Explore the Hidden World of Art

300+ Artists Open Their Doors for the 2014 Open Studios Art Tour

Each year during the first three weekends in October, more than 300 Santa Cruz County artists open their studios to the public for demonstrations of the artistic process, art exhibits, and opportunities for visitors to purchase art directly from the source. The tour includes multi-stop studios like the Tannery Arts Center and individual workspaces scattered throughout the county. This year, there are 44 artists who are new to the Tour and 35 who have participated for more than twenty years.

Studios are divided between North and South County (with the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor as the dividing point). October 4 & 5 features South County artists, October 11 & 12 features North County Artists, and October 18 & 19 is an Encore Weekend that features select artists in both North and South County. Each day, studios are open from 11am – 5pm.

A preview exhibit featuring work from every 2014 Open Studios artist will open on Saturday, September 27 and run through Sunday, October 19 at the Santa Cruz Art League (526 Broadway in Santa Cruz, Wed through Fri 11am – 5pm and Sat & Sun 10am – 5pm). A public reception will be held on Sunday, September 28 from 3–6pm with entertainment by Kuzanga Marimba, frozen treats from Mission Hill Creamery and a variety of beers from Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing. The Preview Exhibit will be part of the First Friday Art Tour on October 3.

“We’re thrilled to see another year of amazing variety. From watercolor and jewelry to fiber arts and sculpture, the Tour’s artists span a broad range of media and represent every part of Santa Cruz County. We’re fired up about this year’s line-up and the changes we’ve made to the 2014 Guide,” said Ann Ostermann, Open Studios & Events Manager.

The $20 Open Studios Art Tour Guide is available Friday, September 5th at outlets throughout the Bay Area. The re-imagined Guide features larger artist images, neighborhood information, and a pull-out map to help make the most of the Tour.

The $4.99 App is a portable guide which helps to create personalized tour maps; to find new artists based on location, medium, and other criteria; and saves information for revisiting favorite stops.

“In its 29th year, our Tour is a national model which supports the livelihood of working artists, draws art lovers from near and far, and helps us provide arts education to thousands of children county-wide. We’re excited to be a part of what makes Santa Cruz such a vibrant place to live and visit,” said Michelle Williams, Executive Director.

Hotel Paradox is a major sponsor and the Preferred Hotel Partner of the Open Studios Art Tour. They are offering a Santa Cruz Arts Package, which includes a discounted stay, Open Studios Art Tour Guide, and $20 credit to Solaire.

Proceeds from the Guide and App sales support the Arts Council’s arts and arts education programs. Visit artscouncilsc.org for more information and a list of where the Guide is sold.

For more information about the Open Studios Art Tour, contact Ann Ostermann, Open Studios & Events Manager: ann@artscouncilsc.org, 831.475.9600 x17, or cell 831.251.4626.

•••

As the producer of the Open Studios Art Tour, Arts Council Santa Cruz County is a passionate supporter of the arts. We promote, connect, and invest in the arts in order to stimulate creativity and vibrancy across Santa Cruz County. artscouncilsc.org

•••

Some Stories About 2014’s Open Studio Artists

Renée Sayer Wence
Artist #28

Renée combines all her learned forms of illustration, watercolor, and jewelry into her ceramics. For her 25th year in Open Studios she will be having a special sale and will be presenting alongside with Lorraine Catania’s paintings!

Chuc Nowark
Artist #41

Chuc began metal sculpting in the 70’s but began his current passion of woodturning in 1995, when his wife Laurie gave him two lathes. This year at Open Studios he will exhibit carving on a turned bowl!

Suzanne McCourt
Artist #54

Suzanne works with watercolor, acrylic, figurative drawing and painting, and other mixed media, “art equals an infinite creative process beyond the sum of parts.” This year for Open Studios she has new decor industrial works on canvas, new musicians, and abstract paintings to present!

Michele LaMontagne Hausman
Artist #69

Michele loves oil painting because of its transparency, texture, and its long process of development. This year for Open Studios, she will present few mixed media paintings that involve making a transfer to canvas before applying paint!

Paul Mlyniec
Artist #84

Paul formed a company to develop a virtual 3D painting medium and believes that layered paintings are his most natural form of expression. This year for Open Studios, he will be presenting big 3D paintings!

Kevin Osborn
Artist #92

Kevin works mainly with black and white photography although he previously worked with color. He says, “People respond much more strongly to my black and white work.” This year he will be taking free black and white infrared portraits for anyone visiting during Open Studios!