Showcasing local artistic talent
Two Morgan Hill artists participating in Open Studios
‘Walking to Coit Tower’ is a watercolor work by Morgan Hill artist Karen Bieber.
Nearly 400 artists throughout the Silicon Valley, two of whom are in Morgan Hill, are opening their doors to the public.
Karen Bieber and Nancy Wulff will show their work and their work spaces during the 33rd annual Silicon Valley Open Studios. Wulff will welcome visitors May 11-12 at 18772 Rising Sun Drive, while Bieber will be showing her work May 18-19 at 16635 Glen Canyon Court.
Studios in the Northern area were open May 5-6, including artists in cities such as Burlingame, Palo Alto, San Mateo and others.
Overall, the artists are showing their work in more than 160 locations, working in media such as painting, fiber arts, jewelry, ceramics and more.
“SVOS gives visitors the opportunity to connect with the artists and see a lot of their work at one time,” said Mel Thomsen, executive director of SVOS. “The event showcases established and emerging talent, so it is an easy way for art enthusiasts to start an art collection.”
Bieber had participated in the tour for a number of years when she was a resident of Palo Alto. Now, after recently moving to Morgan Hill, she said Open Studios is a chance for her to meet the community.
“It’s a great way to introduce yourself to the community,” she said.
Bieber works primarily in watercolor, focusing on a variety of subjects, including urban landscapes, animals and flowers.
She has been teaching watercolor in the Bay Area for more than 12 years, and is currently teaching an annual workshop at the Yosemite Art Center in Yosemite National Park.
“My philosophy is anyone can learn,” she said. “I find watercolor very exciting. A lot of people think it’s hard, but I find it very forgiving.”
Bieber is a member of the Santa Clara Valley Watercolor Society, as well as a signature member of the National Watercolor Society, Watercolor West and the California Watercolor Association.
A student of painting since she was a young adult, Wulff earned a bachelor’s degree in art from San Jose State University.
She has been teaching watercolor and drawing for 22 years, and her work is published in books including “Strokes of Genius 2” and “Drawing of Dancer #1.”
In her artist’s statement, Wulff said she strives to “capture the essence of the subject through color, gesture and design” in her oil and watercolor work.
“With watercolor I am more spontaneous and love the loose wet-into-wet painting,” she said. “With oil I am more structured. In the studio I work on figurative and larger landscapes.”
For a list of artist locations, visit www.svos.org.
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