The vibrant Mission District art space at 1890 Bryant is set to bring its fall edition of Open Studios to life this weekend, inviting art enthusiasts to explore the creative environment of over 100 artists.
This event marks one of the biannual opportunities for the public to visit and engage with diverse artistic expressions at this repurposed site, which was formerly a Best Foods mayonnaise factory until the mid-1990s.
Since 2006, Open Studios has served as a bridge between artists and the public, providing a free event with prior registration that attracts both seasoned art lovers and newcomers alike.
Heath Massey, a retired landscape architect turned painter who has been part of the 1890 Bryant community for two years, expressed her enthusiasm for the event.
“It’s just very festive. Everybody is here at once. The building is full of people, traffic, and fun conversations,” she shared.
Massey finds joy in encountering those who are stepping into the building for the first time, excitedly discovering the artistic energy within.
For her, this communal experience is akin to visiting a giant museum where every interaction fosters connections.
Her artworks often embody landscapes from across California, as well as reconstructed objects sourced from places like Urban Ore and Building Resources, highlighting a commitment to sustainability.
On the other hand, Charles Stinson, whose studio has been part of Open Studios since 2006, reminisced about the early days of the event.
Although the nervousness he once felt before the event has subsided over the years, the excitement remains vibrant as he prepares to showcase his bronze sculptures and collages.
His artworks capture the essence of human movement and meditation, drawing in attendees who engage deeply with the pieces.
Stinson remarked, “Sometimes somebody walks in looking like they’re going to look very quickly at something, and then they pause and get engaged in the piece and ask questions about it and want to know more.”
This dynamic interaction between the artist and the public is what he finds both rewarding and heartwarming.
Among the new faces at Open Studios is Pierre Souloumiac, who transitioned from a mechanical engineering career to pursue art three years ago.
Souloumiac, who found his passion for painting through classes at City College of San Francisco, is eager yet anxious about making his debut as a participating artist this weekend.
He will showcase a series of portraits of friends, intentionally not putting any of the pieces up for sale as they were gifts to their subjects, though prints will be available for purchase.
The diversity of artistic expression is further showcased by Michael Bykovsky, an oil painter who joined the studios just this past April.
Bykovsky is particularly intrigued by the reactions his surrealist and abstract works evoke from viewers, noting that the connection often surprises him regardless of the spectators’ backgrounds or ages.
“The most interesting part, for me, is seeing people’s personal responses to the work, because then I can see it from a perspective outside of my own,” he explained.
Open Studios at 1890 Bryant kicks off with an exclusive preview on Friday, September 26 from 6 to 9 p.m., followed by main events on Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For those interested in attending this celebration of creativity, free registration is available online.
This upcoming weekend promises to be a joyful celebration of art, community, and the connections that flourish in the enchanting setting of 1890 Bryant.
image source from：missionlocal
