Celebrating the 32nd Anniversary of the Chatham Studio Tour
Ever been interested in seeing artists in their natural habitats? Ever wonder what those red triangle signs mean that pop up around the county? This year marks the 32nd anniversary of the Chatham Studio Tour, a beloved holiday tradition in Chatham County and the signature event of the Chatham Artists Guild. This annual event takes place during the first two full weekends in December, with this year’s dates being December 7–8 and December 14–15. The studios will be open from 10 AM – 5 PM on Saturdays and from 12 PM – 5 PM on Sundays.
The Chatham Artists Guild, an independent, member-led nonprofit organization, is the third oldest art guild in North Carolina and serves as a model for many others. It is sponsored by the NC Arts Council, the Chatham Arts Council, and many local sponsors.
With 54 artists showcasing their work in 39 studios, visitors will encounter a wide range of art media. The self-guided tour offers a unique opportunity for visitors of all ages to learn about artistic processes, watch demonstrations, and purchase artworks at reasonable prices directly from the creators. Art media includes paintings, sculptures, prints, ceramics, photographs, woodworking, basketry, jewelry, weavings, sewing, metal working, fiber, mixed media, glass sculpting and more. Get a sneak peek of all participating artists’ works at the preview show from October 30 to November 2 at the
Carrboro ArtsCenter.
This year there are five new artists on the tour: Barbara Hunter (painting), Bobby Izquierdo (photographer), Randi Markowitz (painting), Jody Nash (painting and basket weaving), and Sally Pilcher (ceramics).
Every year the tour brings upwards of 2,500 art lovers from across the state to Chatham County, making it an important economic development asset. The tour offers a chance to explore Chatham County’s picturesque roads, towns, and countryside, making the journey as enjoyable as the destinations.
The Guild has developed successful educational outreach programs for Chatham County residents. These include sponsoring the Annual Student Art Show, mentoring local high school juniors and seniors through the Emerging Artists Program, and providing art activity tents. Students get practical experience in creating, marketing, displaying, and selling their artworks. They also volunteer at Guild events, gaining valuable insights into the art community. The annual student art show will be held December 9–20th at the Historic Chatham Mill in Pittsboro.
To learn more about the tour and access the interactive brochure and map, visit ChathamStudioTour.org. Brochures are also available at local businesses, the Chatham Library, and as an insert in the Winter Edition of Chatham Magazine.
On Sunday, December 1, Stevie Parks and Janet Place (above l to r), current co-chairs of the Chatham Artists Guild, will be guests of Randy Voller’s when they visit him “On The Porch”. The weekly radio show airs on WCHL/ChapelBoro.com 97.9 at 11:06 AM, then repeats at 4:06PM, and 7:06 PM. Listeners can count on hearing interesting people from the worlds of art, academia, business, and politics.
