November 10, 2002-- As we drove around the highways, byways, towns, and back roads of Orange County the last 2 weekends, we were amazed by the amount of talent we saw in studio after studio on the Orange County Open Studio Tour. In its 8th year, featuring a remarkable array of work, the Tour just keeps getting better and better. Perfect weather made the Tour an even more pleasant experience, with turning leaves providing a beautiful backdrop down the winding roads of Orange County. Undaunted by a brief shower the last day of the Tour, soon the sun was back out, accompanying us on our travels in search of great art, which we found plenty of. Most artists confessed that a good deal of cleaning, or at the very least tidying up, was required before they felt comfortable opening up their studios to the public at large. By Tour time they were ready for the throngs of people who turned out for the Tour this year, and soon their stocked shelves and walls were emptied of work by art lovers in search of the perfect piece. It was back to work for many of them, in an attempt to replenish their stock in time for weekend two of the tour. This year the number of participants rose to 65, with artists in a wide variety of mediums including painting, welding, ceramic art, childrens' books writing and illustrating, jewelry, papier mâché, and much more, displaying their wares in their studio setting, allowing us a glimpse of where they create their masterpieces. It's really hard to believe that so many creative folks live in such a small area and produce such high quality work. Some live and work in idyllic settings, but there are also those who create in sparse surroundings that lend an air to the struggling artist mystique. This year the Orange County Artists Guild, which sponsors the event, also have 2003 calendars available, featuring the art of artists participating on the Tour. If you never gone on the Tour, you should make plans to go next year. It provides the perfect opportunity to see a great sampling of work by local talent. The ArtsCenter in Carrboro, Orange County Library in Hillsborough, and all studios have brochures with maps. There is also a map on the web at www.openstudiotour.com. Call 919-942-4851 for more more information about the Tour or 919-967-9513 (e-mail mhkruter@bellsouth.net) to purchase one of the art-filled calendars designed around the Tour. If you are an art lover, this is an event you should be sure not to miss, as it continues to grow and evolve into a wonderful event showcasing the immense amount of local talent here in Orange County. The public is welcome. Tour and exhibitions are free. All artwork is for sale. SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS! BEAUTIFY YOUR HOME AND YOURSELF! BUY ART!! 2005 · 2004 · 2003 · 2002 · 2001 · 2000 Home | Overview | About Us | Ads | Art | Businesses | Carrboro and Area Stuff | Carrboro Map | Computer Stuff | Downtown Carrboro Map | Events | Prices | Restaurants | UniqueOrn Enterprises