Continued from page 11 summer warmth and fun. It gives us access to other artists and our neighbors. We meet so many new people each year we’d never otherwise meet.” And, consistent with a welcoming and nurturing attitude, the South Coast Artists’ group offers members living outside of the immediate boundaries of the Tour Map an opportunity to participate. The Westport Rivers Winery and the Dartmouth Grange make space available during the Tour for temporary exhibitions.
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July 2010 / The South Coast Insider
Artist Peter Morse, who shows his work nationally and in Germany, Japan, and Australia, credits the tour for motivating him to create throughout the year. “I like getting a range of critiques from non-experts. It helps me think about my work in different ways. I enjoy meeting people who haven’t been exposed art very often. I had someone come in last year and say, ‘I never met a real artist before.’ People are intrigued seeing a working studio; some just come in and look at all my metalworking tools.” Morse credits attending an open studio tour for inspiring him to pursue a career in the arts. “At age 17, I visited some studios during a similar tour and I became interested in all the steps involved in becoming an artist. It made me realize that art really can be a full-time profession.” Fiber artist Ruth Bourns agrees. “I meet new artists and arts enthusiasts on the Tour every year from all over; Boston, Providence, New York, western Massachusetts and beyond.” Bourns creates a range of fiber art and crafts from quilts to handbags to silk brocade jewelry. The Open Studio Tour is the one collaborative show she does a year. “Lots of people stop by. It truly motivates me to keep working throughout the year. It helps me build my business. I sell work and get inspired to make more. I show at other galleries during the year, but
Kelly Milukas
Meet the artists
Artist Victoria McGeoch—metal sculpture—welding demonstration.
the Tour is different—a really exciting, energizing public event.” A new feature on the Tour this year is the free Interactive Family Guide, geared towards children between the ages of 4 and 12, an encouragement to look, discuss, question, and actively create while visiting open studios. Children look at works of art and react by drawing what is seen and experienced. Whether you are a repeat visitor or a new adventurer this summer, embrace the slogan and “Start Your Art Engines” to discover art and artists in the South Coast.
Resources South Coast Artists Open Studio Tours www.southcoastartists.org South Coast Artists Listing www.southcoastartists.org/artists.html Open Studio Tours Map www.southcoastartists.org/map.html Open Studio Tours Interactive Family Guide southcoastartists.org/community.html