Carlsbad Art and Culture

#4: The First Day

I was given the keys by Alice and Art Brown of Aurthur Brown Plumbing on May 8th, 2008, which coincided with the Carlsbad Street Faire. My doors swung open, music blasted on my boombox and a series of my first drip paintings created in my garage were on display.

As the faire kicked into full gear and over 90,000 people walked the village streets, I paced up and down the sidewalk in front of my freshly opened studio. I greeted every passerby and shared the vision I had revisited so many times in my head of a working art studio where the public could interact and experience the creative process of an artist.

Many whom I talked to showed interest and entered my freshly painted studio. At this early moment, it looked more like small room with unfinished renovations, but I expressed that it was only a matter of time until the walls would be covered in new paintings and multiple projects would be scattered across the floors.

Without a business card or a sign on the front facade, I invited each visitor during that first day to come back as often as the wished. I invited them to bring as many friends along during their visits and I invited them to ask as many questions and take as many photos as they wished.

Since that first day in May 2008, I have had thousands of visits from both locals and Carlsbad visitors, many who have revisited my studio on a weekly basis. The amount of friendships I have solidified have grown exponentially over the years.

From the beginning and all the way up to the end, thank you for all your visits!

– Bryan Snyder