A vacant downtown Berkeley storefront is getting a second life as an arts marketplace. Zero Empty Spaces will celebrate the grand opening of its first California location, in the former Half Price Books at 2036 Shattuck Ave., on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 5 to 8 p.m., with a ribbon cutting at 6 p.m.
According to Funcheap, the space is a retail arts marketplace and community gallery featuring local artists, makers, designers and creative entrepreneurs. The celebration is free and open to the public, and creative spaces are still available to rent.
Berkeley Artist Open
The same weekend, Zero Empty Spaces hosts the Berkeley Artist Open, a free two-day art fair on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 7 and 8, from noon to 6 p.m., the California Arts Council's listing says. Artists sell original work directly to the public with no commission. They pay $30 per approved artwork, can show up to four works, and must be present to sell. The entry deadline is Monday, Nov. 2, and artwork drop-off is Friday, Nov. 6.
Downtown Berkeley is a short walk from the Downtown Berkeley BART station. Also in Berkeley this fall: the Measure Y arts tax on the ballot.