Contributing to the growth of artist-run spaces in Phoenix
“The name Open (OPN) Standards was inspired by an experience I had while serving as a judge at The Heard Museum. One of the categories required artists to explain why their work did not meet established standards—these were pieces that didn’t fit any traditional category. Since then, my friend Bill and I began using “Open Standards” to describe anything that was different, strange, or even humorously unconventional. So, when naming my new studio, we both laughed at the idea of calling it OPN Standards.
The concept of open standards also draws a parallel between art and technology. In the tech world, Open Standards refer to rules or specifications that are publicly accessible, shareable, and open for collaboration. They are developed through a transparent and participatory process—an idea that resonates with the ethos of this studio.”
