Marin Open Studios (MOS) or Spring Fling as I like to call it launched last weekend at the Bon Air Center where a gallery showcasing the work of 270 artists will be open through May 10th. The gallery is a great way to see the work of artists from throughout Marin County and target where you’d like to go this weekend and next when the artists open their studios to the public.
In Sausalito, as part of the Marin Open Studio program, the venerable ICB building that houses over 50 artists along the waterfron will be open May 9-10 and always makes for a delightful afternoon, savoring the art, sipping wine, meeting the artists, finding just the right piece for that dining room wall. I find the artist’s studios – their creative space – to be an inspiration as much as their art.
In addition to art centers such as ICB, there are dozens of other artists throughout the county who have their own studios and many of these also are open and welcome visitors with sips and snacks and a look at the inner sanctum of their world. One of my favorites is Sausalito Pottery, owned and operated by Lorna Newlin who fled corporate America to pursue her passion for ceramics. Her studio – where she also teaches classes – is full of her ceramic creations that tend to be kitchenware (platters, plates, bowls, and assorted dishes) often featuring marine life: lobster or sea horses, starfish and mermaids. She will also customize pieces; every animal/pet in my extended family has received one of Lorna’s personalized ceramic dog or cat dishes.
You may have seen Lorna’s work at Cavallo Point’s Mercantile and other local shops featuring local artisans but there are even more treasures in her studio. Her latest creation is beautiful porcelain gold-rimmed dinnerware created for the SF Designer Showcase.
This dinnerware and other ceramic art is available at Sausalito Pottery’s Spring Open Studio this weekend from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 610 Coloma Street #790; or by appointment 415.259.9088.