Editorial: Founders created masterpiece with Marin Open Studios

Kay Carlson’s retirement as the executive director of Marin Open Studios is a reminder of our county’s fortune in being a haven for talented artists.

Carlson’s retirement doesn’t mean she’s packing away her paint brushes and palette. She’s still going to be working on her own art, for which she has garnered awards.

Carlson, the co-founder of the Marin Open Studios, is stepping away from managing the nonprofit that for over nearly 32 years has been among the showcases for Marin’s homegrown art. More than 250 artists participate in the organization’s events, highlighted by the open studio tours in May where people can view their works; talk to the artists and, in many cases, garner inspiration and a love for art, and purchase artworks across many media.

Besides increasing artists’ access to potential customers, Marin Open Studios has provided a network of local artisans, providing local support for their work. That support and opportunity to show their works, in many cases, helps advance their careers in art.

Some are emerging artists. Many are veterans, like Carlson, who like to show their works and talk about their art with appreciative visitors.

Marin Open Studios – just like the art exhibit at the annual county fair in July – is a celebration of and for homegrown talent.

And across Marin – Open Studios attendees can attest – there is no shortage of local talent.

Carlson is among that talent, a painter of scenes inspired by the Bay Area, the Napa-Sonoma Wine Country and Northern California. Many of her works reflect Sausalito’s waterfront, near her studio in Sausalito’s Industrial Center Building, a busy hive of local artists that’s been called the “Tribeca of Sausalito.”

“I firmly believe the world needs art,” Carlson, a Marinwood resident, said. “I am so honored to have led MOS in making that happen, supporting hundreds of artists in the county.”

Marin art lovers and artists have been lucky to have Carlson and other artists committed to keeping Marin Open Studios wide open, accessible and growing.

It is an example of how community support for fine art enables talented artists.

Over more than three decades, Carlson has seen and nurtured hundreds of emerging artists.

The self-guided studio tours held every May have become a local well-organized tradition, an anticipated opportunity for Marin artists to show their works and for attendees to enjoy and appreciate Marin-made art.

In sharing her love for Marin Open Studios, Carlson said, “I firmly believe the world needs art.

“I am so honored to have led MOS in making that happen, supporting hundreds of artists in the county. … (I’m) particularly gratified by helping emerging artists develop and grow. … Today, the annual open studios tour is a must-see every year.”

Over the years, Marin Open Studios has grown and helped advance Carlson’s inspirational goal.