SF Open Studios Private Preview Gala October 5, 2006

Art patrons, collectors, and artists gather at a special Private Preview Gala benefit Thursday, October 5th, 2006 to kick-off the 31st Annual San Francisco Open Studios. This artful evening offers collectors and enthusiasts an exclusive first look at original works of art by over 380 local artists, accompanied by live music, creative cocktails, eclectic treats, a live auction and artist demonstration.

Tickets for Private Preview Gala are available at 2 levels:

Tier 1 ticket holders enjoy free parking, an open bar, reserved seating for the live auction featuring unique and artful items, live Latin jazz by Bossa Five-O, specialty catering by Thomas John Events, and special party favors for VIP collectors.

Tier 2 features the live auction, house music, two drink tickets, cash bar and hors d’oeuvres.

Private Preview is an exclusive opportunity for the art buying public to meet artists and to have the first chance to purchase artwork on display at SomArts Gallery during San Francisco Open Studios. The Private Preview Gala benefits San Francisco Open Studios, Art for City Youth, as well as educational seminars and programs serving the thriving visual arts community in San Francisco.

WHEN: Thursday, October 5th, 2006
6:00 – 7:00pm - VIP Preview Reception (Tier 1 Level) Individual Ticket: $130, Couples: $250
7:00 – 9:30pm - Open Studios Preview Gala (Tier 2 Level) $50/ticket

WHERE: SomArts Gallery, 934 Brannan Street @ 8th Street in San Francisco

TICKETS: On the web: www.artspan.org/privatepreview06.php Via phone: (415) 861-9838

WHO: Evening events emceed by Spencer Christian & Janelle Wang from ABC 7’s View from the Bay!

Private Preview catering and services provided by: Thomas John Events and Blavod Extreme Spirits featuring Players Extreme Vodka and Blavod Black Vodka.

San Francisco Open Studios is a month-long, free-to-the-public event that takes place over four weekends in October. Over 900 artists open their private, working studios to more than 65,000 visitors who are invited to view and purchase more than $1.5 million of art not found or available elsewhere. Named one of the 101 Best Things to Do in the Bay Area by the San Francisco Chronicle, studios are open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., in various geographic areas of the city. For more information, visit www.SFOpenStudios.com or call (415) 861-9838.

SF Open Studios 2006 is sponsored by: 7x7 Magazine, ABC7 KGO-TV, Blick-The Art Store, Grants For the Arts/Hotel Tax Fund, San Francisco Bay Guardian, The San Francisco Foundation, City and County of San Francisco - The San Francisco Arts Commission/Cultural Equity Grants

ArtSpan is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to building connections within San Francisco’s visual arts community and exposing the general public to artists and their work. For 30 years, ArtSpan has helped artists make inroads into the San Francisco community through programs such as SF Open Studios, Art for City Youth and an annual series of workshops devoted to artists’ professional development. For more information, visit www.ArtSpan.org.

Official Website: http://www.artspan.org/privatepreview06.php