Fresh Perspective in Art – Gorge Artists Open Studios Tour 2024
The 2024 Gorge Artists Open Studios Tour is April 26 – 28, 2024, daily hours 10 am – 5 pm, featuring four White Salmon artists: Jo Dean Sarins, Stephanie Johnson, Ted Olson, and Jason Breeden. The art world is known for being filled with outliers — those creative thinkers who approach their art and craft in a unique, original way. The Gorge Artists Open Studios Tour is filled with such artists — whose work is exemplary, who live and work in diverse settings, whose medium or approach is uncommon and rare. What is so unique about the Columbia River Gorge is that the environment itself is an outlier: the winding drive between studio stops can take you from forests to fields, rivers to mountains, and moss to basalt cliffs. So unique, as to be difficult to fully describe. It’s no wonder there are so many inspiring artists in the area — the area itself is inspirational.
This annual tour, now in its 18th year, features 45 local artist studios showcasing a diverse variety of work — from painting to ceramics, jewelry to textiles, woodworking to photography, metalwork to glass, basketry, quilting, sculpture, and more.
“Having people see my artwork is an important part of the art process for me. Each year there is a different group of people who I get a chance to talk to and suggest other artists for them to see!” Rodney Stuart, mixed media artist
Gorge Artists Open Studios Tour invites art lovers to meet artists in their studio spaces — to experience art as work, craft, process, and inspiration. It is a free, self-guided tour of individual artist studios and workspaces located throughout the Mid-Columbia Gorge regional area. Featured studios are dotted on the map in all four mid-Columbia counties: Skamania, Klickitat, Hood River, and Wasco. Take advantage of the three days, April 26 to 28, to visit as many studios as you can. Or, if you have limited time, drop in to a select few new or favorite studios linked together by a stunning drive through this diverse environment.
“Most days for the last five years, I wind my way west along the river to my studio in Carson, WA. Highway 14 is two lanes of asphalt that flows around basalt cliffs much as the river does.The rhythm sets my mood. I arrive ready to create.” Steve Kowats, metalwork artist
Visiting from out of town? Come for the Gorge Artists Open Studios Tour and stay for the weekend! April is blossom time, so even the ride between studios is a dream. Spring is the time of year when everything emerges once more, including people. Experience the natural beauty of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area while enjoying fantastic local food, wineries, outdoor recreation, shopping, and a great selection of boutique hotels and bed & breakfasts.
We invite you to come experience the Gorge Artists Open Studios Tour.
