May 5, 2005


Silicon Valley Open Studios kicks off art tour with gala benefit

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

Kicking off its Open Studios tour, Silicon Valley Visual Arts recently held its second annual Gala Benefit Auction at the San Jose Museum of Art. The event was a tremendous success, raising funds to benefit its Open Studios programs for artists and local schools.

About 300 people, including students from East Palo Alto’s 49ers Academy, who participated in the Open Studios for Schools program, attended the benefit. The event was also an opportunity for the students to shine as they proudly displayed their artwork in an inaugural exhibit.

A number of prominent community members joined in the gala celebration, including Sharon Landers, assistant executive director of the San Jose Redevelopment Agency; Michelle McGurk, director of Communications & Marketing of the Community Foundation Silicon Valley; Connie Martinez, executive director of the Children’s Discovery Museum; Assemblyman Ira Ruskin; and Colleen Wilcox, superintendent of the Santa Clara County Office of Education.

In addition to the auction, a highlight of the evening was the presentation of a resolution commending Silicon Valley Open Studios from Sen. Elaine Alquist, 13th District California Legislature. “SVOS has earned a reputation for excellence in the community and the popularity of the open studios continues to grow,” wrote Alquist. “The contributions SVOS has made to the local area are invaluable, and reflect an organization devoted to the highest ideals of community service.”

Executive Director of Silicon Valley Open Studios Kerri Lawnsby was overwhelmed by the tremendous support the organization has received. “We feel truly privileged,” she said. “We intend to continue the momentum of significant art support and we look forward to a successful program during the first three weekends in May.”

The 19th annual self-guided tour of local artist Open Studios in the Bay Area will be held May 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22. Artist Directories are available online at: www.svopenstudios.org and free map guides are available at local libraries.