“In 2016 we did an event like this in Kings Beach and it was successful, so we started talking to other artists to see if there was any interest in doing this again and began networking. Our intention from the get-go was to keep it really simple and uncomplicated,” she says, adding that the event may be canceled due to the uncertainty of the pandemic.
Art Tour
Aug. 8 & 9 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Kings Beach
Artists request that everyone wear a mask
There are currently 16 artists expected to participate and the tour is self-guided.
“Everyone is pretty much within walking distance, so people don’t have to get caught up in traffic trying to drive to the locations. It’s very centralized; we have found that this format really works, plus it helps that all of it is outdoors,” Strand says, adding that people will be able to maintain proper social distancing when visiting the studios.
“Everyone is pretty much within walking distance, so people don’t have to get caught up in traffic trying to drive to the locations … plus it helps that all of it is outdoors.”-Catherine Strand
Strand has been participating in studio tours since 2009 and finds that mass gatherings don’t really happen at these types of events; they tend to facilitate a more intimate setting where people naturally filter in and out throughout the day.
“We are trying to get the word out informally. It’s very casual. When we did this in 2016, we just ran around like crazy the week before the event leaving flyers all over town. We’re taking a similar approach this year,” Strand says.
Strand specializes in fused glass yard art and ornaments, earrings and medium-sized dog statues. At her studio in Kings Beach, she has a lot of windows that allows her to create an open-air space.
“It’s my favorite event,” she says. “I love having people come to my studio right there where my kilns are. There’s no pressure, we can talk about art and I learn a lot. These [open studio art tours] add value that you don’t get any other way. It’s great. I’m staying optimistic that this event will happen.” | Kings Beach Art Tour on Facebook
