Step Inside the Studios of Local Artists

Have you ever looked at a piece of art and wondered what the artist thought as they created it? Most times, exhibitions take place in showrooms or galleries without the artist present, but the Clark County Open Studios Tour creates an entirely new experience that invites inquisitive visitors right into the artist’s studio.

Open Studios is a cornerstone program of Artstra, a nonprofit focused on elevating the arts in Clark County. While it highlights local artists, its mission goes further by bringing art directly into our neighborhoods. “Artstra is dedicated to art accessibility, with all our programs and partnerships designed to give back to the community,” explains Jennifer Williams, a board member of Artstra and the organizer of the Open Studios Tour.

Free to the public as a self-guided tour, the event is scheduled for Nov. 2 and 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will showcase various art and mediums and a diverse mix of juried participants. There are 53 total artists, ten participating for the first time and three emerging artists attending and participating through the Christine Rice Memorial Scholarship. Recipients are awarded $1,000, mentored by a seasoned artist and hosted in their studio during the tour.

Sprinkled throughout Clark County, studios are often in the artist’s own homes. This extraordinary experience is much more than just admiring the art. “You’re able to engage directly with the creative process and ask questions to learn from the artists themselves,” says Jennifer. “The artists will give live demonstrations; some even offer visitors hands-on participation.”

This is the 11th year of Open Studios, and the selection of artists is diverse, highlighting a variety of two and three-dimensional mediums, including ceramics, photography, painting, printmaking, metal, wood, rock sculpting, glass, contemporary fiber art and mixed media. Among them is Ann Cavanaugh, an award-winning fused glass artist whose spectacular work graces the cover of this year’s tour guide. She’s been part of the tour since its inception. Bill Leigh, one of the participating sculptors, will guide you through his process of using the shapes of metal and other recycled materials to create dynamic forms.

During the two-day tour, adventurers can scan a QR code and access a user-friendly Google map on their mobile device that shows all studio locations. Printed guides will be available at each studio during the tour and in advance at each gallery sponsor, including Aurora Gallery and Art at the Cave Gallery in downtown Vancouver and Gallery 408 and the Red Door in Camas. Art at the Cave Gallery also hosts a preview on the first Friday of November from 5 to 8 p.m., highlighting a piece from each artist. It’s the perfect way to plan your itinerary since it’s almost impossible to see all 50 locations.

As a past participant, Jennifer knows what a special experience Open Studios offers, not only for visitors but for the artists themselves. “It’s a unique opportunity to connect and talk to people about your work, much different than a traditional gallery setting,” she says. “You will be asked about things you never thought about, and it makes you dig deeper and learn more about who you are as an artist.”

For more
on Artstra and the tour, visit artstra.org/open-studios.