Artists of all medias will be putting down their cameras and paintbrushes to display their work in the annual Open Studios Art Tour this spring.
The weekend tour is hosted by the San Benito County Arts Council April 25 and April 26 and gives residents in Hollister, San Juan Bautista and Aromas a chance to open their studios, share their work and sell art.
“What makes open studios unique is it gives the public a chance to go see where and how art is created,” said Jennifer Laine, executive director for the SBC Arts Council. “It’s very hands on. The artists often provide opportunities for the public to come in and do a demo.”
The event draws hundreds of visitors to local studios while highlighting photographers, painters, sculptors, printmakers, quilters, jewelry designers and stained glass artisans.
“It’s great to just get in the car and drive around and see really nice areas of the county,” Laine said.
This year’s event will be preceded by a preview exhibition, which gives attendees a sneak peak of work from the featured studios. It is scheduled from April 3 to May 28 at ARTspace, the council’s new home on 240 Fifth St. There will be a reception with light refreshments and music from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 10.
Artists wishing to participate in the tour must turn in applications by 5 p.m. Feb. 13. They can download a hard copy of the application from the council’s website, sanbenitoarts.org. For more information, reach out to the arts council by emailing in**@sa***********.org or calling (831) 636-2787.
