Mateo and Santa Clara County public libraries, as well as some coffee shops, bookstores and art stores. For limousine information, visit http://www.svopenstudios.org/Art_Site/limo-tours.html or call Wine and Roses Limousine Service at 408-282-4119.