The next two weekends mark one of the most highly anticipated events for area artists and art lovers alike. For those two weekends, 82 visual artists in 66 locations will open their studios, galleries and workspaces for the Orange County Artists Guild 22nd Annual Open Studio Tour. The event, taking place throughout Orange County, offers patrons a rare glimpse of artists in the space where they create and sometimes display their work. Browsers are welcome; buyers are appreciated.
This year’s tour offers a range of visual artists, including: painters, jewelers, fiber artists, woodworkers, metalworkers, potters, and folk artists. Patrons can check out the tour’s brochure to scope out their must-see stops, then download a 2-page map to plot their course. Those who prefer directions from Google can use the guild’s Google Map to get directions and route help. Be sure to look for the tour’s orange circle signs marking stops along the tour.
The tour is the primary project of the Orange County Artists Guild, a member-based, juried group of artists residing or working in Orange County. In fact, the guild was created in 2000 when tour organizers approached the Orange County Arts Commission for assistance in carrying on the successful event. Through an Arts Incubation Grant, the commission helped form the guild, creating a new nonprofit organization. Today the guild serves as “artists supporting artists,” offering marketing and exhibit opportunities to its members.
Participation in the self-guided tour is free and runs Saturday, 10am-5pm, and Sunday, 12-5pm, November 5-6 and 12-13. Collaborative exhibits featuring work by participating artists are on display at Hillsborough Gallery of Arts and FRANK. This Thursday, November 3rd, join FRANK (109 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill) from 6-8pm for the opening reception of their exhibit in partnership with the tour.
