Southern Arizona Artists will Open their Doors and Creative Work Spaces to Visitors

The Fall 2018 Open Studio Tours to feature record number of local artists

The 2018 Fall Open Studio Tours is almost here! The much anticipated, self-guided art studio tours will take place over two weekends in Southern Arizona. Weekend 1 will include all participants SOUTH of River Road -- the weekend of October 27 & 28th; and weekend 2 will include all participants NORTH of River Road -- November 3 & 4. The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance is partnering with the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona to make the Open Studio Tours possible.

The free, self-guided tours will draw thousands of visitors to explore the neighborhood studios, view the creative industries of the region, and in many cases, see live demonstrations and participate in artist meet and greets. Over 250 artists have registered to participate in the 2018 Tours.

The artists will open their homes and studios to welcome visitors to view a wide variety of artistic mediums created within. The multiple art forms include painting, sculpture, photography, pottery, silk dyes, textiles, wood-carving, metal work, jewelry, ceramics, glass-blowing and so much more!
 
The Fall Open Studio Tours in Southern Arizona is one of the largest self-guided tours of artist studios and creative work spaces in the region, featuring two weekends showcasing artists and local creative businesses from across Southern Arizona.  Everyone from the local community is invited to participate and support the talented, unique artists that include our friends and neighbors.

The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance has a website customized just for these two weekends, making it easier than ever to locate these artist spaces. The website features a map with the locations of all participants and profiles of the participating artists. Detailed information such as artist mediums, sample work, location information and studio activities can be found at www.OpenStudioTours.com.

The mission of Open Studio Tours is to support and promote local artists who work and exhibit in Southern Arizona and is a cooperative effort between the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona.

 "In exhibitions we see an artist's final piece. Open Studio Tours offers us all a rare opportunity to see the place where work is made, and to ask artists questions, in person, about their work and their process," said Carol Varney, Executive Director of the Arts Foundation. "These artists give voice to Tucson, Pima County, and Southern Arizona, and we extend our thanks to the City of Tucson and Pima County, without whose funding this kind of experience would not be possible. The tour shows us, in a tangible way, that artists are working in every corner of our community, and are at the forefront of community creation, critical thinking and cultural development, enhancing our lives in Southern Arizona."

Kate Marquez, SAACA's Executive Director, looks forward to the partnership. "The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance is proud to collaborate with the Arts Foundation and local artists for Tucson and Southern Arizona, to support, and advance the Open Studio Tours throughout our region, and provide resources for hundreds of local artists to showcase, develop and promote their original artwork in the community," said Marquez. "SAACA truly believes that our collective impact will only continue to grow when our creative community comes together to collaborate on these types of projects."

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to participate in the incredible creativity the Southern Arizona region has to offer. Support your local artists and get inspired.
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About Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance
The Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to ensure that, through engagement in arts and culture, our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages.