Explore the Hidden World of Art

300+ Artists Open Their Doors for the 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 work studios like the Tannery Arts Center and individual workspaces scattered throughout the county. Featured media are as varied as jewelry, ceramics, photography and painting. Studios span the county from Watsonville to Bonny Doon, and everywhere in-between.

“We’re excited to have 43 artists who are new to the Tour this year, as well as many returning artists. There’s really something for everyone to enjoy,” said Michelle Williams, Arts Council Executive Director.

Studios are divided between North and South County (with the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor as the dividing point). October 5 & 6 features North County artists, October 12 & 13 features South County Artists, and October 19 & 20 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 2013 Open Studios artist will open on Saturday, September 27 and run through Sunday, October 20 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 29 from 3 – 6pm with musical entertainment by Kuzanga Marimba. A North County satellite preview exhibit at the R. Blitzer Gallery, featuring work exclusive to Davenport, Bonny Doon, San Lorenzo Valley, and Scotts Valley Open Studios artists, will open on Friday, October 4 and run through Sunday, October 20. Both receptions will be part of the First Friday Art Tour on October 4.

The $20 Open Studios Arts Guide/Calendar, available Friday, September 6 at outlets throughout the Bay Area, is your admission to the Tour and includes a detailed map to each studio. The $4.99 mobile 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. Proceeds from the Guide/Calendar and App sales support the Arts Council’s arts and arts education programs. Visit www.artscouncilsc.org for more information and a list of where the Guide/Calendar is sold.

This also marks the 10-year anniversary of having Open Studios Manager Ann Ostermann at the helm. Each year, she is the liaison for several hundred Open Studios artists, event sponsors and volunteers. And each year, she builds the capacity of working artists and reinforces the arts as a profession.

•••

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.

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. www.artscouncilsc.org.