Free Arts and Crafts Open Studio Tours Give You an Intimate Glimpse Into the Life of Artists and Artisans.

The ability to meet artists and crafts people and then view their work -- and actually SEE them working in their studios -- is a rare treat.

There is a growing number of communities with a high concentration of artists and craftspeople who are hosting annual or semi-annual open studio tours which will let you do just that... typically over the course of an entire weekend.

We have assembled a group of these artists and artisans open studio tours to show you the range of what is available. To locate an open studio tour in a particular area, seach Google for "open studio tour" or "artist open house".

California

ArTrails Sonoma County Open Studios Two weekends in October.

Arts Benicia Open Studios First weekend in May.

East Bay Open Studios First two weekends in June

LaMorinda Arts Alliance Open Studio Tour First weekend in October.

Marin Arts Council Open Studios First two weekends in May.

North Coast Open Studios Two weekends in early June. Each weekend covers one half of Humboldt county.... for a total of over 100 studios. The Humboldt Arts Council sponsors an "Art, Wine and Cheese" reception at the Morris Graves Museum of Art which coincides with the first weekend of the North Coast Studios event.

San Francisco: Spring Open Studio and Sale at Hunters Point Shipyard. "... one of two weekends per year when art collectors are allowed to roam the US Navy Base. The self-guided tour consists of exploring over 15 acres of art studios contained in 7 buildings... "

Sausalito Artists Open Studios Twice a year: First weekend in May and first weekend in December.

Silicon Valley Open Studios First 3 weekends in May. Over 460 artists.

Santa Cruz Country Open Studios Art Tours Annual 3 weekend event in October involving viewing the working environments of some 275 professional artists and artisans.

Colorado

Estes Park's Jazz Fest and Art Walk Usually 2nd weekend in May.

Illinois

Chicago's Annual Artists Open House is typically held the first weekend in October, Chicago Artists' Month. "More than 100 local and visiting artists will display and sell their works in studios, galleries and lofts along South Halsted Street (800W) from 17th Street to Canalport Avenue (2000S) and along 18th Street from Peoria to Jefferson. A Visitor Information Center is at the intersection of Halsted and 18th Streets... many contemporary artists living and working within the oldest art community in Chicago. Participants open their homes and studios to the public, giving visitors the rare privilege of interacting with art and artists in an intimate setting."

New Mexico

Abiquiu Studio Tour First weekend in October

Corrales Art/Studio Tour "...For two days each May, the studios and galleries share with the public their original work in paint, prints, ceramics, glass, wood, fiber, furniture, jewelry, and photography. This is the chance to discuss, learn, and shop face to face with amazing artists. In addition, there are the unique restaurants, shops, and historic sites to enjoy. Lunch in a shaded patio or in a charming cafe can be part of the tour experience. Wine tasting and art will be offered at wineries."

Eldorado Artists Tour

Dixon Studio Tour Oldest art tour in New Mexico

El Rito Studio Tour October

Galisteo Studio Tour Can be done on foot.

High Road Art Tour two weekends in September

New Mexico Open Studio Artists Tours

Pilar Studio Tour "... Once a year many of the artists and craftsmen from the Sangre De Cristo Mountains open their homes and studios to share their craft and creations and the bounty of traditional fall foods...."

Placita Studio Tour

New York

Brooklyn's Atlantic Avenue Art Walk "... weekend event featuring a self-guided tour of open studios, public art exhibitions, gallery shows, and special retail and restaurant events.... Sculpture, music, film, workshops, and new venues for arts and media programming that are youth and family oriented will be integral to the tour route and events... " Typically on Saturday and Sunday afternoons in early June.

The Harlem Open Artist Studio Tour(HOAST) 2 day event April/May.

TOAST: TriBeCa Open Artist Studio Tour "... is one of the most eagerly anticipated downtown NYC events of the season, offering a great experience for anyone interested in viewing artwork at the source: the artist's own studio. It's an opportunity to walk around the neighborhood and meet directly with the artist-- and often see work not accessible in gallery settings. Visitors will see the working spaces of both established and emerging artists, from basement to loft, individual and shared. The works range from abstract to representational, realistic to expressionist and traditional to cutting edge, in all media and sizes. Best of all, the viewing experience is relaxed, informal and absolutely FREE! In addition to the artists, many of TriBeCa's best galleries, alternative art spaces, restaurants and institutions participate in this neighborhood-wide event...."

North Carolina

Durham Art Walk "The Largest Art Walk in NC" Usually the 2nd weekend in April.

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