By Caroline Roosevelt, Columnist, The Times
The studio of local artist Al Moretti.
What does a “studio” mean to you? What does that word evoke? Do you imagine a messy den of creation filled with loose papers (something like Francis Bacon’s hoarder nightmare?), or, spartan–save the paint splattered walls a la Jackson Pollock? Or maybe you envision neatly stacked paintings in an airy loft, where the light pours in from slanted skylights? Take the opportunity this weekend to explore what it is to be a studio, and to house the creative energy and final products of local artists. You will find what you are looking for at this year’s Chester County Open Studio Tour.
This weekend Saturday May 18th, and Sunday May 19th, the much-anticipated Chester County Open Studio Tour descends on our region. Participants are readying their studios and yard signs, as well as putting those finishing touches on the work they’re exhibiting. This year, organizer and artist Jeff Schaler has pulled together more than 62 studios housing work by over 148 artists of varying media. The open studio tour is an excellent opportunity to take a more intimate look at the process behind the piece. Artists open up their creative spaces to the public, free of charge, to provide a more indepth art experience. Delaware County, Montgomery County and Bucks County also participate in the open studio tours as well as Philadelphia, which has an expansive tour in October.
The studio of Sarah Rafferty
Overwhelmed already? Don’t be! Chester County Open Studio Tour has thought of everything–and they are here for you to map your very own itinerary. If you check out the website, you can select at least ten studios and, through google maps, Chester County Open Studio Tour will map out your itinerary. Art and technology, merging together to accomplish a common goal–tis a beautiful thing.
I will be showing my work, alongside fellow painters Cary Galbraith, Catherine Peluso, and David Katz (who will also host us all at his studio (#32!) in West Chester, PA). Katz’s studio has been thoughtfully curated with artists who compliment each other, and work that all serves to create a crisp, colorful atmosphere whether through landscapes, still life, or figurative work. All painters–all with a contemporary persuasion. Stop in and pay a visit!
Take some time this week to plan your trip to view whatever your heart desires between 10am – 6pm Saturday (May 18) and 10am – 5pm Sunday (May 19). You’ll recognize a lot of familiar names as I’ve written about many of these artists throughout the year. Contributing artists/studio hosts include Alessandra Manzotti, Sus Iserbyt, Katee Boyle (Gallery Duo), John Baker, Erica Brown, Maryanne Buschini, Karen D’Allaird, Randall Graham, Al Moretti, Monique Sarkessian, Rob Sigafoos, Brett Anderson Walker and so many more! I hope to celebrate the fantastic art of the Chester County region with you this weekend! Tune in to Art Watch Radio this Wednesday from 1-1:30pm on WCHE 1520am when Jeff Schaller hosts artists of the Chester County Studio Tour. Until next week!
