CoRk Open Studios: Vintage Pieces, Inspiring Artwork, Collections, and Artist's Workspaces

CoRk is a sprawling collection of art studios a stone's throw away from my King St. Riverside apartment. The outside of the building is covered with colorful murals by artists occupying the studios; it's inspiring to see a former empty warehouse transformed into a vibrant space for artists to spread out and create. I adore seeing artists workspaces so I couldn't resist an opportunity to walk over and snap some photos:

CoRk Lobby

Amazing Space-Age "Jetson's" Table. The little boomerang shape to the left had a motion sensor. Wave your hand over it and it says over 70 quotes fro Sci-Fi movies. The lights continuously blinked. -By Rocket Studio Art

This serene studio illuminated by the soft glow of white aper lamps was one of my favorites, so tidy. It reminded me of a New York studio apartment. The chalkboard wall was gorgeous.

Love the riot of color and art style. It smelled of fragrant incense.  Artist: Morrison Pierce

Pithy art prices. I can bring Pizza, please, give me beautiful arts. Thanks.

Classic style, gorgeous assemblage. I think assemblage is my favorite style. Artist: Laurie Hitzig

Amazing sculpture by Larry Wilson

Love this painterly studio. The storage unit here is a perfect mix of inspiring objects, supplies and reference materials. Artist: Mary St. Germain

Took the most photos in Crystal Floyd's Wunderkammer of awesome.  Love her natural style and can appreciate a fellow vintage collector anfd magpie's workspace. I think I'll have to come back and showcase this whole space in a separate post.

Paul Ladnier's studio wins "Best Door" hands-down. Love the colorful painted faces and the easel sign. My mom and I were enchanted by his Old World oil paintings of landscapes and portraits, they bought us back to memories of artists painting (the many) scenic vistas in Italy.

Another studio after my own art. Crafts, color, vintage a bookshelf full of kitsch books. Her paintings were gorgeous. Loved her colorful DIY'd pillows. She and I were working on some identical projects.

The courtyard (CoRkyard, as it's known) separating studios is dreamy! Would love to help garden and paint the walls out here. I love string light ambience.

Another space I may need to return to. Karen Kurycki's gorgeous "punny" watercolors fo perfect with her bright, kitschy studio. Love her style and how she's arranged her space.

Loved the clothes by Love Brigade, beautiful studio.

I'd be remiss to exclude portraits on these muses outside of a closed studio. The first one is Eva, a friend and art model. The second is Jennifer Chase, playwright and musician. Painted by Tony Wood.

Who could ask for a cozier creative space? Robert Leedy was very friendly and told us an funny story about a commission for a wine bar featuring a Geisha serving wine that was rejected, the client wanted something more "literal"; but his art friends loved it! Me too. Would hang that in my house in a heartbeat.

"When my friends saw studio they asked, 'Are you going through a divorce'?" Robert jokes about the homeyness of his "art cave".

Photo-bombed a green screen room. (George Deacon Photography )

In a word: Incredible. This photography by Doug Eng was mind-blowing. Loved the huge high-quality prints, cityscapes and environmental messages.

I wish I'd have had more time to chat with every single artist. CoRk should do these gallery openings once a month! There was a great turnout and it was so inspiring to see so much art and innovation happening right down the street. Read more about CoRk on their website.

Any favorite studio peeks? I love 'em all, don't make me choose!

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