The Edmonds Art Studio Tour effectively breaks down the fourth wall, directly connecting artists to the outside world through their heart-healing, soul-restorative works of art — expressed in various media and myriad, deeply personal narratives.
A majestic crow in quiet contemplation, made whole through splashes of spring’s pastel colors. A pair of nestling zebras capturing love amidst fear, as if etched in prehistoric Tunisian caves. Your grandparents’ vintage stereo shimmering into existence in the textured, runaway display of art and science, and a bit of time travel.
The free, self-guided art studio tour you know and love is back, with safe, in-person viewing Sept. 18-19. This year, 35 participating artists will open up their private studios to the public to show and tell — and you’re all invited.
You’ve probably already seen their paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and encaustic masterpieces at your favorite Edmonds galleries, restaurants, and shops, and regular events like Art Walk Edmonds.
The artists all enjoy a special connection to this seaside town, showing often, as well as serving as instructors from time to time. They include Kim Parsley, Andy Eccleshall, Molly Winton, Sue Robertson, Lynn McManus, Cheryl Waale, Chris Minor, and Maëry Lanahan. Many of the participating artists help organize this popular tour, year after year.
Originally from the Midwest, Shoreline, WA-based, oil-on-canvas artist Lanahan strives to find “life beyond the surface…on a cellular level,” picking up on things unsaid, where gravity floats in mesmerizing, harmonic waves of fleshy, asymmetrical color.
“We are living in an unprecedented time of isolation, so it means so much that we, as artists, can connect with people this year with an in-person studio tour,” Lanahan explains. “It is a rare chance to not only see where artists live and work, but to connect to us by speaking about something as meaningful as creativity. I could not be more excited to be a part of it.”
An intuitive, joyful painter who goes wherever the muse moves her, Robertson’s totem figures stand as evocative talisman in the vast unknown, swirling with promise.
She’s been involved in the Edmonds Art Studio Tour since 2006, when it first began, and is a firm believer in the benefits of this interactive event. “Participating in the studio tour is a way to show and sell my art and talk with others who are interested in art,” Robertson enthuses.
“I have seen the tour grow to the point where we had 400 visitors over the weekend in 2019, and I believe the event has become a favorite of many people in the area. There are an astonishing number of artists in the Edmonds area, and the tour is an ideal way to get to know them and their work. I am delighted that, after being unable to hold the tour in 2020 due to Covid, we are on track to hold it for 2021.”
Get an early start at “Studio Tour Artists in Action on the Plaza” (650 Main St., above Edmonds Library). Meet many of the artists, with the return of the Edmonds Arts Festival, Aug. 27-29. They’ll be on hand for two-hour blocks — 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri.-Sat., and till 5 p.m. Sun. — for live demos of their techniques, to answer questions, and handle art sales. Proceeds benefit the festival and the artists.
The popular Art Studio Tour is made possible by volunteer artists, sponsors, and funding from the Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation and the Edmonds Arts Commission Tourism Promotion Fund through the City of Edmonds Lodging Tax fund.
The downloadable map for the self-guided Sept. Art Studio Tour is available at the website.
Featured image: Mural artist Andy Eccleshall (photo credit Matt Hulbert)
Other images c/o Edmonds Art Studio Tour: Maëry Lanahan’s “The Source of My Intent,” Darlene Lucas’ “Failing Photons,” Martha Hurst’s dapper hound, Mona T. Smiley-Fairbanks’ “Drumlin,” Jennie de Mello e Souza’s floral and bust, Gayle DeBolt-Richins’ “Floral Sling Pack,” Julie Perrine’s “Flower Platter," and Kim Parsley’s “Washed Up."
