by Mike McAllister

Erick Ochoa

On February 12 the public is invited to peek behind the scenes and see what goes on in over 20 local artists’ studios in the art destination town of Todos Santos. Several of the studios will be open to the public for the first time. Painters, potters, photographers, printmakers, glass workers and sculptors will be demonstrating their work and explaining it to their visitors from 10 am until 5 pm. A preview of the participating artists’ works will be on display in Visions Gallery at Cafélix beginning on February 9.

Emanuela Gardner

Tickets for the Open Studio Tour are on sale at Hotel Casa Tota, Hotel Guaycura and Cafélix. Tickets will be available the day of the event at Cafélix starting at 9 am. Tickets are 150 pesos and each visitor will receive a distinctive identifying wristband and a detailed map with information about each artist for an easy, self-guided tour. Children under 10, accompanied by an adult, are admitted free. No pets please. Visitors without proper identification will be required to purchase a ticket prior to entering any of the studios. All proceeds will benefit the art programs of the Palapa Society of Todos Santos A.C.

Chris Gafford

As in previous years, visitors will see studios of every description from simple outdoor spaces to dedicated studio buildings. Several artists will be showing work in more than a single medium and may show works created just for this tour. Works will be for sale, with some artists offering special prices on the tour day.

Todos Santos, one of Baja’s premiere art destinations for many years, is enjoying a lively revival of all of the arts and is home to an estimated 75 visual artists and fine art craftsmen. Studios which will be open include well-known artists Erick Ochoa, Diane Knight, Chris Gafford, Eric Durazo, Emanuela Gardner, Tori Sepulveda and Gloria Santoyo Ruenitz. Emerging artists Vincent Lamote, Steve Thurston and several others have also joined the list of open studios.

Eric Durazo

Proceeds from this event will be used to support and expand children’s art programs. Presently, over 30 children are enrolled in the Palapa Society’s weekday and Saturday art classes. Each of these classes is taught by a practicing professional artist who volunteer their time for this important aspect of childhood education. To learn more about the Palapa Society of Todos Santos A.C.  Artists’ Open Studio Tour click on www.artistsoftodossantos.com  or watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMAl-CX8wiM. For more information on the Palapa Society of Todos Santos A.C. and their programs visit: http://palapasociety.org/

The Palapa Society Artists’ Open Studio Tour is organized by ARTS, an informal group of volunteer artists and art lovers who offer their time and talents to help support a vibrant visual arts community and to inspire and grow visual arts talent in Todos Santos.

For more information contact Michael McAllister at heronsnestbaja@earthlink.net