My First – and Only – Exhibit of 2021!
This month I am having an in-person show, my first in over two years, just in time for the beginning of holiday shopping. Hard to believe it's been so long – not something I would have thought possible. I’ve missed chatting with art aficionados and sharing some of my passion for fine photography.
I will be exhibiting the weekend of September 18-19 (Saturday and Sunday, 11-5 both days) as part of Silicon Valley Open Studios, along with other artists. Please come see us at Site 118 in Los Altos (directions below). There will be many other artists also exhibiting (over 200) at other locations – visit svos.org for a complete listing.
The pandemic has thrown a monkey wrench in everyone’s lives for the past 2 years. It certainly did for me, derailing my photography and show business. I’ve been hunkered down in my burrow, and even after getting my shots earlier this year, I’ve been slow to get out of it.
Fires have also curtailed my normal expeditions in the Western U.S. I've become more keenly appreciative of the power of nature to both soothe and stir us while cooped up waiting for the smoke to clear. I find myself now wondering when I’ll ever get to go camping and exploring with my kids and grandkids, and how I’ll get to pass along my values and experiences in the natural world…
My “other” job as Executive Director of Silicon Valley Visual Arts, the presenter of Silicon Valley Open Studios, has been both rewarding and burdensome. The pandemic has been a big challenge for arts organizations, but I’ve enjoyed helping ours move into the virtual world and adapt to our changing environment. At the same time it’s given me little time for my own photography.
Come visit us next weekend! It will be outside, but please bring a mask for everyone's safety. Directions at: svos.org/artist/stephen-toll
If you can’t make it to the show, I am available to meet by phone or Zoom to give you a personal “virtual” tour. Use Contact on the menu above to reach me.
Looking forward to seeing you!
My Only Exhibit of the Year (2020)
My normal photo trips and show schedule which would have started in the spring and run until after Labor Day were completely disrupted first by the pandemic and then by the wildfires that hit California and the Western U.S. this summer. On top of that, I assumed the Executive Directorship of the Silicon Valley Open Studios organization in which I have participated for the past 7 years. This has been an all consuming job as the pandemic completely upended the normal Open Studios plan this year, and we pivoted to a virtual event format for the first time. As a result, I have had very little time to devote to my own photography or shows this year.
Fortunately, I did get in a two week trip to Japan late last year before the pandemic began, and got in a short visit to the Napa Valley wine country just before the pandemic hit, so I do have a few additions to my gallery for you to see!
The trip to Japan, my first, was every bit as eye opening and educational as I hoped it might be. Time was divided between cities and countryside: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara; the Izu Peninsula and the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail. History and culture intertwined with landscape and architectural traditions. Unique designs, customs, and cuisine reflecting a viewpoint both ancient and modern. Castles, parks, shrines and temples. Bullet train and immersive digital art. A fascinating mix.
The Silicon Valley Open Studios virtual event (shop.svos.org), which I am currently participating in, has been organized as a benefit for Second Harvest to raise funds for their efforts to feed those impacted during these tough times. All participating artists are contributing a portion of their sales to Second Harvest. This virtual show is open now through November 30 at shop.svos.org, with over 150 artists and 700 artworks offered for sale. Please visit and check it out!
Also please visit my website (stevetoll.zenfolio.com) to see other new additions to my gallery which couldn't be included in the virtual event. I will be contributing 20% of all sales during this period, whether from the SVOS event or from my website, to Second Harvest.
Since we aren't able to meet in person at Open Studios this year, I am available to meet over Zoom to answer any questions or discuss my works - just drop me a note.
So - if you're looking for a special gift for someone this holiday season, stop in and visit me at:
shop.svos.org
stevetoll.zenfolio.com
And please stay safe - I'd like to see you all after things settle down next year, hopefully!
2020 Update
Due to the uptick in Covid-19 cases, SVOS has been cancelled for this year. I may work in some virtual events, so stay tuned!
Summer 2019 Exhibits
I've done some recent shoots in Yosemite and Colorado - check the additions to my Recently Added gallery.
I have two exhibits scheduled for this summer. First up is the Scotts Valley Art & Wine Show on the weekend of August 17-18 at the Scotts Valley Sky Park from 10 am to 5 pm, Booth #C26. This has proven to be a popular show which almost always offers a welcome cool spot to visit on a hot summer day. For directions and additional information, visit svartfest.com.
Second is an exhibit titled "American Splendor" which I'm mounting in honor of my high school class 50th reunion at The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut, and which will run from August 26 to October 5. For my followers on the East Coast, this will be a rare opportunity to view some of my current prints, as I don't usually ship collections that far. My reunion is the weekend of September 27-29, so if you want to come then let me know and I will try to arrange to meet up with you if possible. For directions visit the school's website at Hotchkiss.org. The exhibit (one of three on display) will be in the main corridor as you enter the main building.
I will have at least one additional show back on the West Coast this fall - details to follow.
Hope to see you at one of these!
Spring Shows 2019
This will be my 6th year exhibiting with Silicon Valley Open Studios (SVOS) in May. My schedule this year is:
- May 4-5 in Belmont
- May 11-12 in Los Altos
- May 18-19 in Los Gatos
There will be multiple artists showing at each location, including 12 in Los Altos. Hours are 11-5 Saturday and Sunday each weekend. I'll be showing a number of new images on metal. For a preview, visit my Recently Added gallery.
See map for each location at my svos.org listing.
Hope to see you there! And be sure to tell (or bring) your friends and family!