This weekend, artists in a variety of specialties in the Ames community are opening up their homes and personal studios for a unique behind-the-scenes look into their studio environments and creative processes for the 2019 Ames Artists’ Studio Tour.

The 14 participating local artists will be sharing their craft, demonstrating their techniques, discussing their inspirations and selling their artwork. Painting, woodworking, ceramics, jewelry making, furniture making, glass art and more will be featured among the artists’ lineup. This event is a self-guided tour that is free and open to the public. Guests can come and go as they please and choose to visit any number of the studios in any order.

“A lot of folks hear the words ‘fine arts’ and think, ‘That’s not for me, that’s not a world I know anything about,’” said art director Jennifer Brockpahler of the Ames Art Council. “We are trying to open the door and show people that this is a very accessible place where you can come in and talk to artists about making art and have a conversation.”  

The studio tour is an opportunity for everyone, not just artists or design students, to see art made by their fellow community members.

These talented individuals are eager to talk and share their work and practices, and the hope is that this experience encourages the public to dip their toes into the art world. The studio tour makes this easy by offering a space that allows for a more personal connection that is also casual, comfortable and eliminates any fears or anxieties that tend to float around traditional gallery or museum exhibition viewings.

“We’re hoping that you start with the studio tour and that you see an artist as a neighbor and a friend, somebody you can talk to, and think ‘Oh, they have an exhibit at this other venue and so now I’m going to go to a real art show and I’ve never done that before, but I’m comfortable because I know them now, I know they are an easy person to talk to,'” Brockpahler said. 

The Ames Artists’ Studio Tour will take place from 10 a.m. to 4.pm. Saturday and from noon to 4 p.m Sunday. This event is free and open to the public. Signs for the various studio locations will be posted around town, and an interactive map of specific artist’s studios can be found online at www.amesart.org.