South Valley Art Tour

Words by Lifestyle Staff | Photos provided by Arts Consortium

IN THE SAME WAY THAT PUBLIC ART BRINGS BEAUTY TO BIG SPACES, STUDIO TOURS OFFER A GLIMPSE OF CREATIVITY UP CLOSE.

Eachyear, the Arts Consortium organizes a self-guided tour through artists’ studios located south of Highway 198. During the tour, participants are introduced to the art spaces of both nationally recognized and emerging Valley artists. The tour provides an opportunity for the public to learn more about the talented art professionals working behind the scenes in our area. The artists produce a broad range of artwork, from paintings and woodwork to resin casters and jewelry. One may even find the perfect piece of art to take home!

The South Valley Art Tour (formerly The South Valley Artist’s Studio Tour) was previously a full-county biennial event. It has always operated as a self-guided tour (with the use of a “Passport” map-book), but was originally only for artist studios. It is currently still a 2-day self-guided tour, but is now divided in two parts, alternating between the North and South ends of the county each year. Artists are still encouraged to group together and share space to allow an

artist or arts organization to participate in every year’s tour, if they so choose. The event has developed with little to no financial support and, in the past, required participants to purchase a ticket to join the tour. This year, due to the aid of Covid recovery funds, the Arts Consortium is excited to announce the event is free of charge for the community. However, only 500 tickets are available for reservation.

The Arts Consortium was founded in 1996 and became a non-profit arts council for Tulare County in 2009. They are one of the State-Local Partners of the California Arts Council. The organization also works closely with other nonprofits, local governments, and businesses to provide opportunities to create and celebrate the arts for all residents and visitors.

They have partnerships with the City of Visalia, CASA of Tulare County, and the Mental Health Branch of Tulare County’s Health and Human Services to operate and develop regular programming.

The Arts Consortium brings together artists, organizations and art enthusiasts to advocate, promote and provide opportunities to create and celebrate the arts for all Tulare County residents and visitors. Through leadership and innovation, we are committed to preserving our cultural and creative diversity by building community where the arts are a vital part of everyday life.

South Valley Art Tour, Taste the Arts Festival, First Friday Art Hop with Arts Visalia, Farmer's Market Live Arts, and more!

March 25-26, 2023 from 10am-5pm

16 artists, 5 cities, 12 stops

For more information, please contact Ampelio Mejia Perez at 559-772-0001.