This year for the first time ever; Artists’ Studios in Naramata, Summerland, Penticton and south to Vaseux Lake, are working together to present their open studios to the public. There are artist studios hiding quietly all over the Okanagan, but this year about 40 of them are planning to all hold special open studios on May 19 and 20 from 11 am – 5 pm. They are already having brochures printed, making the signs and preparing new work. The Tour is divided into 3 sections and each has their own map. Start in your local area or start farthest away, choose the studios you are most interested in, as you won’t be able to visit them all, even if you take the whole two days. That’s OK, there will be another Art Trip 2012 in October!

The ART TRIP is a free self guided driving tour that will create a memorable day or two. The adventure begins with you, just circle the studios you think will be most interesting, invite a friend and go for your tour. Take a break for lunch at one of the valley’s amazing wineries or cafes and then carry on to more art studios, see as many as you like. You can start again the next day and go to a different area. Bring the kids, it’s a nice way to expose them to the arts.

The ART TRIP is a unique opportunity to see up close and personal how artists work, ask them questions and learn about the stories behind the art. You’ll see places you never knew existed and you might discover a new favorite artist.  Learn how jewellery is made, see a sculptor at work, a blacksmith’s fire, or a piece of wood turned into a bowl. Watch the printing process of t-shirts, see a potter throwing clay or a photographer’s cameras and techniques. You can go into a clothing designer’s studio or see how glass is fused into beautiful objects and watch an artist make magic happen with wax, pastels or paint on canvas, paper or fabric.

“I have toured many of the studios and am very impressed with the quality and diversity of the work. We are fortunate to have a strong arts community in Summerland and the South Okanagan” said Lisa Jaager, Manager of the Summerland Chamber and Visitor Centre. “We are pleased to support the local arts and specifically our studios, there are always maps and information at the Visitor Centre as well as examples of local artists work at the Made in Summerland shop attached to the Visitor Centre”.

So, jump in your car or on your bike and take the ART TRIP.  “If you can’t take the Art Trip on the May long weekend, there are plenty of opportunities to visit the studios throughout the summer.  May 19/20 is the opening of the season, and most of the studios will be welcoming visitors through until the fall.  Many are open every day.  Brochures and websites have all the information you’ll need to check days and times with the studios you want to visit. ”

Art on the Naramata Bench   www.naramataartstudios.com

Fourteen studios feature interesting artwork of many kinds, come and meet the artists who have chosen to live and work in the unique setting that is the Naramata Bench.

Summerland and Trout Creek    www.studiotour.wordpress.com

Not only is Summerland known for its rural beauty but who would have guessed you’d find more than 16 different artists studios. Come and explore the world of art in Summerland.

Lake to Lake   www.tinyurl.com/lakestudio

On the Lake-to-Lake tour you will visit 8 artists’ studios in Penticton and 4 studios located between Penticton and Vaseux Lake.  The self-guided route lies along the Corkscrew Drive on the east side of Skaha Lake, where big horn sheep are often seen. Enjoy the scenery, the wildlife, and expand your art collection through a personal connection with the artist.