Berkeley Artisans Holiday Open Studios begins on November 29th, my sister's Birthday. I've been participating in this event since 1995 and it's a favorite for me to do. Why? I get to present my work in it's habitat of origin. Along with showing people my process I can pull out a hammer, show off my jeweler's saw and the skinny blade that cuts metal and YOU can see where I create my work!
The event is a self guided tour, so you'll want to download a map at www.berkeleyartisans.com OR you'll be able to find the entire map on the pages of the East Bay Express. It really is possible to visit most or all studios in the four weekends available. However, if you can't make it to all of those that you desire, just contact the artist any time during the year to arrange a visit, including me. If you're overwhelmed by the choices, peruse the list online and preview the event by visiting our websites from the comfort of your own laptop (or smart device) at home.
During the event it's usually too busy to get much work done, but as we wind down you might catch me in the middle of soldering one of those tiny hollow forms that I use in my work. Never idle, I'll be making parts to use in future pieces-there's so much labor involved that if the parts are completed than I can focus on design and play around with physical pieces allowing me get the full visual.
I'm in The Sawtooth building with about 25 artists who are open too, and the entire event has about 100 artists within a close proximity. You'll often find, during open studios, I enjoy wearing my hats which are made by Lauri Chambers of Acme hats. Laurie is participating in the KPFA art fair which takes place during the third weekend in December in Richmond, CA. (just about 10 minutes north of my studio), so you can go visit her and tell her hi for me and get yourself a show stopping chapeau.
Oh, I'll also have cookies...home-made...This has become a tradition and I know some of you stop in for cookies and respectfully look at my hand-made jewelry too. I look forward to seeing you...Less than two weeks to go....Let's the Marathon begin!!