Strolling through Topanga Canyon Gallery’s refreshingly remodeled art space, Woodland Hills resident Carla Magarity says it’s interesting what you miss that is right under your nose.
“We tend to visit galleries and find art only when we are on vacation in places like New York or Hawaii. So, of course, all the art in our home is from somewhere else,” she mused. “Then, for the last two years we’ve done the Studio Tour and found more great, more diverse art than we see when we trudge around the galleries in some faraway place, and… we don’t need to get it shipped.”
Mrs. Magarity speaks for other art lovers who have discovered the annual Topanga Artists Studio Tour that takes place the first weekend in June beginning at the gallery located in Pine Tree Circle. Its unique combination of features might not be as appreciated as much as it could have been during its 17 years, but here it is for everyone to discover and realize how special it is—right in our own, and the artists’ back yards.
There are other art walks, art shows, and gallery streets in Los Angeles but this tour is different. It’s not an art show where artists can show only a limited selection of their work. It is not rows and rows of booths, and crowds, where everything begins to blend together. It’s not a gallery row with a tightly curated selection of fashionable art.
The Studio Tour is a self-guided, leisurely drive to hidden parts of Topanga to a series of beautiful locations where art lovers can take their time, see a variety of artwork in the studios where it’s made, chat with the artists who create it, and share a nibble with friends, neighbors and the artists. The home studios enable local artists to show a large selection of their work, often several collections, and visitors can relax, talk to each artist, and spend as long as they like looking at the work without crowds or distractions.
Of the 42 artists participating in this year’s tour, most are also represented by various galleries and show in exhibits across the country. Many have won awards and have a significant following.
Every visitor will find art to fit their taste, and maybe stretch their imagination. Twelve of the participating artists are working in a combination of unconventional mediums in each of their pieces. Among them are three glass artists, four sculptors, two silk artists, three ceramists, four jewelers, and photographers and painters working in a broad array of styles.
The Topanga Artists Studio Tour has brought new and different artistic visions to Topanga by artists who continually explore new possibilities and hone their skills; even some artists who have been in the tour for several years have an entirely different offering this year. Sixteen of the artists are new to the Tour or returning after a long absence.
“Nestled in Topanga is an abundance of talented, creative people, who open their studios once a year,” says Gallery president Patrick Ramsey. “On this weekend they get to present their vision and look forward to this unique immersive experience.”
The Studio Tour takes place Saturday and Sunday, June 2 & 3. Purchase tickets online in advance for $15, or on the day of the tour for $20 at the Gallery. Tickets are valid for both days.
Ticket holders can pick up their wristbands and a full-color, easy-to-follow map at the Gallery, beginning at 9 a.m., June 2.
Tour Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday. Gallery opens at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Artists’ Reception: Saturday, June 2, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Regular Gallery Hours: Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday Noon–8 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
For tickets and more information: TopangaCanyonGallery.com. Topanga Canyon Gallery is located at 120 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, CA 90290.