Open Studio 2005, A Self-Guided Art Walk in Red Hook, Carroll Gardens, and Beyond, Hits the Streets Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5, from Noon to 6pm

On June 4th and 5th, Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition (BWAC) will host its annual Open Studios Weekend for the historic neighborhoods of Red Hook, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill and Boerum Hill. This self-guided tour is an extension of the ongoing BWAC Pier Art Show, and is the perfect opportunity for people to discover the areas vibrant art scene.

(PRWEB) May 18, 2005 -- On June 4th and 5th, Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition (BWAC) will host its annual Open Studios Weekend for the historic neighborhoods of Red Hook, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill and Boerum Hill. This self-guided tour serves as an extension of the ongoing BWAC Pier Art Show, and is the perfect opportunity for people to discover the areas vibrant art scene.

In this not-to-be-missed event, over 50 artists will open their studios to the public offering a unique opportunity to enjoy art outside the realm of museums and formal galleries.

Meet the artists in their own studios. View works of art in the spaces in which they were created. Chat with the artist, or simply take a look at the studio and the many pieces of art that will be on display in this vibrant artists community.

The public will find art ranging from traditional oil paintings and watercolors to handmade paper, photography, quilted art, ceramic arts, sculpture, mixed media and avant-garde experimental works.

Self-guided adventures, like the BWAC open studio tours help people see and understand that there are as many reasons, and as many ways, to create art as there are artists," says artist and longtime BWAC member Richard Eagan.

This is a chance to see artists in their own spaces where they create their work, in a more intimate setting than a gallery", says Ellie Winberg, one of the BWAC tour coordinators and a full-time working artist. In fact, many gallery owners and serious collectors use these tours to scout out emerging talent and view works in progress, as it allows them to visit a large number of artists, many of whom are new to them, in a relatively short period of time.

Its a win-win situation," says Stuart Nicholson, director of Red Hooks Diesel Gallery and long-time resident of Red Hook. If you love a piece by an emerging artist youre helping to support them and advance their career. Alternatively, you may find a great piece by a more well-known Brooklyn artist at a price you can work out directly with the artist."

In cooperation with BWACs Open Studio Weekend and just around the corner, the public can find even more art at the Atlantic Avenue Art Walk (www.atlanticavenueartwalk.com) as well as a string of evening art events on Saturday night, June 4th, presented by Art On and Off Smith Street Association. Maps and listings will be available at all participating Art Walk and Smith Street locations.

Maps of the artists locations for the BWAC Open Studio Weekend can be obtained at the BWAC Pier Show, which is located at 499 Van Brunt Street in Red Hook open weekends from May 7 through June 18; David Allen Gallery, 331 Smith Street; Winberg Studio, 160 Union Street in Carroll Gardens; or by calling 718-832-0496.

Maps can also be obtained on the web at www.bwac.org. The Brooklyn Waterfront Artist Coalition is the largest artist-run, volunteer nonprofit art organization in Brooklyn.

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