Unique artist tour offered

The Arts Consortium is offering an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the world of local artists with its first biennial South Valley Artists’ Studio Tour: Opening Doors, Opening Minds.

The tour is set to take place March 22 to 24 throughout Tulare County.

Over the course of three days, more than 30 Tulare County artists will open their personal studio doors to the public, demonstrating their individual creative processes and sharing different phases and facets of their work. Ticket holders can ask them questions, watch them in action and potentially build a more personalized relationship with artists in the community.  
“There will be something for everyone. Each artist offers something different, [including] watercolorists, like this year’s featured artist Steven L. Ball of Springville, aerosol artists, wood carvers, weavers, ceramicists, printmakers and photographers are only some of those represented,” said McKenna Friend, program coordinator for the Arts Consortium. “This rare opportunity only comes every two years and space is limited, so purchase your $15 reservation tickets today.”

The ticket price amounts to an approximate $5 a day or less than 50 cents per studio, she said, with ticket holders experiencing a self-guided tour that can start a new family tradition or impress a new Valentine.

The Arts Consortium, the active, nonprofit arts council for all of Tulare County, is one of the state local partners of the California Arts Council. The organization also works closely with other nonprofit organizations, local governments, businesses and individuals to provide opportunities to create and celebrate the arts for all residents and visitors.

Tickets are on sale at Arts Visalia, the Tulare Historical Museum, the Lindsay Art Gallery and at www.artsconsortium.org.

In addition, the planning committee continues to seek backing from local businesses and organizations, with limited and exclusive sponsorships still available to aid in the production of the interactive tour manual required for each ticket holder.

“This stunning souvenir passport features artist biographies, images, location information and pages dedicated to businesses supporting this event,” Friend said. “Help support our community’s continuous efforts to make our region a coveted tourist destination.”

For more information or a full sponsorship packet, contact the Arts Consortium at 713-4324 or email the author at mckenna.friend@gmail.com.