Meet the Valley's most interesting artists

The Left Bank, Montparnasse, Tarzana… Okay, as art scenesgo, the sprawling San Fernando Valley isn’t quite up forcomparisons to Paris in the 1920s. Still, the Valley does shelter anumber of acclaimed artists working in studios from Chatsworth toSherman Oaks. This month the San Fernando Valley Arts Council makesit easier to discover the area’s creative side with its ValleyArtists Studio Tour, which opens 42 studios to the public. Includedon the tour are Susan Manders of Sherman Oaks, who was selected asan official U.S. artist for the 2004 Olympics, and sculptor MarioJason, who designs bronzes of dancers and also directs the castingprocess. Stuart Abelman specializes in art glass, while ToniScott’s works range from sculpture and painting to digital design.It’s a range as big and diverse as the Valley itself.―M.J.

INFO: Valley Artists Studio Tour, San Fernando Valley ArtsCouncil (Oct 1-2; $25; www.sfvartscouncil.com or818/572-3150)

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