Open Studio Tour takes you to the heart of art

The annual San Benito Open Studios Tour is happening April 16 and 17...10:00 to 4:00. It is one of my favorite events because it's free, fun and full of fantastic artwork..........paintings, stained glass, fused glass, ceramics, jewelry, photography, etc..................... Taking the self-guided tour of Hollister, San Juan Batista and Aromas is very simple once you have a map. The little town of Aromas sits at the corners of three counties (Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito) and can be reached from Highway 1 or 101 by taking Highway 129. The turnoff at Rogge Lane will bring you right into town. Look for the Open Studio signs and remember, maps of the tour will be available at 331 Carpenteria........................ In 1999 local artisans formed a guild known as the Aromas Hills Artisans, or AHA’s, which now boasts over seventy members. Artists meet on the first Wednesday of each month from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Aromas Grange. The guild plans events, supports and inspires artists and shares new ideas and techniques. Membership is only $25.00 per year and it is now possible to join as “Friend of AHA” to support the work of AHA enriching the lives of our community. The Aromas Hills Artisans guild has developed into a philanthropic non-profit organization which promotes art education through scholarships to members, enabling them to attend workshops. ‘AHA’ has provided artists to teach art sessions at the elementary school and has paid for art education during the summer for talented high school students. They have donated art pieces for school fundraisers as well as money to pay for school art supplies. Every year, at Autumn Art, member artisans give free workshops to the community so that children and adults can try their hand at the artistic process. The Aromas Hills Artisans also bring professional artists to Aromas for workshops open to all........................... April 4th through 18th the Blak Sage Gallery at 727 San Benito Street, Hollister will have a preview exhibit, and will host an artist’s reception Saturday, April 4, 2009 – 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the gallery. To preview each artist at home, go to www.sanbenitoarts.org or call Sharlene for more information at 831-636-2787.