For the past 18 years, on the second and third weekends of October, Portland residents traverse the entire city to visit their choice of 106 artists’ studios.  During the self-guided annual tour, artists open their studios to the public for the low ticket price of $15.

But on Sept. 17, you'll be able to see nearly half those artists' work, in one place.  For one day only, Portland Open Studios is partnering with Basic Space Gallery in the Everett Station Lofts, located at 625 NW Everett Street, #111.  www.basicspacegallery.com/

"There hasn't been a group preview show in several years, so we are excited to bring it back this year," says Leah Kohlenberg, vice president of Portland Open Studios and co-organizer of the event.  "We think we've got the best artists in the city on this tour, and now we can showcase them in one room." 

Open from noon-8 pm, art collectors can get some amazing deals on art, listen to music, nosh and mingle with Open Studio artists as a preview to the Tour. You can pick up our annual guide at the Gallery and start to plan your tour of the studios you want to visit in the fall.

“Honestly, to visit 106 artists across the city is a huge endeavor” says Kerri Hewett. “Visiting as many studios as possible is a goal for many of our loyal, art-loving patrons, but it is quite the undertaking, even with four days in the tour. It’s fantastic to have the support of Basic Space Gallery to present a preview show this year and Leah has been integral in planning this event with our artists.”

Each year, the artists are selected through a professional juried process to participate in the Open Studio tour.  This year, Christopher Roberts, co-owner of Basic Space Gallery with Kenny Saylor, was one of three jurors vetting the artists.

"This is what art is supposed to be about," says Roberts.  “This show will  give you the experience of being attracted by a piece of art for the art itself, and what the artist is attempting to convey to you, rather than being  guided by a label. The event will allow you to see the many varied ways artists choose to create their art to convey their artistic inspiration, art forms you may have never seen."

Find out more about Portland Open Studios at www.portlandopenstudios.com  To purchase a Tour Guide go to www.pdxos.com or any one of Portland’s 18 New Seasons stores, or any of these local art stores: Collage; I've Been Framed; Muse; Blick; and Artist & Craftsman.

The Guide is admission for two adults, children under 12 are free to attend. Join the self-guided tour and see artists in their studios on October 8- 9, 15- 16, from 10-5pm. The tour offers a unique and inspiring form of experiential education: interacting with local artists in their working spaces.

So, did Portland Open Studios sell out? Ask us on Sunday!