Santa Barbara Studio Artists will hold their 18th Annual Open Studios Tour, featuring the works of 30 studio artists, along with exclusive access to the artists in their studios on Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30-Sept. 2.
The tour, which is the largest event of its kind on the Central Coast, benefits the Sansum Diabetes Research Institute.
The event kicks off with an opening reception, 5-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, at Santa Barbara Fine Art, 1324 State St., Ste. J (in Arlington Plaza). The tour runs 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday.
Tickets for the tour can be bought at www.santabarbarastudioartists.com, or at Santa Barbara Fine Art, where the tour can be previewed throughout August. Tour maps are available at Santa Barbara Fine Art.
“Over the years, the Santa Barbara Studio Artists Tour has developed a reputation for excellence that transcends that of all its competitors,” said board president Francis Scorzelli. “That’s due to the exceptional quality and excitement of our members’ work, as well as the beauty and appeal of Santa Barbara itself.
“Every year, regional, national and international collectors, interior designers, and gallery owners plan trips to Santa Barbara during the Open Studios Tour weekend to view and purchase exceptional art.”
One of the primary appeals of the tour is access to participating artists’ studios and conversations with the artists themselves. The self-guided driving tour steers visitors through the backroads, picturesque neighborhoods, and estates of Santa Barbara.
Paintings make up the majority of work displayed, but sculpture, mosaic, and mixed-media works are included. All members of Santa Barbara Studio Artists are chosen by jury;heir works are sought-after by exclusive galleries, museums, and private and corporate collections from Los Angeles to New York and internationally.
The tour caters to buyers and collectors on Saturday and Sunday, with tickets priced at $50/individual; $40/couple, and to students, families and others, with a free half-day on Monday. Children age 12 and under are free all three days.
Proceeds benefit Sansum Diabetes Research Institute, which is dedicated to improving the lives of people impacted by diabetes through research, education and care.
Santa Barbara Studio Artists is a nonprofit trade organization of professionals who maintain working studios in Santa Barbara. Members are selected for the quality of their work and exhibition history. For more about Santa Barbara Studio Artists or this year’s Open Studio Tour, call 805-280-9178 or visit www.SantaBarbaraStudioArtists.com.
— Leslee Goodman for Santa Barbara Studio Artists.