Open Studios San Francisco Review

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. 

Artspan
934 Brannan St
San Francisco, CA 94103
Neighborhood: SOMA

(415) 861-9838

Creativity Explored Review

Creativity Explored is a wondrous warmth filled place that is absolutely perfect for finding exceptional presents for people that you love, treasure, and care a lot about. But more than that - it's a remarkable and well run non-profit organization.

Creativity Explored is a nonprofit visual arts center where artists with developmental disabilities create, exhibit, and sell art.  Many of the artists here - as referenced by the the Creativity Explored website - speak different languages - or in some cases - speak very little  - if at all  - so the importance of visual art and the importance of expression through visual art  - takes on that much more significance.

I visited this space a little while back and was extremely moved by the wealth of diverse beauty that moved throughout this space. Creativity Explored not only has a gallery - which showcases these artists' works - but it also houses a store - where you can buy printed T-shirts and handmade bookmarks and such.

Probably the most moving aspect of this space is that you can walk around and see many of the artists creating the art at the space. The main gallery room in which they work - is large, well lit - and just full of love and inspired art.

I can't recommend Creativity Explored enough. If you're looking to donate or get more involved with a non-profit - Creativity Explored is a great place to start. If you're looking for unique gifts and art -  Creativity Explored is What's UP.

Trust.

3245 16th St
(between Spencer St & Dolores St)
San Francisco, CA 94103
Neighborhood: Mission

(415) 863-2108

Inkling Review

Inkling is, hands down, my absolute favorite shop on the planet.  There is literally NOTHING bad to say about it.  From kick ass greeting cards and unique odds and ends, to an incredible jewelry section and array of art from a series of local artists, Inkling is by far Lakeview's finest hidden gem.

Stephanie makes every trip in an experience to enjoy and remember.  Between the courteous and helpful staff, the outstanding selection of merchandise, and the OMG ARE YOU KIDDING ME low prices, this is my one stop shop for any gifts I buy for anyone (literally from my 1 month old god daughter to my grandmother), for any jewelry/accessories I want, and for the art that lines the walls of my apartment.  I absolutely LOVE this store, and am sure that anyone who steps in it's door will feel the same way!

2917 1/2 N Broadway
Chicago, IL 60657
Neighborhood: Lakeview

(773) 248-8004

Next Art Fair Review

Love Next!  Simply inspiring and refreshing, Next draws out the vibrance and curiousity in all that observe.  Full of funk, color, metal and creativity, the spread of ideas and theoligies go on and on.  When I mean on and on, I mean it both figurtively and litterally...its huge!  The Next show sprawls the eighth floor of the Merchandise Mart, a few floors below Art Chicago.  

Next is part of a larger compilation of shows including Art Chicago and the International Antique Show, making up Artropolis Chicago.  It features local and distant artists, galleries, performance art and organizations.  I believe that the  name is well suited for the show, as it is what is on the left side of now and what is next, after viewing the antiques and contemporary art of the other 2 shows.

With that said, in comparison to previous years, it seems as though Art Chicago and Next are growing greatly in similarites.  Perhaps that can be attributed to more of an acceptance of what we think of as "low-brow" art  and fully beginning to understand that art is just that...art.  As such, it is individual, personal and public, and drawn from energy and thought.  I like to refer to it as an Avant-garde revival.  Evocatively pushing the envelope on the status quo.

Wow, so this is what I can use that degree in art history for.

Anyway, a fabulous showcase of youthful and eclectic pieces, Next is a show that should be experienced by all.  Make sure to watch out for tickets next year so that you too can be inspired.

222 Merchandise Mart Plz
7th Fl
(between Lower Orleans St & Orleans St)
Chicago, IL 60654
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, River North

(312) 527-4674

Colin Lyons Wedding Photography Review

It was an amazing experience working with Colin both for our engagement shoot back in October and for our wedding over Memorial Day weekend.

Colin is very friendly, personable, and professional.  He had wonderful suggestions for shoot locations, but also asked for our input.  Our wedding had a Chicago theme as the majority of our guests were from out-of-town, and I liked how Colin picked locations unique to Chicago to take pictures (rather than the usual touristy landmarks).  Both of us can be camera shy, but Colin put us at ease and made us feel comfortable in front of the camera.  It helped working with him on the engagement photos so we were relaxed and accustomed to him by the wedding.  I liked how he gave us directions, but also let us be ourselves throughout the shoots.

We also had the pleasure of working with his assistant Renny on our wedding day.  Both Colin and Renny were on time (if not early), excited, and worked well not only with the bridal party, but with the wedding guests.  They were also patient with our many family members who also wanted to take similar group photos during the reception!  The weather did not hold up after the ceremony and we ended up having to change shoot locations, but still got beautiful photos.  Also, both of them had a lot of experience shooting at the reception venue.

Colin is a very talented photographer...all of the pictures turned out amazing!!  He gave us all of our photos and the slideshow a month after our wedding.  We received so many compliments from our family and friends about the quality of his work.  His work is timeless...  

I highly recommend Colin and his team to anyone getting married!

182 W Lake St
Ste 309
(between Beaubien Ct & La Salle St)
Chicago, IL 60601
Serving Chicago and surrounding area
Neighborhood: The Loop

(312) 285-4533

City Art Gallery Review

New artists share one problem, getting their work into the public forum. City Art confronts this dilemma head-on...artists pay a small fee to display their pieces, the co-op gets a portion of any sale, and one of the working artists is available on-site. It's a terrific addition to the neighborhood, providing patrons with an opportunity to purchase artists' work inexpensively, before they are "discovered" by mainstream galleries. It also offers artists a chance to connect with each other and share ideas, plus sell their work to an appreciative audience. This simple storefront creates and sustains a community. Open Wednesday-Sunday.

828 Valencia St
(between 19th St & Cunningham Pl)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: Mission

(415) 970-9900

Arthaus Artist Review

I received a gift certificate for this business when I bought my condo. Seeing as I have had van gough and billie holiday posters for most of my life, it seemed like a good time to get "real" art, but I have to admit, I was a little afraid to go to a real art gallery. Art Haus is a great place to buy art. They have an interesting group of artists and have pieces that are actually very well suited to san fran  living and a new property owner's budget. The owner, James, and his partner were incredibly nice to me and even brought over the pieces I liked to see how they looked in my place.

411 Brannan Street
(between 3rd St & Ritch St)
San Francisco, CA 94107
Neighborhood: SOMA

(415) 977-0223