LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Lamorinda's Artists Open Their Doors


Sculptor Joe Bologna and one of his scrap-metal creations. Joe will exhibit his work with artist Kris Vagner at Studio H (3405 Moraga Blvd. in Lafayette) during the Lamorinda Arts Alliance Open Studio Tour Photo provided

The Lamorinda Arts Alliance has invited the community to come on in and take a look. The collective of local artists is opening their doors as part of the annual self-guided Open Studio Tour. Thirty-five artists will display their artwork at 15 locations throughout Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda on October 17th and 18th between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day.

An artist's studio is his or her own museum or gallery," states Kris Vagner, a Lafayette-based artist and member of the Alliance. "The Open Studio event provides a great opportunity for artists to show their work in their own space and for clients to see the work in that setting. It's really refreshing and freeing to share your work directly," she adds.

Formed 15 years ago, the Lamorinda Arts Alliance includes sculptors, painters, jewelers, glassmakers, photographers and ceramicists. The Open Studio event will include artwork created from range of media in a variety of styles such as landscape paintings of the Lamorinda hills, welded iron sculptures, abstract photographs, and fused glass plates and jewelry. Light refreshments will be available at some studios. Vagner plans to have her friend, Carl Hylin, playing Irish music on the dulcimer and mandolin as art patrons peruse her work. All artists will offer their work for sale.

The Open Studio weekend will kick off with a reception at the Moraga Gallery on Friday night October 16th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Artwork from the each of the participants will be on display, and the artists will be on hand to discuss their work. The pre-tour evening event provides the public with a chance to plan the route for their art tour. Maps of the tour will be available and can also be accessed at www.laaopenstudios2009.blogspot.com.

Whether you're looking to score a bargain, add to your fine-art collection, or just enjoy a scenic drive to meet local artists, the members of the Lamorinda Arts Alliance will have their doors open wide and welcome you to come on in.