The annual Open Studios Art Tour allows visitors the chance to step into the creative spaces of San Luis Obispo County artists, while giving the artists the opportunity to share their work and processes while building community. But don’t take it from us - hear what participating artists int he 2024 tour have to say about what OSAT is and what it means to the arts and culture sector of San Luis Obispo County.

Many of our art commissions begin with a visit to my studio and sculpture garden. Clients can see design and color choices first hand and figure out dimensions so we can adjust the scale of the piece to their room or garden focal point.

Dan Rider, Nipomo

I think a studio is a magical and sacred place. Being invited in is like getting to almost walk into a painting itself… but in some “world” where all of the wonderful flotsam and jetsam of creativity that floats around before, during, and after the work is made is alive and well. I LOVE visiting others’ studios and am always inspired!

Timshel Matheny, San Luis Obispo

Open Studios has given us the opportunity to reconnect with past customers and students. It’s extra special when someone saw our work as a child and is now pursuing art too, or is ready to become a collector.

Rosey ‘n’ Barb Rosenthal, Los Osos

I love the opportunity to mingle with people who are getting their first time exposure to art as well as seasoned collectors. When a visitor is passionate and has intimate engagement with my work I am pleased.

Gayle Rappaport-Weiland, Pismo Beach

It is beneficial for viewers and art supporters to see the artist in their creative space, whether the studio is large and glamorous or small and utilitarian, we are out here always creating. It isn’t all about the gallery show, or being seen in the pristine environment of a gallery. I hope to show the challenges, complications and often messy side of our work lives!

Jennifer Randall, Santa Margarita

This is my 2nd OSAT and each time I’ve been in another artist’s studio. I love sharing space with other creatives because you get to meet a variety of people with varying tastes.

Gwynnie LaChance, Templeton

This is my first time participating as an artist in the OSAT so I'm excited to share my art with the public and to share my new studio space for the first time! The space was designed to be used as a classroom for the community to use for gatherings to share creative, positive mental health experiences.

Chenda Lor, Morro Bay

As a first-time participant in the SLO Open Studios Art Tour, I hope to benefit by connecting with the local community through sharing my work.

Zoë Hruby Linstrom, San Luis Obispo

One of my favorite things is when someone comes to visit a pottery studio for the first time and I can show them how pottery is made. It’s an amazing process that takes many weeks and patience, from throwing and hand-building to glazing and kiln firing.

Christine Silbaugh, Los Osos

I’m excited to invite art lovers into my special space… to see where I create art and what I create… to get to know me and my work. I hope to meet many new artists and art appreciators during book weeks of Open Studios, and to carry those relationships into the future.

Lori Wise, San Luis Obispo

I love sharing my space with people. Often they are curious about how it all happens from start to finish with ceramics. They also get a snapshot of a working mom of littles. Finding Lego guys and hockey sticks and Nerf bullets mixed among glaze buckets and pottery tools.

Sara Schultz, Cayucos

Our Studio is private, and only open to the public by appointment. During the SLO County Open Studios Tour, we are provided with a wide range of clients, the art curious, students and other artists in the county that we may never have had the chance to meet otherwise.  Many have become great friends and visit us every year at this time.  We look forward to it.

Randy Stromsoe, Templeton