Open Studios San Francisco Review

Over the course of a month, artists open their studios to the public on the weekends.  Different neighborhoods are featured each week.  I choose studios by location: let's start here and walk to all the studios we can until we get cranky and go home.  You could also choose to see studios based on art medium/style, but this is a great way to see art outside of your comfort zone.

Each studio is different. Some are STUDIOS like in movies (which realistically starving artists can't afford but Hollywood says they can); others are rooms in their house or in their garage. But every one is great. (I saw some great houses; I wanted to move in. Jealous.)

Most of the artists also have little snacks to munch on.  I feel kinda weird because artists are supposed be starving and here I am eating their food:  "I swear, I'm here for the art.  I just happen to be eating too."  But the snacks are nice when you get hungry hitting up all the studios.

One of my favorite locations was in SOMA. It's a real studio with ~30 artists that's normally closed to the public .  One artist had shadow boxes, but her's are so much cooler than ones I've seen before. She (I think she) made social and political statements while being twisted funny.

Artspan
934 Brannan St
San Francisco, CA 94103
Neighborhood: SOMA

(415) 861-9838

Creativity Explored Review

Creativity Explored is a wondrous warmth filled place that is absolutely perfect for finding exceptional presents for people that you love, treasure, and care a lot about. But more than that - it's a remarkable and well run non-profit organization.

Creativity Explored is a nonprofit visual arts center where artists with developmental disabilities create, exhibit, and sell art.  Many of the artists here - as referenced by the the Creativity Explored website - speak different languages - or in some cases - speak very little  - if at all  - so the importance of visual art and the importance of expression through visual art  - takes on that much more significance.

I visited this space a little while back and was extremely moved by the wealth of diverse beauty that moved throughout this space. Creativity Explored not only has a gallery - which showcases these artists' works - but it also houses a store - where you can buy printed T-shirts and handmade bookmarks and such.

Probably the most moving aspect of this space is that you can walk around and see many of the artists creating the art at the space. The main gallery room in which they work - is large, well lit - and just full of love and inspired art.

I can't recommend Creativity Explored enough. If you're looking to donate or get more involved with a non-profit - Creativity Explored is a great place to start. If you're looking for unique gifts and art -  Creativity Explored is What's UP.

3245 16th St
(between Spencer St & Dolores St)
San Francisco, CA 94103
Neighborhood: Mission

(415) 863-2108

Inkling Review

It makes me so happy (but not surprised!) that this adorable store has been given 5 stars by everyone writing reviews!  I love love love this place.  It was the first place I came into when I moved to Lakeview a few months ago.  I was warmly greeted by the owner who runs the store, she is SO friendly and a sweetheart.  I usually come in here just to "browse" but something always seems to catch my eye that I can't live without!  And at the great price that it's marked at, i reallllllly can't live without it!

It's a perfect place to get a gift for someone (if you're feeling generous that day, it's hard not to buy for yourself here!).  There's always something new, unique, hand made or insanely cute.  The gift you buy someone from here is the kind of gift that gets the "Omg where did you get this?!", other gifts envy it haha.

I also love that there are artists featured every month, it's a great way to promote local artists and there's usually a gallery opening type thing when a new artist has their artwork up.  I've gone before and it's a great way to get people together and meet some friendly faces =)  Come in and you'll be sure to leave with something you'll cherish forever!

2917 1/2 N Broadway
Chicago, IL 60657
Neighborhood: Lakeview

(773) 248-8004

Next Art Fair Review

NEXT Art Fair adjoins Art Chicago in the Merchandise Mart, this year a few floors above the Chicago Antiques Festival (I may misremember the exact name of this 3rd show). All are accessed with one ticket, which can be obtained for free in advance on the web.

This is a mind-blowing show, probably the finest art available for viewing and purchase by the Chicago public. Gallerists from around the world displayed works, in all media, from modern and contemporary artists. You will see pieces from artists just breaking out all the way up to Warhols and de Koonings.

If you're reading Yelp, you probably can't afford anything here. If you are a chambermaid reading Yelp to assist your Lady with her future social calendar, she can probably afford something. But this should discourage none of us hoi polloi from gawking and admiring. Dude: take a date. Stay for a snack or wine at the many food stations.

Make sure you see the antiques also. I most enjoyed the antique silver services (typical item: 1870s Tiffany 5-piece tea set valued at $125,000). One gallerist was displaying top impressionist and old Master paintings, though the real ones were probably somewhere else -- and can be yours for $5 million or so.

I will be back next year, and this time for two days.

222 Merchandise Mart Plz
7th Fl
(between Lower Orleans St & Orleans St)
Chicago, IL 60654
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, River North

(312) 527-4674

National Museum of Mexican Art Review

I think for a small Museum, the art is incredible, the cost? Well it all depends. Most of the time you can come in for free, but its how you enjoy art that will determine the cost as far as I see it. Once you walk around you will notice that there is a Plexiglas box in the hallway with envelopes and/or money donations. I think that when one enjoys art, it should reflect in their donation. Well if one can afford a few dollars, this is a must.

I love this museum. Its actually hidden inside of the Pilsen Neighborhood, and you would think that it is a field house for the park, but in actuality it is a museum. The Contemporary pieces here and local artist and at times they exhibit famous artist. My ultimate favorite of course is their Frida Kahlo's. Although this is a special occasion exhibit, I highly recommend it when it does come through again. Just a breathtaking place to be, mind you, its quite small and you may finish in an hour, but nonetheless, enjoy the artist talking through their pieces and when you are done, please, give a donation. After all this is how the museum gets by, well not exactly; but every bit does help.

Also when you are done strolling around and admiring, please check out their gift shop, the prices are outstanding and just very eclectic with their sales items. You will leave very satisfied on this "journey of the mind" and that is for sure.

With so much to admire here, I am sure you will find something to your liking. Art is a beautiful thing, and when it can be shared, it takes you to that journey that many don't get a chance to visit.

1852 W 19th St
(between Wolcott Ave & Wood St)
Chicago, IL 60608
Neighborhood: Pilsen

(312) 738-1503

2SPIRIT Tattoo Review

I seriously could not have asked for a better artist and a better space to get my last tattoo done. I walked in with some images of what I wanted, met Daryle who not only is super sweet but very cool and helpful with making my vision come to life. After the consultation we met about a week later and she had everything drawn out perfect! She did an amazing job with the color and detail and I'm elated with the end result of  her work! The sad thing is that she said she said she is  moving out of state in June. However- The other ladies in the space are very laid back and friendly, and are equally as incredible going by their previous portfolios- and the art displayed in the studio.

11 Pearl St

(between Market St & Pink Aly)
San Francisco, CA 94103
Neighborhoods: Hayes Valley, Mission

(415) 701-8288

The Artists Alley Review

This is a wonderful, 4000 sqft space, with great space utilization, to allow many artists to be showcased at once. I went here for the first time, for an event, and was pleasantly surprised to see soo many people inside wondering around and absorbing all of the local talent. Everyone there, staff and guests, were so friendly, vibrant, and eclectic. Walking thorugh this gallery gave me a new appreciation for the art talent. The fine arts business is in dire condition, from what I hear, so I am very pleased that a venue, such as Artists Alley, exists, to help keep such creativity alive. Lastly, the location is great, right on Mission, opposite from Westfield, close to bart, and plenty of parking just above.

863 Mission St
(between 4th St & 5th St)
San Francisco, CA 94103
Neighborhood: SOMA

(415) 522-2440