More than 50 Astoria artists will open their studios to the public July 25–26 for the 16th annual Astoria Open Studios Tour. This free, self-guided event invites visitors inside working studios throughout the community, offering a chance to meet artists, see where they create, and experience the creative process firsthand.
From painters and printmakers to ceramicists, jewelers, sculptors, woodworkers, and fiber artists, the tour showcases the remarkable range of artists who call Astoria home. Visitors can explore at their own pace, watch demonstrations, learn about different techniques, and discover new work created especially for the event.
This year’s tour features both longtime Astoria artists and newcomers, reflecting the energy, talent, and collaborative spirit that continue to shape Astoria as one of the Pacific Northwest’s most vibrant arts communities.
Darren Orange, well known for his large, expressive abstract paintings, is participating in Open Studios for the first time since moving to the Astoria countryside. “An artist’s studio is their temple,” he shares. “It’s a sanctuary for exploration. Rarely do people get to witness the process behind visual art. This is a unique opportunity to connect with the community and invite people into that space.”
“I’ve been doing this long enough that people who return each year have become friends,” says painter and printmaker Sarah Bolerjack. “It’s always lovely to see everyone again. I have new paintings I’m excited to share, and the people who come to see and collect my work become part of the story I’m telling. The stories they share with me during Open Studios fuel my work all year.”
Brandii O’Reagan is also opening her new studio to the public for the first time. “I’m an empty nester, and I converted my son’s room overlooking the John Day River into a studio. The view is incredibly inspiring. I create custom tiles for murals, backsplashes, and garden mosaics, and I’m excited to share this work in a way I never have before, especially my garden art.”
Printed tour guides with artist listings and a detailed map, will be available throughout Astoria in mid-July at galleries, cafés, and hotels. A digital version along with additional information about each artist will also be available. Designed to be experienced at your own pace, the tour offers opportunities to see works in progress, engage with artists, and gain insight into techniques developed over years of practice.
Artists at Work Preview Exhibition
Visitors can begin planning their tour by visiting Astoria Visual Arts’ annual preview exhibition, Astoria Artists at Work, on view July 11 through August 2. The exhibition features work by participating Open Studios artists and showcases the wide range of art featured on the tour. Meet participating Open Studios artists during the exhibition reception on Friday, July 11, beginning at 4:00pm as part of Astoria's Artwalk.
The Astoria Open Studios Tour is presented by Astoria Visual Arts with support from the City of Astoria Arts Promote Tourism Fund and AVA members. Founded in 1989, Astoria Visual Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with the arts.