It’s true that every piece of art has a story to tell, but there’s also a bigger story behind each piece. That story can only be told from the place inspiration happens: the artist’s studio.
 [image-2]Take a peek at such places with the Lompoc Valley Artists Studio Tour. This year, 11 local artists’ studios will be open to give the public a chance to see where art is born. Each location will also have several guest artists displaying their creations.
From bright and sunny to creatively messy, the studios represent various artists’ individual styles and highlight the many ways the creative process happens.
The studio tour started in 2009 to help build up the Lompoc Valley Art Association’s Scholarship Fund. This year, the fundraiser will bolster the association’s general fund, which provides instructional programs for members and the public.
There will be a mix of old and new on this tour. Four of the open studios are popular repeats from the first year. Linda Gooch’s cottage studio and garden make a wonderful backdrop for her watercolors. Tonya Schultz’s bold acrylics come to life in a small gardening shed, and Ann Brink’s ceramic studio in her garage promises to fascinate. Vicki and Gil Andersen once again open their bright, Mexican-influenced home and studios as well.
New to the tour this year is a trio of studios on Hwy. 246 at the edge of Lompoc. John and Norreen LaPointe’s rustic ceramic studios promise a kiln opening at noon, while Diane Atturio’s studio shows off where she creates her paintings, and Art and Bobbie Kusulas’ studio features where they get their inspiration for their woodturning and acrylic paintings.
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On Miguelito Road, the studio where Kathy Bakrak and Karen Osland create and teach gourd art and basketry reflects their love of the local landscape with rock gardens and native plants.
Other studios include those of Carol Oliveira, James Cochrane, and Alan Brewer and Eileen Negus.
Centennial Park, next to the association’s Cypress Gallery, will be host to a number of artists throughout the day featuring displays of their work, including the jewelry of Mary Ann Weyandt and the watercolor work of Jan Manfrina and Judith Grames Lyra. The gallery will also serve refreshments from 1 to 5 p.m. and will feature a number of drawings for prizes.
Arts Editor Shelly Cone lives where she works. Contact her at scone@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Aug 25 – Sep 1, 2011.
