SF Open Studios gives the public a rare opportunity to visit hundreds of local artists in their personal studios for free. The annual event started in 1975 as a way to support local artists and has been an annual event ever since. The 2024 event, which takes place across SF from September 19 to October 23, is the program’s 50th anniversary.
ArtSpan is hosting a celebratory opening event called ArtLaunch, which features works from over 300 artists at SOMArts Cultural Center. The event is the perfect opportunity to view Bay Area art in one space, especially if you don’t think you will be able to make it to all the studios. The opening event takes place on September 19 from 6:oo to 9:00 p.m. Following the opening event each weekend, artists will host events in their studios across the city.
The schedule for the open studio events is divided by sections of the city:
- Weekend 1, North: Sept. 21-22
- Weekend 2, Central/South: Sept. 28-29
- Weekend 3, East/Southeast: Oct. 5-6
- Weekend 4, Westside: Oct. 12-13
Each studio will be unique to the artist, and the program gives a unique glimpse into each artist’s creative world. Plus, it’s a great way to support local artists and experience the SF art scene.
It is a great honor to be celebrating my tenth year as ArtSpan’s director as we simultaneously celebrate 50 years of being invited into the studios of artists to be in the deepest point of inspiration, where they create their work,” says ArtSpan Executive Director Joen Madonna. “ArtSpan’s SF Open Studios attracts thousands to experience San Francisco’s unique neighborhoods through a creative lens, offering visitors the opportunity to see where art happens, and artists to showcase their work, connect with patrons, and receive direct feedback.
SF Open Studios is organized by ArtSpan, an SF arts non-profit that supports emerging and established artists across the city. SF Open Studios will run from September 19 through October 23, 2024.
Featured image: Courtesy of ArtSpan