Both artists and art lovers alike will benefit when Silicon Valley Open Studios (SVOS) enters the lobby of 1900 Broadway in Redwood City this weekend.
Ten artists will exhibit their works in the downtown Redwood City building on May 14-15 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The free event provides an open space for local artists to sell their works, and for art lovers to enjoy the gallery experience.
The show was made possible thanks to a partnership between Redwood City Arts Commissioner Carol Sconzert, an artist participating in SVOS 2022 who coordinated the upcoming exhibition at 1900 Broadway, and Mark Murray, a principal at Lane Partners, which owns building. With 1900 Broadway in the midst of a redevelopment, Murray invited Sconzert to use the space for an art project.
“Mark was exceedingly generous in allowing us to use the lobby of this building at 1900 Broadway,” Sconzert said.
SVOS is a 36-year-old, volunteer-run nonprofit that holds one of the Bay Area’s largest fine arts shows every Spring, providing a virtual map with the locations of hundreds of no-cost exhibits. Art lovers are provided the opportunity to purchase great art directly from the artists, often in their creative studios and galleries. While events are typically held in artists’ homes, the venue at 1900 Broadway provides a unique opportunity for multiple artists to reach potential buyers at an accessible location, according to Sconzert.
“For some [artists] it just doesn’t work to have people come to their homes,” she said.
To view a map of SVOS exhibits this weekend, go here. Another large gathering of artists will occur at Art Bias at 1700 Industrial Road in San Carlos, featuring over two dozen artists.
May 14-15 marks the second of three consecutive weekends of Open Studios Spring exhibits.
The nonprofit organization, which held shows virtually during the pandemic, is also now hosting virtual shows every Fall in addition to in-person events in the Spring. For more information about SVOS, go here.
