I remember the first time I went on the ARTour Open Studio Tour. It was about five years ago. I was new to the area and as an artist, I wanted to learn more about the art scene in Truckee and North Tahoe. A friend of mine picked me up on the final day of the tour with just enough time to see a handful of artists. When we arrived at the first house, I was a little unsure. Here I am, a stranger, coming into someone’s home and studio to view something so personal as art. But I entered the house of long-time ARTour artist, Carole Sesko, and was immediately drawn in by the colors, the creativity and warmth. As we left, I think my friend said it best when she said, ‘ ARTour makes me feel alive.’ Next year was my first year as an ARTour artist.
Art is a personal journey, a reflection and recording of what is happening around us. It is an interpretation of the artist’s internal and external environment. This is why open studios are so wonderful: they allow artists to share completed works and their creative working space, giving viewers a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse. Because of this special addition to the open studio experience, creating the finished pieces is only half of the artists’ job.
Prepping for ARTour is the other half – it is always a roller coaster ride of events and emotions. This year represents the 14th annual ARTour held July 13 through 15 in the North Tahoe and Truckee area. Yet for the artists, ARTour starts 6 months prior, in January.
It starts with the application process when artists are scrambling to meet the January application deadline. When chosen, the artists of North Tahoe Arts’ ARTour sign up for six mandatory volunteer hours to help run the show, whether it be publicity, poster distribution, exhibit installation… you name it. The artists’ entry fee and the volunteer hours keep costs low so the art-tourists do not have to pay an admission fee to ARTour, unlike other open studio events. ARTour itself is an event of North Tahoe Arts and partially funded through grants. A portion of the monies goes to North Tahoe Arts administrative and associative costs of hosting the event, such as map printing and design, banners, postcards, etc. The volunteer duties are shared by the artists and generous volunteers in the months prior to the event. But these duties are not the only things artists are busy doing.
During ARTour, artists open up their studios to the public. Some artists have full-time studios with an attached gallery space whereas other artists work out of their home. Yet for all, the next task is creating a body of artwork to show during this event. For artists who have other shows happening, this means juggling existing works from other show schedules and creating new pieces to fill in the gaps. New work creation involves strict time management (how to finish ‘ x’ amount of pieces prior to July 12). This involves several trips to the art store and large chunks of time blocked out to create ARTour masterpieces.
Some artists then think about varied prices. Art-tourists love art, but not all can afford large originals. That causes some artists to think about smaller reproductions of their works at inexpensive prices. For a sculptor, that means taking the piece to a foundry and spending weeks working with them, and for a painter, that means working with a photographer and printer. And then there are others who cannot reproduce their work or choose only to have original works. These artists often offer a variety of sized works ranging from tens of dollars to hundreds or thousands.
Yet for visual artists, an art show or tour is not only about the pieces, but also about the presentation. We have to think about framing (and work with a framing gallery), hanging, which pieces belong grouped together, which part of the studio or home does this piece look the best in, price tags, lighting…. Some of us turn the house upside down, creating pristine art spaces for show. And with a couple of trips to the store and a few final sweeps of the broom, things are put into place, ready for three days of meeting and greeting the curious art-tourists.
Open studio events are quite popular. You can find them in almost any large city or region. And for the artists, these events can be the largest money-making days of the year. Open studios gives artists a chance to meet with collectors face to face and fortify relationships, versus through a gallery. And for the art-tourist, it provides insight to the artist’s complete world and a deeper connection to the artists – a place where works-in-progress and supplies are shown and a window into the artist’s environment and how it shapes their work.
In previous years, ARTour had an admission fee. Since the artists absorbed the fee themselves, attendance has increased. The publicity of ARTour has grown, attracting locals and far-off vacationers alike. There are many repeat art-tourists who visit their favorite artists each year, usually bringing friends, family, and those new to the experience. And there are first-time artists who attract their own crowds. Often, during the three days, studios in high-foot traffic area may see around 100 people a day, whereas studios off the beaten path may see 20 to 30. Art-tourists find each studio by picking up a free map at North Tahoe Arts, local Chambers of Commerce and galleries, or online at northtahoearts.org. And some people simply drive around in this self-guided tour until they see little gold signs dotting the streets pointing them to the next house.
There are many highlights of ARTour. If this is your first year or if you are a veteran art-tourist, be sure not to miss this once-a-year event and your chance to celebrate the visual arts in North Tahoe and Truckee.
An opening reception with art, food, and live music is Thursday, July 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. at North Tahoe Arts center, 380 North Lake Boulevard in Tahoe City, CA, just past the Tahoe City ‘ Y.’ Works from each artist will also be displayed at the center throughout the month of July. Free parking is available behind the fire station at Commons Beach. Free maps to the artists’ studios are available at many sites throughout the area, including the Incline Village Visitors Center, North Tahoe Arts, the Truckee Visitors (located in the train station building), and most art galleries within the region. Admission is free. Studios will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through the event. For information, contact North Tahoe Arts at 530-581-2787 or visit northtahoearts.com.
Reasons to Go
14th annual ARTour Open Studio Tour, July 13 to 15
• 40 artists, ranging from many different mediums and styles
• Free admission; open to public
• Here in Lake Tahoe and Truckee – no need to travel far for a bit of culture
• Chance to meet local artists in their creative working space
Keep these things in mind when viewing art
• Don’t limit yourself to ‘I like it’ or ‘Will it match my couch?’ Ask yourself why you like it? Does it invoke a feeling or a sense of place that is nostalgic? Do you like the composition or artistic structure of the piece, versus simply subject matter? If you don’t like it, why not?
• Examine the artworks. What went into making each piece? Are there layers? If so, what are those layers made of? Is it made by hand or tool? How can you tell? What went into the final stages? Can you envision the artist working on it?
• Ask yourself if the artworks reflect personal expression, display mastery of technique, or are they about defining ‘what is art.’ How does this affect your acceptance of this artwork?
~ Sara Zimmerman is a contemporary artist and former board member of North Tahoe Arts. Sara’s work can be seen in local and Bay area galleries and at her studio space during her 3rd year on ARTour at 16114 Canterbury Lane in Truckee. 530-550-7253, sarazimmerman.net
