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The annual Tri Valley Artist Studio Tour is scheduled for the first weekend in May. Seen here is artwork by TVAST participant Rashmi Rao. (Image courtesy of Alliance for the Visual Arts) 
Artwork by TVAST participant May Yin Giang. (Image courtesy of Alliance for the Visual Arts) 
Artwork by TVAST participant Tuan Karsevar. (Image courtesy of Alliance for the Visual Arts) 
Artwork by TVAST participant Karen Barry. (Image courtesy of Alliance for the Visual Arts) 
Artwork by TVAST participant Olga Symonenko. (Image courtesy of Symonenko) 
Artwork by TVAST President and participant Dennis Baker. (Image courtesy of Alliance for the Visual Arts)
Local artists are set to open their studios to the public as part of an annual multi-site art tour.
This year’s Tri Valley Artist Studio Tour will include 16 locations featuring 50 artists, many of whom are longtime professionals with work displayed in galleries.
In addition to viewing a range of art forms — painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, printmaking, textiles, glasswork and wearable art — the free, self-guided event includes live demonstrations, interactive projects and the opportunity to talk with local artists.
Organized by the Alliance for the Visual Arts, this tour is intended to bring together artists and art-lovers in a celebration of creativity.
“It’s an inspiring weekend where you can step into artists’ worlds, see their process up close and take home something truly unique,” TVAST director Anne Giancola said. “Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just curious, there’s something magical about discovering art where it’s made.”
Among the participating artists is Pleasanton resident and painter Olga Symonenko. Born in Ukraine, she took up painting as a child but later took a break to pursue a degree in engineering. About eight years ago, she returned to her passion wherein she predominately uses soft pastels.
While not tied to a specific style, Symonenko said she loves spreading joy with her artwork.
“People say they smile looking at my paintings,” Symonenko said. “This feedback is important for me.”
As a second-year participant in TVAST, Symonenko looks forward to presenting her art, demonstrating her work and meeting art-lovers.
Other demonstrations across the Tri-Valley include drawing and painting people from photos by May Yin Giang in San Ramon, nature painting by Rashmi Rao in San Ramon as well as live portrait and figure painting by Tuan Karsevar in Livermore.
“It’s important for every community to both support their local art community and to interact with them,” AVA President and TVAST participant Dennis Baker said.
But supporting local artists doesn’t exclusively mean buying from them, Baker said. It also means viewing the art that local creatives are making.
This tour is one of those opportunities to engage with artists, allowing people insight into their perspective, Baker said.
“As they are often at the cutting edge of politics and social change, they are a mirror to how we see ourselves as a community,” Baker added.
The tour can also evoke inspiration in the viewers, he explained.
“By interacting with local creatives in any field, including the visual arts, one can get inspired to step out of their comfort zone and begin their own journey along the path that leads to not only better mental health but a great sense of accomplishment,” Baker said.
At the Baker Home Studio — featuring six artists, including Baker himself — the public is invited to help reproduce a life-sized Vincent van Gogh painting from 1890 called “Houses at Auvers”.
Visitors are welcome to use oil paints and brushes at the studio to help recreate the 60 by 73 centimeter painting. Those who participate can enter their name in a drawing to take the collaboration home.
Small home studios are set to open Friday (May 2). These venues feature one to three artists and will remain open throughout the weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Baker Home Studio is included in the Friday kick-off and features extended hours on Saturday.
The remaining venues are set to open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday (May 3) and Sunday (May 4). Large hubs featuring multiple artists include the Bothwell Arts Center in Livermore, Dougherty Station Community Arts Center in San Ramon and The Frame Company and Art Gallery in Dublin.
Attendees can start the tour at any location. For more information and map of the studio locations, visit allianceforthevisualarts.org.
