Join us for Arts Council Santa Cruz County’s 37th annual Open Studios Art Tour. It’s free, self-guided, and features 322 artists working in dozens of mediums across the County.
Meet seasoned artists who’ve participated since 1986, talented newcomers, and makers and creators of all kinds. Neighbors, friends, collectors, and art lovers are invited to connect with artists, see their creative process up close, and buy art from the source.
“Open Studios connects us to many of Santa Cruz County’s visual artists. It’s an opportunity to visit a studio and learn more about the artist’s creative practice, tour a neighborhood you don’t know yet, or purchase a piece from your favorite local artist,” said Ann Ostermann, Open Studios Director. “It takes a lot of planning and nerve on the part of participating artists. It’s a joy to see it pay off with art sales and new relationships formed, old friends reunited, and neighbors getting to know each other. It’s also a great event for visitors to experience the creative life of our areas.”
Open Studios takes place the first three weekends of October, from 11am to 5pm. Studios are divided between North and South County (with the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor as the dividing point) on the following schedule:
Oct. 7-8: South County artists – from the Yacht Harbor south
Oct. 14-15: North County artists – from the Yacht Harbor north
Oct. 21-22: All County – featuring 277 artists across the county
Pick up a FREE artist guide at Good Times drop-off points throughout the county after Sept. 12. Find artists in your neighborhood by medium, or simply browse through the guide and find artwork that captures your eye. If you can’t find a guide out in the wild, stop by the Arts Council offices at 1070 River Street in Santa Cruz during open hours – we’ll have a stack here throughout October.
