Santa Barbara Studio Artists announces the 10th anniversary of their annual Open Studios Tour taking place through out Santa Barbara from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 27 and Sunday, August 28, 2011.

A month-long preview exhibition and two opening parties are also scheduled as part of the 10th Anniversary festivities.

A complete schedule of events follows below and more information is available at http://www.santabarbarastudioartists.com/tour.htm

Santa Barbara Studio Artists (SBSA) Open Studios Tour features a treasure trove of world-class original art and a view inside Santa Barbara’s leading artists’ private studios.

The two-day self-guided driving tour steers visitors to artists’ studios through the stunning back roads, charming neighborhoods and estates of one of the most beautiful coastal cities in the world.

Tour guests will discover an award-winning wonderland of landscape, contemporary, and figurative painting, as well as sculpture and assemblage.

In 2002 when Santa Barbara Studio Artists founding member Dorothy Churchill Johnson and others came up with the idea of artists banding together for an Open Studios Tour, it was rather novel.

Churchill Johnson says, “We sought to revive the tradition of patrons visiting artists in their studios and we wanted to promote Santa Barbara as an arts destination.”

Since that time, Santa Barbara Studio Artists Tour has doubled in size and Open Studio Tours have gained popularity across the country as a way for artists to showcase their work, for communities to attract visitors, and to give art collectors the opportunity to purchase directly from artists at studio prices.

One key factor that distinguishes Santa Barbara Studio Artists from other Open Studio Tours is that SBSA membership is juried and participating artists are top professionals in the visual arts.  Many of their works have been showcased on the walls of prestigious galleries, museums and private and corporate collections from New York and Los Angeles to Paris and elsewhere.

Today, regional, national and international collectors, interior designers and gallery owners plan trips to Santa Barbara during the Open Studios Tour weekend to view and purchase premier one of a kind art works.

Schedule of Events for the 10th Annual Santa Barbara Studio Artists Open Studios Tour:

THE MAIN EVENT: Santa Barbara Studio Artists’ Open Studios Tour Saturday, August 27 and Sunday, August 28 – 11:00 am to 5:00 pm – Both Days – Maps are provided for a self-guided driving tour through stunning back roads, neighborhoods and estates to visit artists’ private studios throughout Santa Barbara.

Month-long Preview Exhibition August 4 – 28

Santa Barbara Frame Shop and Gallery
1324 State Street, Arlington Plaza, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Gallery hours: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Mon-Sat, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Sun

The preview gives tour attendees extra time to plan which of the more than 40 studios they want to visit during the magnificent two-day tour.

Thursday, August 4, 5:00 – 8:00 pm – Preview Exhibition Opening – Viva la Fiesta!

At Santa Barbara Frame Shop and Gallery
Takes place in conjunction with the SB Downtown Organization’s ‘First Thursday’ celebration, and is also the 2nd day of Fiesta. One piece of each artist’s work will be on display. Collectors and tour participants are invited to come and meet the artists while they eat, drink, mingle and strategize which studios to visit.

Friday, August 26, 5:00 – 8:00 pm – Opening Artists’ Reception

At Santa Barbara Frame Shop and Gallery. The artists will be in attendance during this festive soiree, and one piece of each artist’s work will be on display. Collectors and tour participants are invited to come and meet the artists while they eat, drink, mingle and strategize which studios to visit.

Santa Barbara Studio Artists is a nonprofit, juried organization of professional fine artists dedicated to raising the profile of Santa Barbara as a destination for the arts. Tickets are $25. The ticket price includes both exhibition parties and the tour itself. For tickets, maps and more information call 805-280-9178. Or visit http://www.santabarbarastudioartists.com/tour.htm

My Encaustic Artwork

“Come see some of my newest encaustic work at Il Fustino, oil and vinegar club at 3401 State Street, Santa Barbara.  They are one of my local favorites!  Tell them that Holli Harmon sent you.

Old Wilma

Old Wilma And Friend

There are  three of us who are painting together and doing a series,  “Bones”.  There is Claudia Chapman, Pamela Larssen-Tosher (SBSA Member) and me.  These two paintings are mine and the first of four.  (so far).  The painting at the top, ” Old Wilma” is now in Texas and not for sale. The painting on below, ” Old Wilma and Friend” is for sale.  I am working on the third painting which has a pair of rooster skins in the background and three bird skeletons in the foreground. It has very intense colors of blue, browns, reds and copper. It is called, ” The Committee Meeting Lasted too Long! “  Each painting is about 24″x36″.  We are also working on a scene with three birds in a marsh.  We are expecting to have an art show after the series is done. Pam Tosher and I are also taking portrait classes in Los Angeles at the Kline School of Fine Arts .  I still have some wonderful paintings from my “Garden Series”.   If you are interested in any of these paintings and want to see my new oil paintings, look at my web site: www.jdlart.com You can contact me via the web site.

The computer has become a useful and necessary tool for Peter and
many artists.

On Thursday January 20, at 7:00 pm., Peter will be talking about how he
utilizes computers to improve his productivity and marketing
opportunities.

Sponsored by the Santa Barbara Macintosh Users Group, the presentation
will be at Farrend Hall, Santa Barbara Natural History Museum, and is
open to non-members, admission is free.

For more information , visit his website: http://www.PeterWorsley.com

http://www.santabarbarastudioartists.com/tour.htm