Artists across Mill Valley are set to showcase their work as part of the opening Marin Open Studios weekend (May 2-3, 11am – 6pm), including individual artist studios all over town and shows at the Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center, the Mill Valley Lumber Yard, the Depot Bookstore & Cafe and Julie Tuton Boutique.

The two-weekend Marin Open Studios event, a free, self-guided art tour, kicks off May 2. Local artists include former WIGT Printing co-owner and longtime Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival participant Barry Toranto, as well as Irene Belknap, who displayed her art at the Chamber in April. 

At the Chamber & Visitor Center (85 Throckmorton Ave.), Mill Valley photographer Barbara Hazen is showing her most recent work, the black-and-white “Perfectly Imperfect,” as well some photos from her acclaimed Grant Street exhibit.

At the Lumber Yard, home to the Ambatalia textile shop, Guideboat Company and floral designer Bloomingayle’s, a quintet of artists – Mark Schatz, Elizabeth Wayman, BJ Thrailkill, Mark Monsarrat and Carol Ann Allen are all exhibiting their work.

Mill Valley Lumber Yard owners Matt and Jan Mathews, who bought the 120-year-old property in 2012, said they are excited to participate in the Marin Open Studios this year.

“One of our goals is to include local artists in community-centered events at the lumber yard,” Jan Mathews said.” Art is a huge part of the culture of Mill Valley, and we want to celebrate that fact.”

Marin Open Studios, now in its 22st year, is an annual self-guided art tour throughout Marin. Art patrons, admirers, and collectors can venture out to see more than 270 artists and their artworks and gain a glimpse into the life of the working artist organizers said.

Marin Open Studios co-founder Kay Carlson said Marin residents have a strong passion for the arts, which is a gift that keeps giving back to the culture of Marin.

“I had a vision that Marin artists could become visible to the community and one another by exhibiting their artwork,” Carlson said. “I am proud to be a part of more than 270 artists this year who are sharing their unique creative perspective.”

Plan your Marin Open Studios tour with an Artist Guide that includes a driving map, a bicycle map, highlights and images of artist’s works. Visit the Marin Open Studios website for digital version for the guide as well as a list of locations where guides are available.

Each of the participating artists has one piece of their works on display at a preview gallery exhibition in the Bon Air Center in Greenbrae.

Here are a host of resources to help you plan your Open Studios Tour:



Want to know what’s happening around town? Click here to subscribe to the Enjoy Mill Valley Blog by Email!