Known and Unknown

There are two methods for enjoying the City-Wide Open Studios Weekend. The first, scan the list of participating artists for names you know and then go visit those familiar people in their studios — works very well but lacks the element of surprise. There's nothing wrong with that: If you know whose work you like and you've always wondered how they make it, this is the method for you. But if you'd prefer to get a little more from the experience, ignore the artists' names and look only at the art; when you see something you like by someone you don't know, add the name to your itinerary. This second method led to Christine D'Epiro, an artist who primarily draws, and who has an upcoming show at the Luminary Arts Center (August 8, if you're planning ahead. And you should be.), so she'll probably be fairly busy. D'Epiro's repetitive mark making creates abstract patterns in which the eye finds hints of recognizable shapes and figures — and the denser the marks become, the more compelling the imagery. That's just one person's preference, however — feel free to find something you find appealing on the list, and go forward from there. Participating artists' studios will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (July 25 and 26), and maps will be available at Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis (3750 Washington Boulevard; 314-535-4660) and online at www.openstudiosonline.org. Don't forget that the Starving Artists Barbecue takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Royale (3132 South Kingshighway), and admission is free for both this and the tour.
Sat., July 25; Sun., July 26, 2009