The VENICE ARTBLOCK Open Studio event invites the public to see artists in their natural habitat. The free, one-day self-guided tour puts the hidden gems of the Venice art community on display and includes over 40 spaces, representing both established and emerging artists.

On Sunday, October 12, 2014, from 11am – 6pm you can pick up a map to the participating studios at the tour’s epicenter located at Fourth Street and Sunset Avenue.

VENICE ARTBLOCK is a grassroots collective organized by artists for artists to create a greater sense of community. The studio tour puts a spotlight on the unique, and diverse neighborhood of Venice, which is undergoing an extremely rapid gentrification that is eliminating artist studios in the area.

During the spring 2014 Open Studio event there were art happenings in spaces from one end of Venice to the other. Alberto Bevaqua’s studio had the first ever “Gypsy Trails Mobile Gallery” parked on Sunset Avenue. Francisco Letelier’s studio had an original mural painted in collaboration with the Venice Youth Build students. These are just two examples of how local artists pull from their creativity to make visiting their studios an inspirational experience.

“This is a long overdue program for all Venice artists to be able to expose their work to our community, to meet each other, and create a more intimate community for all Venice artists,” said Emily Winters, Co-founder, Venice Arts Council.

It is a unique opportunity to experience the local creative environment and view the personal work of Venice artists. The ARTBLOCK Open Studio Tour allows the public to see art where it is made, talk to the artists in an informal setting, and encourages developing relationships between the artists and the public. “It’s amazing how creatives are tucked away in all the nooks and crannies of Venice, invisible to the naked eye…” says Pamela Weir-Quiton.

Venice is a city known for it’s strong support of its artists. As Sandy Bleifer, a member of ArtBlock says, “Venice has always been a community with a high tolerance for diversity of origins, ethnicity, ideology, and expressions. Most communities are not this way.”

The October 12, VENICE ARTBLOCK Open Studio event, promises to be an inspiring day. Flags will mark the participating studios and plans are being made for food and drinks, maps and transportation between blocks of studios. People are encouraged to walk or bike around the neighborhood. Come on out!  http://www.veniceartblock.com/