| | Published October 9th, 2013
| Art Knows No Boundaries in Lamorinda
| | By Sophie Braccini |  | | From left: Vivien Hart and Suzy Wear get the Hart's home ready for the Open Studio. Photos Andy Scheck
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From the heights of Kite Hill and Canyon View in Orinda, to the valley locale of the Orinda Library, through Lafayette to the new home of the Lafayette Art Gallery, to private locations in Moraga and the Moraga Art Gallery at the Rheem Center, Lamorinda art lovers are invited on a voyage of discovery Oct. 19 and 20, where they can meet with 28 different artists, see how they work, and share a moment with them. The Lamorinda Open Studios 2013 unlocks nine different studios and galleries where local artists will present their latest work. A preview is already on display at the Orinda Library.
It's been at least 10 years since the Lamorinda Arts Alliance started presenting its members' work at Open Studios. In its own words, the almost 20-year-old nonprofit "seeks to foster a better understanding of art within the community and encourage the exchange of ideas for the mutual benefit of all members through its programs, exhibits and other activities within the community." Making a living of one's art is a challenge, and creating a community of artists is a way to nurture the sacred fire of creativity.
"I particularly like the open studios format because it allows me to show how I do my art and also to present some of my pieces installed in my house," says Vivien Hart who creates decorative accents and accessories made of fused glass for the home. She will demonstrate how to make glass doorknobs during the event, and visitors will see her sinks, decorative panels, and glass bowls in her home.
She will be sharing her studio with Suzy Wear who does illustration, imaging and digital media art. "This is the first time I am sharing [my space] with Suzy," says Hart. "Most of my work is functional, if not for a few sculpture pieces related to water, and Suzy's focus is on dolphins. Her work and mine tie with the beauty and fragility of water."
Visitors will have an opportunity to view a large breadth of artistic works. Collage, assemblage, sculpture and on-site installations will be displayed at Susan Wise's Orinda studio, while Donna Arganbright's home will feature ceramic art as well as Terry Blair's hand weaving, Bill Klaproth's photography, and Lauma Johnson's paintings. "My pottery can be quite heavy, and I love to show my work in my house to my friends and neighbors," says Arganbright, who is the president of the Lamorinda Arts Alliance. "I can explain the wheel, and show how I work."
Other creations include pastel, printmaking and jewelry by Dalia Alekna, oil on canvas by Geoffrey Meredith, photography by Wenda Pyman, welded steel sculpture by Joe Bologna, silk painting by Margaret Lucas-Hill, etching and engravings, watercolors and acrylics by Stephanie Scott and many more.
The event allows visitors to take a peek at the Lafayette Art Gallery's new location at 3420-A Mt. Diablo Blvd. (at the corner of Brown Avenue). The artists' co-op previously sublet a part of the Art Room on Lafayette Circle (across from Chow).
A gala opening reception is scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17 at the Orinda Library, and each artist will have a piece of art displayed there through Oct. 31. Maps directing visitors to the different studios will be available at the library and the two art galleries on Open Studio days, Oct. 19 and 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Maps and other information are also available online at www.laa4art.org/openstudios.html.
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 | | Vivien Hart will demonstrate how to make glass doorknobs during the event.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA