Racine, WI April 17, 2015 - This year, the get bEHIND the aRTS Studio Tour moves to the last weekend in April and expands to three days--inviting guests to enjoy an entire weekend of art in Southeastern Wisconsin. Now in its fifth year, the self-guided tour allows access to 48 artists' studios featuring over 90 creatives at 22 locations throughout Racine and Kenosha. Visual artists of all mediums and performing artists will open their private workspaces for a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse of their innovative and productive worlds.
The weekend kicks off with the art party of the year, Preview Party on Friday, April 24 from 6:00pm-10:00pm at 427 Main Street in downtown Racine. On Saturday, April 25, Racine artists' studios will be open to the public, and on Sunday, April 26, Kenosha studios will welcome visitors. Artists' workplaces are open on both days from 11:00am-5:00pm.
Studios of visual artists working in ceramics, glass, metals, sculpture, wood, paint and a variety of mixed media will open their doors. This spring, the Tour includes the Racine studios of two of the current recipients of RAM Artist Fellowships, painter Diane Levesque and fine art photographer Jim Sincock as they continue to prepare for their concurrent solo exhibitions at RAM's Wustum Museum. In Kenosha, award-winning watercolor artist Rebecca Venn will be open her studio during the tour for the first time.
New this year is the University of Wisconsin-Parkside tour bus. Each day led by a local artist, these guided tours offer the opportunity to relax and learn more about the creative communities in Kenosha and Racine. Registration is available though UW-Parkside. The tour bus fee is $19 for one day or $29 for both days.
The free Preview Party is a one-night only art exhibition offering an exciting, fast paced overview of what to expect during the tour. It is an opportunity to meet the artists and plan your tour strategy, marking maps for must-see studio visits. The evening includes performances by local musicians, poets, dancers, and UW-Parkside theatre, all emceed by Nick Ramsey of Family Power Music. There will also be live painting, pottery wheel hands-on and demos, raffle prizes, hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.
The Studio Tour is offered with a suggested donation of $5. Kids are free. Visitors may begin at any studio location. A souvenir button--created by beloved area artist David Holmes--allows open access to all stops on the tour. Maps and buttons will be available at the Preview Party and on the day of the tour at all participating studios. A list of all featured artists and a map of studio locations is also available online. All donations support this and future Studio Tours.
