Open Studio Tours

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The Artful Traveler talks with Chatham County artists
about their open studio tour, and how it benefits
them, the public and the community.

Open studio tours, held across our state, are a unique opportunity to meet North Carolina artists where they work and provide a less formal, more intimate way to view artwork.

You can have one-on-one conversations, experience the many factors that go into being a working artist, and even purchase one of their works for yourself or as a gift. The tours are held on a yearly or twice-yearly basis, allowing you to develop relationships with the artists and grow in your understanding and appreciation of their work.

When you participate in open studio tours you contribute to the artistic and economic vitality of your community. Whether you go alone, with your family, or with out-of-town guests be sure to include a visit to the local establishments for meals or shopping where you might spot an artist.

Studio Tours in 2009

Open studio tours take place across North Carolina throughout the year. Some of the more established tours are described below. Visit your local arts council Web site to explore Friday "gallery crawls," walking tours and other opportunities to visit artist studios in your area. And be sure to check out the North Carolina Arts Council's event calendar.

  • The fourth Annual Haywood Open Studios Tour will occur in early October 2009. It is organized into three Loop Tours: the Eastern Loop includes Clyde, Canton and Cruso; the Downtown and Western Loop runs from Downtown Waynesville out to the Balsam area; and the Northern Loop encompasses Maggie Valley, Jonathan Valley, Iron Duff and Lake Junaluska. Visit the Haywood Arts Council Web site for more information.
  • Entering its 15th year in 2009, the Orange County Artists Guild Open Studio Tour takes place over two weekends in November. For more information and artist profiles, visit their Web site or watch this Artful Traveler video from the 2008 tour.
  • Presented and produced by the Durham Arts Council, the Durham Art Walk is not only a self-guided tour of local artist studios and galleries but also a showcase for visual and performing artists in "traditional and unexpected sites" throughout downtown Durham. More than 200 artists will participate Nov. 21-22, 2009. For more information, visit their Web site.
  • More than 100 working artists have set up shop in the old factories and warehouses of Asheville's historic River Arts District along the French Broad River. Now in its 15th year, the River District Artists Studio Stroll invites you into their studios for conversations, demonstrations and sales. The studios cover only a few blocks, making it easy to park and walk. The Studio Stroll takes place Nov. 14-15, 2009. For a map and more information, visit their Web site.

    • Craft in North Carolina

    Whatever the object, and whoever the maker, craft is always a form of creative expression. That expression might take the shape of a useful item like a bowl, a candlestick or a quilt. It might be something beautiful to look at, like a basket or a tapestry. It might be an item requiring special tools and expertise—like blown glass or forged iron. Whatever form it takes, craft requires an idea, an interesting material to work with, and a skill for bringing it to life in a unique way.

    Today, craft is more than a $550 million creative industry in North Carolina, practiced by more than 6,000 craft artisans working in clay, glass, metals, fibers, wood and other disciplines. It is a living tradition, constantly reinventing itself, and constantly inviting you to participate through visiting, viewing or even making crafts of your own. Whether you participate in an open studio tour, visit to a museum or a gallery, or stroll a local arts festival, you will discover something to love when you explore North Carolina craft.

    Visit the Celebrate North Carolina Craft Web site to learn about our state's finest craft artisans and how to experience their work. For a list of nonprofit craft centers where you can purchase authentic North Carolina craft, click here. Explore some of the North Carolina craft schools offering weekend and week long classes here.