Unable to find a suitable venue in the Danville-San Ramon Area, a group of local artists has secured a space in San Francisco in which to showcase talent from around the Bay Area. United Artists Association, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization of working artists, of which—full disclosure—I am a member, plans to open the doors of Artsite Gallery in early December. Located at 101 Townsend Street, a baseball's throw from AT&T Park, the 1,400-square-foot venue will feature work of diverse Bay Area painters, sculptors, and other creators.

Other members of the Association to date include Diana Busse, Bill Carmel, Kevin Davidson, Marie Dutcher-Dreyer, Don Eagling, Eddie Fitzgerald, Joseph Hovadik, Leslie Ruth, Bill Weber, and Hooshang Yashar.

"We were looking for an exhibition space," says Davidson, a founding member of United Artists, "and had exhausted the possibilities in the East Bay. When we found an opportunity to get a venue in a prime location in San Francisco, a major U.S. city and cultural destination, we jumped at the chance."

Davidson notes that the gallery expects to not only feature paintings and sculptures but also to host poets, performance artists, and musicians. "We plan to offer an exciting environment for artists working in nearly any medium," says Davidson.

The venue is ideal for a gallery, Davidson explains. It provides a wealth of wall and floor space, and the gallery's north wall is nearly all window, admitting natural light that enhances the already attractive exhibition area.

An opening reception is scheduled for December 5, 2009, at 6 P.M.

Artists interested in becoming members of the United Artists Association should contact Bill Carmel at [email protected] Davidson is recuperating from a bicycle accident (more on that in a future installment).