The self-guided tour of East Bay artists studios in more than a dozen cities is going strong in year 40 and adds a third summer weekend.
The East Bay Open Studios tour has for 40 years allowed the public a chance to sneak into the workshops of professional artists and see for themselves how the creative magic happens. Art patrons and curious visitors alike can wander at their own pace through over 200 artists’ lofts, studios, and galleries on a self-guided walking tour through over 16 Bay Area cities.
See the masters at work, peruse art for sale, watch demonstrations, or just chat with the artists behind the paintings, prints, photos, mixed media, ceramics, painting, woodwork, jewelry, sculpture, collage, and more. This year, the traditional two-weekend event has been extended to add a third weekend dedicated to featuring cities along the Interstate 680 corridor. All art sales benefit the artists directly.
A month of artistic inspiration starts with Opening Celebration/Preview Exhibition on Sat., June 1, 6-9 p.m., at the Oakland Scottish Rite Center on Oakland’s Lake Merritt, where attendees can enjoy live music, meet the artists, and pick up guides and maps (also online) for the studio tour. See EastBayOpenStudios.com for information on getting an invitation to the opening celebration. The studio tour will be Sat.-Sun., June 8-9, 15-16, and 22-23, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., free to the public, various studios and art spaces throughout the East Bay, EastBayOpenStudios.com.
