Open Studio Night Returns to the Arts Warehouse
If you’re looking for a great way to engage with local artists and possibly find a new piece or two to take home, look no further than the Arts Warehouse Resident Artists Open Studio Night. Held Thursday, December 15 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., the annual Open Studio Night is an open invitation to anyone who’d like to see the magic that happens at the Arts Warehouse.
“Open Studio Night highlights the Resident Artist Program at Arts Warehouse, which is designed to support artists as businesses/small businesses. Creating an event that brings visitors to the studios allows for a higher possibility of art sales happening, new connections being made with clients or curators or future students of workshops that the artist may teach,” said Grace Gdaniec, Arts Warehouse manager. “It’s a one-stop-‘shop’ for connection. It’s also education in terms of listening to artists speak about their work, their materials, and getting to see an artist’s studio is always enlightening to those new to art and art appreciators alike.”
This particular event celebrates the “In Pieces” Resident Artist Exhibition, offering an exclusive opportunity to view resident gallery spaces, enjoy in-person demos as well as a group artist talk in the Front Gallery.
“This is a really fun event and a great opportunity to visit with each artist at once. I also love the artist talk portion of the event, getting a chance to hear each artist speak on their featured work and a time to ask questions,” Gdaniec said. “The group artist talk really emphasizes the diversity in artist statements and materials that each artist showcases. Usually during this event the studio artists may have special sales or smaller take-aways for purchase to allow more access to interested and new collectors – just in time for holiday shopping!”
“In Pieces” features 14 current resident artists, and visitors can expect to view work created in mixed media, paint, ceramics, textile, drawing, and more. What’s extra special is that this is the first time that this work will be featured, all of which has been created in Arts Warehouse within the past year!
“This is an annual exhibition where Arts Warehouse gets to highlight the strong art that is being created in the studios. The artists work really hard throughout the year to create work, make connections, meet new clients, and ultimately grow their art business through sales and exposure. I’m glad that Arts Warehouse can provide a space for them to create their work, and then be able to highlight their efforts in the gallery,” Gdaniec said.
According to Gdaniec, one of the newest Resident Artists, Dominique Denis, is showcasing a new ceramic piece that is very striking. Denis is unique in that her ceramics career is very new, having just started with the medium a little over a year ago but holds the energy of a skilled and seasoned hand. There is also a piece by artist Angela Bulich that is site-specific, and interactive with the sunlight that comes in through the large gallery window. It’s so special when the work comes to life in the afternoon as the sunlight comes through at just the right angle. But it only lasts for about an hour! Several of the artists are showing the specific works for the first time, having completed them very recently, which is exciting for Gdaniec and her team to not only help the artists feature their work but also see the work in process as well.
The event is free and is family friendly, and RSVPs are requested. Beverages will also be available for purchase. The Resident Artist Exhibition will be on view through Friday, December 23 during gallery hours. Please visit www.artswarehouse.org for more information and event details. Planning to attend? RSVP here!
