Audrey Heller

ArtSpan

ArtSpan, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, builds community by connecting the public to visual arts in San Francisco. Through SF Open Studios, youth and adult education, and art-centric events, ArtSpan creates a platform for artists to thrive, fostering a Bay Area that values the arts. ArtSpan's SF Open Studios is the oldest and largest open studios program in the country, featuring an annual, month-long art event in October that showcases over 900 emerging and established San Francisco artists in their studios. Each weekend, art patrons, admirers, and collectors venture out on self-guided tours to see as many SF Open Studios artists and their artworks as possible, in the hopes of finding their next true art love. The event connects collectors with artists for engaging dialogue and a glimpse into the life of the working artist; SF Open Studios simultaneously helps artists build their mailing lists, gain new admirers, and ultimately sustain a living making art. ArtSpan's Art for City Youth program connects local working artists with under-served youth in San Francisco. ArtSpan believes that visual arts are an integral part of a child's education and works to support the next generation of San Francisco artists. ArtSpan produces monthly workshops and discussions to aid artists with the professional side of their art practice. Topics include marketing and PR best practices, insightful suggestions on how to approach galleries, titling and pricing your artwork, writing your artist statement, social networking, setting up your space for SF Open Studios, among others