PlacerARTS Studios Tour is Nov. 10-12

LOCAL ARTIST HELEN PHILLIPS founded the PlacerARTS Studios Tour in 1994, because she felt artists in the area didn’t know each other well enough. “Since then, I’ve seen an incredible infusion of artists come together to present their work,” says Janet Nicholson of Nicholson Blown Glass, who has participated for all 24 years. “Each studio tells a personal story.”

This year’s tour is November 10-12, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and is the biggest in 24 years. The three-day, self-guided driving tour showcases the work of 100 artists in their studios at 43 locations including Roseville, Granite Bay, Rocklin, Lincoln, Loomis, Penryn, Newcastle, Auburn, Meadow Vista and Colfax. The tour also includes free preview events.

The studios tour—one of the biggest and longest running art shows in the region—has been re-energized under the talent and passion of Gia McNutt, the studios tour coordinator, and other volunteers, as well as the PlacerARTS staff and board. This year the tour includes three new features:

TOUR BUS
On Saturday, November 11, a tour bus will drive attendees from studio to studio — a first for the event. For $25, participants can sit back, relax and be chauffeured to 10 locations, featuring 48 artists. A box lunch is included. PlacerARTS board member John Marin is the tour guide.

”NEXT GEN” ARTISTS
This year, about a dozen “next generation” artists including ones from Sierra College and area high schools will join established tour artists. They were juried or recommended by professional artists or art instructors.

PLACERARTS PASSPORT APP
PAPA, the mobile phone app, will help art enthusiasts enjoy the tour even more. It includes artist information, location maps, mapping/GPS capabilities, mobile coupons for discounts. Our magazine’s custom mobile website (m.SierraCulture.com) will link to the app.

For Studios Tour tickets or more information, visit PlacerArts.org/PAST2017.

Refreshing PlacerArts

Jim Crosthwaite is the executive director of the Arts Council of Placer County. He is re-energizing the group with new programs and expanding the board. Past members have included Keith Vogt, also president of the Tahoe Regional Arts Foundation and leading in the design of the “The Stages at Northstar” regional arts center.