SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — This weekend will mark the third and final phase of the annual Open Studios Art Tour, a free self-guided tour of area art studios.
While the public was invited to view artists’ work in North Santa Cruz County Oct. 5 and 6, and then South County the following week, this weekend serves as the grand finale with an All County tour.
“I’ve been doing Open Studios for the past 19 years,” said Watsonville artist John “Mac” McWilliams, who will feature his art at his 116 Strawberry Road studio. “I like Open Studios because it has always been a good way to get my work out there. I usually sell some of my work and make connections with our community.”
McWilliams said he also shows his works in Carmel and other cities.
“Sales were a lot better before the recession,” McWilliams said. “But this year has been good; I had a lot of people in here last weekend and made some sales. Being a fine artist is a tough row to hoe.”
McWilliams said he took part in the recent Pajaro Valley Arts Plein Air exhibit, “Our Bounty.”
“That was one of the greatest things in years,” he said. “There was a strong showing of artists in that exhibit.”
Open Studios, in its 34th year, invites the public into more than 300 artist studios across Santa Cruz and into North Monterey County and is produced by the Arts Council Santa Cruz County.
Artist Ruth Carroll said she will also be in the All County tour, showing her art in her studio in the Lettunich Bldg., 406 Main St., Suite 406.
“In the 12 years I have participated in Open Studios, I have enjoyed sharing my art with the people of our community,” she said. “It has enriched my life as well as my patrons and visitors each year.”
For information, studio locations and a list of artists, visit santacruzopenstudios.com.
