Harford Artists’ Association Studio Tour
Art is blooming all over Harford County! This spring, the Harford Artists’ Association will offer the opportunity for residents to take a sneak peek into the lives of local artists through their Artists’ Studio Tour.
Coordinator and artist Ellie Tryon shared that when she moved to Harford County about 8 years ago, she created her own studio and made a promise to herself to learn more about how to market her artwork. She joined Harford Artists and realized that there were a lot of artists living and creating their work in Harford County but there were only several co-op galleries in which to showcase their work. Artists have had to be resourceful in coming up with ways to get their work to the public.
As a result, Harford Artists Association created the Artists’ Studio Tour to showcase fourteen studios across Harford County which will be open to the public for tours the weekend of May 2nd and 3rd. A reception with light refreshments will be held at the Harford Artists’ Gallery on May 1st from 6-8pm to kick off the event. In addition to being able to view the gallery’s exhibit, Rural to Urban, which opens on May 1st, you will be able to pick up your Studio Tour map and list of participating artists so that you can hit the ground running on Saturday. Raffle tickets for your chance to win several themed gift baskets will also be available Friday evening at the Gallery.
There is no lack of diversity in the studios you can tour. Artists on the tour include those who specialize in oil painting, acrylic, watercolor, pen and ink, pottery, jewelry making and more. Participating artist Robin Capecci says, “I am very much looking forward to the Studio Tour! I’ve never been part of one before and it makes me excited to be part of what will, hopefully, be an annual and growing event. There is nothing but good that can come out of the Tour, on all levels.” Ms. Capecci continues, “It’s exciting for the artists to enjoy the fulfilling experience of sharing their passion with visitors to their studio. And perhaps the curious visitor will gain a little insight into the mysteries of inspiration and maybe even take a piece home with them.”
There has been much growth in the art community in Harford County and the Artists’ Studio Tour will increase the exposure of the great local talent we have right in our backyard. Ms. Capecci stated that, “As artist opportunities grow, those from surrounding areas who appreciate the arts will come to Harford County as a destination. Surrounding businesses and the County itself can flourish just by encouraging art and artists. Art really can and will transform lives.”
Ms. Tryon, who also hopes this event will be an annual one, goes on to say, “Being creative is more than just about creating artwork. It’s about storytelling, feelings, emotions, sense of time and space, where we live and what inspires us to create art. And it’s also about sharing and being part of the community. That was the inspiration behind the Open Studio Tour – to give people a peek behind the artwork, to meet the artists and to get to know us. You may be surprised that we are your neighbor and that we have so much to offer.”
For more information about the hours and locations for this event, please visit the Harford Artists’ Association website at www.artinharford.org.
