Original Art by Carloyn Leigh

This year 222 artists have joined together to celebrate the vibrancy of Pima County’s creative community and welcome you to share in the joy of this local treasure. The Open Studio Tour welcomes collectors, residents and tourists to visit artists working in virtually every medium in their creative spaces – from downtown barrios to foothills studios and open-air desert sanctuaries.

Susan Gamble creating ceramic mural

The Open Studio Tour artists are a diverse blend of culture and ages, prominent and emerging artists and young students of art working in a wide range of media –bookmakers, sculptors, photographers, ceramic artists, fiber artists, metal smiths, glass blowers and painters to name a few. The event is family-friendly, casual, full of fresh air, tasty treats, original work, and always the chance of seeing old friends also out and about and new techniques in art making.

Sponsored by TPAC, this free self-guided tour provides an opportunity to dialogue with artists about their philosophies, inspirations, and the nuts and bolts of making art.  Now you have the chance to find answers to questions that come to us when we see art hanging in museums or commercial galleries such as “What does it mean” or “How did she do that?”

This celebration began with a preview exhibition, a visual feast hosted by the Jewish Community Center at 3800 E. River Rd., on view from Oct. 28th through Nov. 11th. The exhibition concludes with a ‘meet-the-artist reception’ from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday Nov. 11th.

The tour of studios takes place this weekend November, 13 & 14. Studios are open from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This year the Tucson Mountain Artisans, a new group of diverse artists, will be part of this season’s tour. They offer a unique setting in the West Central Tucson Mountains. Visitors can explore their picturesque studios and experience first-hand the desert beauty that inspires their creativity in multiple dimensions and mediums. Light refreshments will be served at each studio. Watch for javelina, coyote or mule deer crossing your path on this scenic drive between studios.

Ursela Gurau & sister at their Star Bear Studio

Roses In Her Hair by Melissa Miller

*****ADDED Celebration this year! ***

WAMO (Warehouse Artist’s Management Organization) is celebrating its recent acquisition of three historic warehouses : Steinfeld, Toole Shed & Citizens.  Those attending will have the opportunity to  meet the artists, planners, developers, and elected officials working to preserve the historic warehouse arts district. Learn about the past, present and future of the downtown warehouses. View art on display by its members that have been working tirelessly and without compensation for over 6 years to create an affordable arts district.

WHEN:  Saturday November 13 from 5-7 p.m.

LOCATION: The Market Inn at 403 N. 6^th Ave. (6^th Ave and 7^th St.)

A detailed program of participating artists and maps to their studios is posted for the public on the TPAC website at www.tucsonpimaartscouncil.org. Also available on the site is information on demonstrations and more.  Look for a free printed program in the November issue of Zocalo magazine on news stands everywhere.  Contact Sally Krommes at skrommes@tucsonpimaartscouncil.org. or at  520-624-0595 #16.

These  special organizations have helped support the Artist’s Tour this year:

Sarnoff’s Art Materials

WAMO (Warehouse Artists Management Organization)

Benjamin Plumbing Supplies

Tucson Lifestyle Magazine

COX Communications

Tucson Jewish Community Center

The Loft Cinema

Zocalo Magazine

City of Tucson

Arizona Commission on the Arts