The two-weekend Marin Open Studios event, a free, self-guided art tour, kicked off May 3, with Southern Marin getting the spotlight in the second weekend. Local artists include former WIGT Printing co-owner and longtime Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival participant Barry Toranto, as well as Mill Valley Chamber board member Linda Rosso, who joins a half-dozen other artists in presenting their work at the Mill Valley Lumber Yard, home to floral designer Bloomingayle’s, Ambatalia textile shop and Guideboat Company.
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 21st year, is an annual self-guided art tour throughout Marin. Art patrons, admirers, and collectors can venture out to see more than 250 artists and their artworks and gain a glimpse into the life of the working artist organizers said.
Marin Open Studios artist and Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce board member Linda Rosso said the Mathews have a vision that embraces the history of the lumber yard and MOS artists are thrilled to have their open studio at the site.
“For generations, the Mill Valley Lumber Yard has been a space people came to on a mission to create something whether it was building a house, a piece of furniture or a soapbox derby car,” said Rosso, who will also exhibit her oil paintings at the lumber yard. “We hope many people come by not only to see our art, but also to experience the rejuvenation of the lumber yard as a creative, innovative venture.”
Marin Open Studios co-founder Kay Carlson said Marin County 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 250 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:
- Gallery Exhibition – A great starting point for your Marin Open Studios Tour!
- Printed MOS Tour Guide and Map (available as an insert in the May issue of Marin Magazine or at the MOS Gallery Exhibition)
- Online MOS Tour Guide
- Online MOS Map
- Online Art Gallery with in formation on all participating MOS artists
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