Seattle - July 13, 2007

Easel Does It

Open Door Studios

You’re at a gallery opening amid a sea of ironic T-shirts, staring thoughtfully at giant photos — of somebody’s member. You think: “Please. What has [pseudo-famous contemporary artist] got that I don’t?”

Um, for starters: an agent, a dealer, and a complete lack of shame. Oh, and somewhere besides your Oompa Loompa-size studio to stash his supplies.

Even the playing field (a little) at Open Door Studios, Seattle’s version of NYC’s Etsy Labs. Like a gym for crafty types, the Eastlake spot gives daily, monthly, or yearly members unlimited access to its darkroom, pottery wheel, printing press, kiln, easels, and more.

The studio has tons of supplies, a kids’ area, and huge sinks to make cleanup a breeze. And the vibe is ultra laid-back and totally unpretentious. (You’ll find us at their reasonably priced beginner classes, learning photography and drawing.)

They’re planning to put customers’ art on display. So you’d better be careful.

Or pretty soon, you’ll be a total exhibitionist.

Open Door Studios, 2731 Eastlake Avenue East, at Hamlin Street (206-329-5471 or opendoorstudios.net). Grand opening Saturday, 1-4 p.m.