The idea of the typical artist as a solitary eccentric,
feverishly working in aloof confinement, is so 15th century. These
days, many artists welcome others into their homes and studios to
share their work, make new friends and market their pieces.
The idea of the typical artist as a solitary eccentric, feverishly working in aloof confinement, is so 15th century. These days, many artists welcome others into their homes and studios to share their work, make new friends and market their pieces.
Several local artists will do just that May 21 and 22 during Silicon Valley Open Studios 2005. The last leg of the tour, which kicked off the first weekend in May in San Mateo County and surrounding coastal regions, will wrap up in southern Santa Clara County, including Gilroy, Morgan Hill and San Martin. This weekend’s tour also will encompass San Jose, Campbell and several neighboring towns along Highway 17.
The tour highlighted northern Santa Clara County during the second weekend of May including Palo Alto, Cupertino, Los Altos and Mountain View.
Altogether, more than 450 artists will participate in the tour, which features a variety of media such as jewelry, hand-made books, ceramics, photography, digital imaging, fiber and calligraphy.
This year, roughly 20 local artists will participate in a group tour at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road.
Besides allowing artists to sell their work without the middleman, open studios tours give artists a chance to explain to visitors the inspiration and motivation behind their work. The setting also is less formal than a typical gallery show.
Photographer and Morgan Hill resident Brenda Renzulli participated in the tour last year and will take part in this weekend’s tour.
“For me, I like being in a setting with other artists,” she said. “And it’s much more interesting to the people to be able to talk to the artists and find out something behind their work. With photography, I go to all different places around the country and the world to take pictures, and I’m able to explain to people the stories behind the pictures.”
Likewise, Satu Viitanen, an acrylic painter, said she enjoys talking with people about her craft. This is Viitanen’s fifth year in the tour.
“I’m very excited to be part of this organization,” she said. “I always look forward to this show. People can talk to the artists directly and find out how we work on our processes and whatever interests the people who come.”
If you go …
The 2005 Silicon Valley Open Studios tour will take place in southern Santa Clara County May 21 and 22. Additionally, a group tour will be held at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road. Admission is free.
For more information or for a map of studio locations, go online at www.svopenstudios.org. Maps also are available at the Gilroy and Morgan Hill libraries and Leedo Gallery & Frame, 315 First St. in Gilroy.
