Understanding fine art can be challenging, even to those well-schooled in its many mediums and styles.
But a behind-the-scenes look at the work of individual artists can illuminate the creative process.
Art aficionados can take such a look today as 127 Boulder-area artists let the public have a peek in the 2010 Open Studios Fall Artists Tour.
Unlike traditional gallery shows, this tour leads visitors directly to the source — the artists and their physical workspaces.
“People are oftentimes intimidated (by) galleries,” says Gary Zeff, who founded Open Studios in 1995. “But they may feel more comfortable going into artists’ studios to learn about how the different forms are made, and they’ll gain a deeper understanding of art in general.”
Part of the tour’s appeal is the chance for art lovers to compare the differences between a jewelry studio and a woodworking studio, or a painter’s studio versus a ceramicist’s workshop.
“A lot of these artists are opening up their homes,” Zeff says. “So not only do you get to see how they create their work, but you get to see how they live, how they decorate their homes, and how they support their art.”
He stepped down from the organizational aspects of the tour two years ago, and now participates purely as an artist. A woodturner for over 27 years, Zeff enjoys sharing his art form with the public. He invites people into his home studio to learn about the woodturning process, from harvesting to finishing a piece, and even offers visitors a chance to turn wood pieces on a lathe and try carving firsthand. “Most artists know that first you have to understand art to appreciate art,” Zeff says.
The self-guided tours are today and Sunday between noon and 6 p.m., continuing next weekend, Oct. 9 and 10, at the same times. A tour map is available at the Boulder Public Library, as well as Boulder and Denver-area Whole Foods and Meininger Art Supply stores.
The Canyon Gallery at the Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe St., offers a good starting point for newcomers, with a single example of each artist’s work on display. Viewers typically visit the artists whose work they like best, but often stop off at other studios nearby or along their planned route.
“They expect to stay (at each studio) for 15 minutes, but get so enthralled that they’ll spend an hour instead,” says Zeff.
The tour benefits the individual artists as a great marketing tool, but the annual event has other side benefits as well.
“Artists tend to work alone,” says Zeff. “So this is an opportunity to receive direct feedback from the public about their art. It also offers a chance for artists to share ideas and feel like they are a part of a supportive community.”
Open Studios Fall Artist Tour runs this weekend and Oct. 9-10 from noon to 6 p.m. For more information, including artist bios and sample works, visit or call 303-444-1862.
