Artists of Mount Tamalpais’ Trio Dubin, Deikman & Payne to Exhibit at Marin Open Studios – May 4-5, 11-12

When painter Etta Deikman called for local artists to join a new arts group centered around the Muir Woods Park subdivision on the Panoramic Ridge of Mount Tamalpais nine years ago, she was blown away by the response – 17 artists emerged from their studios and homes to assemble at the first meeting, all of them neighbors.

“Most of us did not know each other well, notwithstanding some of us had been next door neighbors for 35 years or more,” photographer Rhonda Dubin says. 

Nearly a decade later, Artists of Mount Tamalpais (AMT), the organizations they formed, remains a multi-faceted contributor to Marin’s artistic community. Three of them – painter Deikman, photographer Dubin and painter Woodward Payne – are among the more than 20 Mill Valley artists participating in Marin Open Studios this year, set for May 4-5 & 11-12 at studios throughout Marin.

AMT is comprised of painters, photographers, woodworkers, multi-media artists, sculptors, and ceramicists. The convivial group meets monthly to discuss art, critique work, and prepare for their annual event at the MWPCA (Muir Woods Park Community Center). Dubin says she would never have publicly shown her work if it were not for Deikman and the encouragement of the group.

The studios of Deikman, Dubin and Payne, #70, #71, and #72 in the Marin Open Studios Guide, respectively, form an “art triangle” and are within walking distance from each other along the picturesque paths of Mount Tam. Payne’s studio in an woodsy 1960s home sits perched above Mill Valley; Etta’s Quonset studio, built by Bart Kaltenbach, nationally known for his building and studio design, sits just steps above Dubin’s home studio, which is distinguished by a tram-ride entry. Dubin often saunters up the hill to visit Deikman and discuss their latest works over a cup of tea.

“She inspires me, as does every artist in this tight-knit Mount Tam community that I’m grateful to be a part of,” Dubin says. 

MOS presents the work of more than 275 artists in a special gallery located in the Town Center in Corte Madera from April 22 through May 12, and the artists open their studios in virtually every town in Marin to visitors over the course of two consecutive weekends, May 4 and 5 and May 11 and 12.

The 411: Artists of Mount Tamalpais (AMT) artists Etta Deikman, Rhonda Dubin and Woodward Payne are among the more than 20 Mill Valley artists participating in Marin Open Studios this year, set for May 4-5 & 11-12 at studios throughout Marin.

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