The 33rd annual self-guided Ojai Studio Artists Tour – one of the exemplary art events in California – is set for Columbus Day weekend, October 8, 9 and 10. "We have over 50 studios on the tour this year," explains OSA Board President, Soni Wright. "It gives collectors an extra day to see all the wonderful artwork and make decisions what to buy.”

Artist studios throughout the breathtaking Ojai Valley will be open each day from 10am to 5pm. Artist demonstrations proved so popular last year, they’ll be expanded in 2016 with the Demonstration Schedule distributed in advance. Among the demonstrations are drawing with an Ipad, plein air and encaustic painting, pot throwing on the wheel, live portraiture in pastel and ink and a public painting project.

For those who would like to make art as well as see art, a brand new selection of specialized pre-Tour workshops will be offered on Friday, October 7th. They are Eco-Dying with Ojai Plants, taught by fiber artist Carol Shaw-Sutton, a class in 3D Printing, taught by sculptor Brian Berman and Silverpoint Drawing, taught by painter/printmakers, Linda Taylor and Katie Van Horne. Registration and fee details are online at ojaistudioartists.org. A free Tour ticket is included in the workshop registration for both the drawing and 3D printing classes. The eco-dying course includes three silk scarves and lunch at the artist's studio.

Another pre-Tour highlight is the free introduction to OSA artists offered at 7pm on Friday, October 7th at the Ojai Art Center. Ceramics/glass artist Richard Flores will introduce a new video he has produced featuring the Tour artists and their work. The video is designed to help people plan their personal Tour schedules and will be available to view throughout the Tour.

Tour-goers are all invited to join OSA Tour artists at Saturday’s "Pink Moment" Reception, open (free) to all ticket-holders. The event features a raffle of beautiful 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” of youth art scholarships and funding for community arts needs.

Tour tickets are $30 in advance and cover studio visits all three days and admission to Saturday’s Dessert Reception. Tickets and Tour brochures are available at ojaistudioartists.org, and on Tour days at the Art Center.

The Ojai Studio Artists Tour has a rich legacy, from its early days which included the celebrated Beatrice Wood, Horace Bristol and Otto and Vivica Heino, to today’s membership of distinguished, award-winning artists. Come see why leading critics and media describe the Ojai Studio Artists as “world-class,” and the Tour, “a rare experience” - while the growing influx of stylish shops and trendy restaurants only add to Ojai’s unique “destination appeal.”

TOUR FACTS:

October 7, Friday: Three daytime art-making Workshops with registration and fee details
at ojaistudioartists.org. Free Pre-Tour program for locals and early arrivals, 7pm Ojai
Center for the Arts, 113 S. Montgomery Avenue.
October 8, 9 & 10, Saturday, Sunday & Monday: OSA Studio Tour, over 50 artists, 10 am
to 5 pm
October 8, Saturday night: "Pink Moment" Reception, Live Music, Art Basket Raffle, 7 to 8:30
Advance Tickets: $30 adults, $15 for youth 16 and older; youth 15 and under free. $20/person for arranged groups of 10 or more.
Tickets available online at: ojaistudioartists.org
Tickets bought on Tour days are $35 adult
Ojai Studio Artists mission:. . . 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.