Julian Open Studios Tour Set For Nov. 12 and 13

Don Weeke

By Bobbi Zane

Twelve emerging and established professional artists will open their studios to visitors during Julian’s annual Open Studios Tour set for Nov. 12 and 13. The self-guided driving tour will take visitors along some of the Julian area’s most lovely backloads to private workspaces of a clutch of highly regarded professional artists.

The Julian tour is unique in its diversity of media, artistic sophistication, and sources of inspiration. Julian’s beautiful forested and mountain countryside inspires the work of most of Julian’s artists.

Visitors to the studios will get insight into the creative processes used in glassmaking, painting, sculpture, fiber art, assemblage, stained glass, ironwork, digital collage, watercolors, and printmaking.  Participating artists include: Annie Dover and Stan Goudy; Rachel Pearsey; Charlotte Mitchell; Don Weeke; Leena Hannonen; Ann Reilly; Kaya Laudsen; John Heglin; Coco Leraas; Timothy Hinchcliff; and Dexter Mugford.

Charlotte Mitchell Photos by Bobbi Zane

This is a rare opportunity to see how accomplished artists employ tools and seemingly mundane materials to create objects and images that speak volumes. For example, you’ll be able to see how fiber artist Don Weeke fashions gourds into sculpture or how Charlotte Mitchell transforms pieces of stained glass into winged birds.

Each of the artists will have a selection of current work on display and for sale; each will be available to discuss upcoming projects.

Collectors wanting a preview of the Open Studios art are invited to the opening the annual show and artists reception at art@78 Gallery, 4478 Hwy. 78, Wynola on Oct. 15, from 4 to 8 p.m.   

Julian Open Studios began in 1999, when a trio of artists living along a country lane decided to showcase their work to locals and visitors on a Saturday afternoon. By 2002, Open Studios had expanded to two days and included works of 19 Julian artists; it drew art-loving visitors from Southern California and beyond.

Maps showing locations of all the studios, priced at $5 each, are available at the Julian Chamber of Commerce in Town Hall (760) 765-1857), at Art@78 Gallery (760) 765-9944) in Wynola at Wynola Pizza Express (760/765-1004). For additional information visit www.julianstudios.org.

Julian Open Studios Tour is a presentation of the Arts Team.