Astoria Open Studios Tour and Exhibit

Exhibit runs July 13-August 4

Open Studios Tour is Saturday & Sunday, July 27 & 28

Join us as we travel across Astoria meeting over 50 local resident artists during the 14th annual Astoria Open Studios Tour. Each of the participating artists invite the general public into their studios for this once a year event, July 27 and 28, from 11:00am to 5:00pm. Visitors from near and far get to see behind the scenes into the workspace of each artist. Artists share their work, what inspires them to create and techniques they’ve learned over years of practice. Visitors and patrons get a chance to meet the creative individuals that are the heart of Astoria’s thriving art scene.

Open Studios is a free, family friendly event for anyone interested in meeting creative people and learning about Astoria’s vibrant art community. Look for the printed tour guides featuring each artist throughout downtown Astoria in July or check out the digital version at astoriavisualart.org. Each studio is labeled with a number that corresponds to the map in the center of the guide. Visitors can go to as many studios as they like, in any order. Artists that are giving demonstrations and studios that are accessible for individuals with limited mobility are listed in the guide.

“I love Astoria Open Studio!” says Lezlie Amara Piper who is at #10 this year, “It's a great time to get a glimpse of artists' studios and see how they work as well as see the art of folks that might not ordinarily show in local galleries. In my studio, 249 14th street, I really love witnessing folks connecting with the work, especially larger paintings and hearing what they see and feel in response.  This year, visitors will get to see a lot of new paintings that are “collaborations with nature" and extra special 3-D work in progress using twigs, vines and paper that I’m preparing for an upcoming August show at AVA. Oh, and they might find some bargains too!”

“There is a lot of enthusiasm this year,” says tour coordinator and AVA executive director Annie Eskelin, “There are more stops to individual studios and more new participating artists, which is always exciting. I love getting to meet new artists. There are so many artists in Astoria—it’s quite extraordinary to live in a place like this that is so welcoming. It’s good for the community all around.”

Participating artists are also featured in a group exhibit, Artists of Astoria, at Astoria Visual Arts, July 13 through August 4. This exhibit is a great place to stop by during the month of July to begin planning your experience.

Astoria Open Studios Tour is made possible through support from the City of Astoria and AVA members.