Nearly 200 San Luis Obispo County artists open their studios October 14-15 & 21-22, 2017 for the 19th annual Open Studios Art Tour. The art is for sale, and the fun comes from interacting with the artists, getting a peek into their studios and learning their creative process. The tour boasts original art in diverse disciplines from wood to glass, metal to ceramic and paint to fiber art.
Artists’ studios are open from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. each day of the weekends for tour-goers to see the tools, techniques, and time it takes to create artwork.
“I always enjoy getting to know the artist in their own space, to talk about their work and see what makes them tick. Driving through oak-dotted hills, lively towns, and coastal communities is also pleasant and I learn so much.” said ARTS Obispo’s executive director, Angela Tahti.
Each studio and artist has its own personality; there is something for everyone. Artists often show visitors work in various stages of progress, providing a view to their process. Many others conduct demonstrations during the Tour, including silversmith Randy Stromsoe in Templeton and Dancing Dog Clayworks in Cambria. Mary Barrette is one of 47 artists new to the tour. Her porcelain studio in Nipomo is also a doll hospital.
ARTS Obispo’s Open Studios Art Tour is free to attend. Guests are encouraged to plan their self-guided tour by picking up a copy of the 51-page, full-color catalog that includes samples of the artists’ work, contact information and maps. The catalog is available throughout San Luis Obispo County and online at artsobispo.org. Visitors who prefer to use their smart phones will find a link to a handy mobile-friendly tour map with studio coordinates.
The Open Studios Art Tour is presented by ARTS Obispo, the San Luis Obispo County Arts Council. Founded in 1981, ARTS Obispo, a nonprofit State-Local Partner of the California Arts Council, advances visual, literary and performing arts and celebrates culture and heritage countywide for artists and arts organizations.