West Oakland’s acclaimed American Steel studios opened their doors to the public May 11 and 12; an entertaining, arts-filled weekend providing a wonderful opportunity to see artists at work along with interactive programs, demonstrations, artist talks, guided tours, and performances. An impressive group exhibition of artwork by American Steel artists also filled The Poplar Gallery, their 6,000 square-foot exhibition space.

American Steel Studios, founded in 2006 to provide affordable artist working spaces, includes more than 164 individuals and over 45 studios in a wide range of disciplines. Including painting, textiles, photography, printmaking, ceramics, large and small sculpture, furniture and installation, American Steel’s massive warehouse is rife with potentials for collaboration and a font of inspiration across mediums and practices.

Artists include Edward Acosta, Anarchitectural, Anthony Averson, Doug Blanc, David M Bowman, Stephen Bruce, Jeff Bush, Chester, Karen Cusolito, Department of Spontaneous Combustion, Nick Dong, Elizabeth Dougherty, Fire Arts Collective, Matt Fisher, Flipside Furnishings, Flux, Robert Furnback, Ryon Gesink, Dan Good, Kitty Gordon, Groundation Foundation, Jared Gutekunst, Carolynn Haydu, Brian Krawitz, Medium Reality, Kyle Milligan, Jann Nunn, Reb Peters Press, Romuald Picard, Sam Reese, Henry Riekena, Bill Rogers, Dan Seneres, Sharp Teeth Press, Sheet Metal Alchemist, Fortune Sitole, Kali Snowden, Carl Stieger, Suite Treatments, Alexandria Volk, and Anthem Ward.