Two New Artists Join Open Studios Tour

John Heglin makes masks that capture individual’s character from life castings. Photo by Bobbi Zane

By Bobbi Zane

Two Julian artists whose unusual work has not been seen previously on the Open Studios tour will invite visitors into their workspaces during this year’s event, set for Nov. 12 and 13 along the back roads surrounding Julian.

John Heglin, a former dancer and choreographer, creates a unique form of ceramic masks, Life Castings. Heglin, who joined the Julian arts community four years ago when he moved into the historic town, began making the castings in 1974. Originally conceived as therapeutic devices for women undergoing disfiguring surgery, the form evolved into masks cast from life that capture each individual’s strength and wisdom.

A native of the Taos, NM arts community, Coco Leraas creates large mosaics for stairways and walls using stained glass and other natural materials such as geodes and feathers. Mosaics crafted for her residence will be on display during the tour.

The self-guided driving tour of 12 artists studios will take visitors along some of the Julian area’s most lovely back roads to private workspaces of a clutch of highly regarded professional artists.

Coco Leraas creates large mosaics for stairways and walls.

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; Kaja Laustsen; John Heglin; Coco Leraas; Timothy Hinchcliff; and Dexter Mugford.

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 John Heglin bulds is Life Castings from clay, methods fiber artist Don Weeke uses to fashion gourds into sculpture or how Charlotte Mitchell transforms pieces of stained glass into birds on the wing.

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

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.

Julian Open Studios Tour is a presentation of the Arts Team. at Wynola Pizza Express (760) 765-1004. For additional information visit www.julianstudios.org.

Photo by Bobbi Zane