Open Studios – Botetourt, Art in the Country, has announced its 2020 dates and artists for the 10th Anniversary Tour. The art studios will be open October 24 from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and October 25 from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. There will also be an option this year for private tours on October 22 and 23 by appointment with the artist.
Various locations around Botetourt County will feature 13 artists in eight locations. There is a diverse group of artists participating this year with the return of some of the favorite artists, the introduction of new artists and the addition of a new coppersmith shop. The artists include Ed Bordett, Vera Dickerson, Amy D. Herzel, Dan Jones, Brett LaGue, Judith F Lochbrunner, Willie Simmons and Mark Woodie. Guest artists are Courtney Cronin, Dan Henderson, Mary Anne Meador, Elliott Muncey and Robin Poteet.
Tour organizers said that safety is of primary importance this year and that they are taking precautions and following all guidelines to keep visitors and artists safe. Specific information will be shared on the tour’s Facebook page and newsletter closer to the event.
This year’s kick-off event is an Art Market at Virginia Mountain Vineyards, 4204 Old Fincastle Road, Fincastle, on August 30 from 1-5 p.m. There will also be an open-air artist demonstrations inspired by the beautiful views from the vineyard. At 2 p.m., Vera Dickerson will begin with “Painting a Summer Favorite: Sunflowers,” followed by Brett LaGue at 3 p.m. with “Adding Depth to a Landscape Painting.” Caldwell Mountain Copper & Kettle Corn will be on site with their corn done the”old fashioned way.” The event is free and everyone is invited.
There will not be artist demonstrations during the tour in October. The schedule will be posted on the tour’s Facebook page. Open Studios – Botetourt artists will also have fine arts and crafts for sale under the big tent. There is plenty of room for social distancing in all areas of the vineyard.
Complete information on the tour can be found at https://openstudiosbotetourt.com. Tour brochures with detailed maps will be available the first of October. For additional information or to receive a brochure in the mail, send your address to openstudiosbotetourt2019@gmail.com.
