The Ojai Studio Artists Tour has a rich legacy, from early days that included the celebrated Beatrice Wood, Horace Bristol and Otto and Vivica Heino, to today’s membership of distinguished, award winning artists, each juried in by their peers.

Ojai, California - The 31st annual self-guided Ojai Studio Artists Tour – one of the premier art events in California – is set for Columbus Day weekend, October 11-13. This is the first three-day event in the Tour’s history. Fifty artist studios throughout the breathtaking Ojai Valley will be open each day from 10am to 5pm. The event takes place at the Ojai Center for the Arts, 113 S. Montgomery, Ojai, CA.

The 2014 Tour features the work of six new OSA artists. This year, artist demonstrations will also be a feature at several studios, with the Demonstration Schedule posted in advance on the OSA website and distributed to participants on Tour days.

For locals and early arrivals, there’s a special Pre-Tour program at 7pm on Friday, October 10th. Led by OSA artist Karen Lewis and designed to help people plan their personal Tour schedules, the program provides an introduction to the lives and work of each of the fifty participating Tour artists.

Another popular Tour highlight is Saturday’s Dessert Reception and live music event, open (free) to all Tour artists and ticket-holders. The event also features a raffle of beautiful artist-made “Art Baskets” filled with original art and fine local products, such as Ojai honey, olive oil and lavender.

Proceeds from the Tour and Art Basket raffle fund OSA’s “Artreach Program:” principally the youth art scholarships OSA awards each Spring; also, funding for community needs such as art books for the Library and capital improvements for the Ojai Center for the Arts. To date, OSA Artreach funding totals almost $150,000, making the OSA Tour “the tour with a higher purpose.”

Advanced Tour tickets are $25 adults, $15 for youth 16 and older; youth 15 and under free. Tickets bought on Tour days are $30 adult, $15 youth. A single Tour ticket covers studio visits all three days and admission to Saturday’s Dessert Reception. Tickets and Tour brochures are available at www.ojaistudioartists.org. When a ticket is bought online, purchaser receives a link to the detailed map of studio locations and addresses.

The Ojai Studio Artists Tour has a rich legacy, from early days that included the celebrated Beatrice Wood, Horace Bristol and Otto and Vivica Heino, to today’s membership of distinguished, award winning artists, each juried in by their peers. Leading critics and media describe the Ojai Studio Artists as “world-class,” and the Tour, “a rare experience.” Ojai Studio Artists mission is to create an environment where artists thrive ― professional and student alike — and fulfill the potential of the arts to enrich lives and build community. The Ojai Studio Artists (OSA) are an approved 501 (c) 3 nonprofit.

TOUR DATES:
October 10, Friday: free Pre-Tour program for locals and early arrivals, 7pm Ojai Center for the Arts, 113 S. Montgomery
October 11-13, Saturday-Monday: OSA Studio Tour, 50 artists, 10 am to 5 pm
October 11, Saturday night: Dessert Reception, Live Music, Art Basket Raffle 7 to 8:30

Web: www.ojaistudioartists.org, Phone: 805-646-9892

About Ojai Studio Artists:
Twenty-nine years ago, three nationally recognized Ojai artists, Bert Collins, Marta Nelson, and Gayel Childress, were inspired to invite art lovers and collectors into the studios of Ojai's many fine artists, sharing a weekend in celebration of art and creativity. The first year, 24 artists opened their studios and 20 more held a joint exhibition at the Ojai Art Center. From this core group, the Ojai Studio Artists group formed. OSA today has doubled in size from its beginnings – each new member juried in only after demonstrating the highest standards of professional excellence and achievement. Since then, the prestige of OSA's annual tour has grown. The second weekend in October has become a premier art experience as thousands tour the studios of the renowned Ojai Studio Artists, traveling at their own pace and visiting with Ojai's finest artists. For visitors, it's a unique opportunity to meet artists, develop relationships and expand collections.