The Shadow pARTicipates and pARTies

After spending a wet Friday night visiting two art receptions and making a stop at Aspect Gallery to preview a group show there -- more on this next week -- The Shadow decided that it was finally time to come into alliance with ArtSpan, the non-profit organization that is the force behind Open Studios every year.

This piece, shown at the reception, says it all

ArtSpan held its annual fundraiser, pARTicipate pARTy, on October 20, 2007. This party has two purposes: 1) to enable art patrons to view art from selected artists participating in all 5 weeks of Open Studios throughout the city; and 2) enables you to participate by creating a work of art to be auctioned off the following year.

Attendees working on this year's art project

The Shadow cannot even begin to describe what a great party this was! It had all of the elements of good people, great art, good DJs (yes you heard us right), and, of course, the chance to become an artist.

Selected works at the reception

There was also a silent auction that night. Artist Suzie Buchholz put together the work that was created by attendees of last years party and the work was auctioned off. The Shadow was even able to purchase a piece. The proceeds from the auction goes to ArtSpan's Art for Youth Program, enabling hands-on art experiences for low-income and at-risk middle school students in San Francisco.

The art of Suzie Buchholz that was auctioned off. The Shadow purchased the piece on the top right.

To create the work that is auctioned off, party guests are asked to make something from materials that were provided. A member of ArtSpan will spend the next year incorporating the elements together to create a work of art that is auctioned off.

Top: A party guest hangs her contribution.
Middle, bottom: The Shadow works on and contributes his work.

Open Studios will be going on for another 2 weeks. But if you don't have time to view the various galleriess and studios throughout the city, you can come to SomArts, 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco. The works that The Shadow saw at the party are on exhibit through October 28, 2007. Gallery hours are Wednesday - Friday, Noon to 4 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is Free.

Partygoers at pARTicipate pARTy

For more pictures from the party, click here.