Boulder Colorado Gets Artsy!
October 19th, 2008 Categories: Boulder Subdivisions and Neighborhoods, Colorado Round Up, Focus on Boulder
Ever heard of Open Studios in Boulder Colorado? It is a collaboration of private studios in various neighborhoods that welcome anyone to view their creations of art. Many of the artists have studios in their homes and last weekend, they opened their studios to the public. Perhaps you saw the Open Studio signs as you were driving around north or south Boulder. This was a fun activity to do with the family and friends and many of the studios were in my neighborhood – Dakota Ridge Village and Wonderland Lake. How convenient! This only happens once a year so if you missed it, I’ll summarize the event for you. And look forward to next year when you can see for yourself.
The annual Boulder Open Studios Tour gives people a chance to see some of the amazing things local artists can do with horsehair and garbage, not to mention wood, metal, paint and photographic techniques. 
But behind the art is a production you aren’t likely to notice as you stroll through an artist’s workspace. Originating in 1995, the preparation for this takes the whole year. Because Open Studiosis a juried event, the artists must submit samples of their work to a panel of judges before being asked to join the tour. Each year, 20 or so applicants don’t make the cut. The multi-page electronic application process can be daunting, and there’s no guarantee that being part of the Boulder County tour will boost an artist’s sales enough to justify sprucing up the studio and manning it through two consecutive weekends.
So why do well over 100 Boulder artists participate every year? Some artists state that they earn a large percentage of their annual commission from this event and gain customers that come back during the year. Jerry Wingren, a sculptor in wood and stone, seldom makes any sales from Open Studios, but finds it worthwhile for other reasons. “For me, one of the real pleasures of participating is when you get people who are genuinely interested in the process—in how the art comes together, the concept behind a piece.” Some of the artists actually demonstrate how a piece comes together. 
It’s very hands-on and a great learning experience.
In 2006, the guestbook was 73,000 people who came through!
The best way to support the organization is to buy the Guidebook for $15.95, but you can pretty much do without it if you drive around and look for the signs –balloons attached. Full Cycle bike shop, even offers a guide for riding your bike to each studio –after all, this is Boulder. And, the guidebook highlights family-friendly studios, those that are handicapped-accessible and ones along bike paths. Art is a vital contribution to our community in Boulder Colorado. Don’t forget to take the tour next year, the second weekend in October. See you there!
