October is almost here and it’s one of our favorite times of the year – the weather is nearly perfect and the sunsets couldn’t be dreamier. It’s the perfect scenario for the 41st annual Open Studios Art Tour where the public has the opportunity to explore the county discovering and connecting with artists, experiencing the creative process firsthand, and finding original work to take home.
For three weekends, from Watsonville to Davenport, Arts Council Santa Cruz County presents the Open Studios Art Tour with more than 350 local artists opening their spaces this year!
DISCOVER · South County
Your Open Studios adventure begins in South County on October 3-4, where artists from Watsonville, Freedom, La Selva Beach, Aptos, Capitola, and Soquel working in over 22 mediums welcome visitors into their studios.
In downtown Watsonville, discover artist Hermalinda Vasquez, whose wood carvings are rich with tradition and character. Her colorful Alebrijes celebrate her Mexican heritage and represent the vibrant culture of Watsonville. Just around the corner, Rhia Hurt creates abstract works in her dreamy home studio. A high school art teacher, Rhia embraces the playful side of art, layering bright colors and textures that invite visitors to experience more whimsy.
Driving into the Aptos hills you’ll notice the iconic green signs leading the way to a variety of artist’s studios, including the gorgeous property and studio of Dee Hooker. A long-time Open Studios artist, Dee’s abstract, mixed-media portraits of humans and animals bring together art and a little childhood nostalgia. Her interactive character “boxes” have been featured in galleries around the country.
Venturing into coastal Capitola brings you to the fiber arts studio of Lisa Rupp and a new artist on the tour, watercolorist Carolina Avalos. This creative duo offers beautiful watercolor landscapes framed in upcycled barnwood and wearable designs in leather and bright fabrics. Nearby, four metalsmiths group together to showcase their work along the cliffs – Marylou Forrest, Pablo Chubangbang, Wei Hwu, and Becky Thielbar. This stop is a must for jewelry lovers!
EXPERIENCE · North County
The second weekend of Open Studios on October 10-11 takes you into the heart of Santa Cruz; midtown neighborhoods, downtown, through the Westside, up along the North Coast, and into the Santa Cruz Mountains.
In midtown the Eckerman family studio is a fun stop, where Michael, Ea, and Rosie Eckerman share their work in painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Their collaborative studio is rooted in artistic expression, decorated with stone sculptures and pathways, a gorgeous garden, and ocean inspired paintings in process.
Journey into Santa Cruz and discover the Tannery Arts Center, featuring 16 artists on the tour. The new cafe, Olio’s, at the Tannery is the perfect spot to get a coffee before taking the breath-taking drive up Highway 9 into the Redwoods where you’ll land in Felton, the gateway to discover 17 artists in the San Lorenzo Valley. A visit to the hot glass studio of Christy Aloysi and Scott Graham in downtown Boulder Creek is a great place to see artists in action. Hosting glass-blowing demonstrations throughout the day, this husband and wife duo craft colorful work for the garden and home.
Grab some lunch and head over the mountain into Bonny Doon where the eccentric world of ceramicist Mattie Leeds invites you in. His enormous ceramic pots are impossible to overlook, each one telling a story through patterns, words, and form. A prolific artist, Mattie’s studio is a work of art in and of itself, representing a life of creative inspiration.
Zip down into Davenport and the Westside where there is no shortage of artist’s studios. From the studio of photographer Frans Lanting to the always entertaining artist cohort at Santa Cruz Clay and throughout the beautiful Westside neighborhoods, discover the creative richness of our town. Experience clay transformed on the wheel, watch a painting evolve, engage with artists about what inspires them, see the techniques and materials they use, and take home a few special pieces to enjoy.
CONNECT · All County
On the final weekend of the tour, October 17-18, 250 studios across the county open once again. You’ll have one last chance to connect with artists like Darci Shea Bogdan in her lovely garden studio practicing the highly specialized craft of cloisonné enameling. Her handmade pieces combine glass enamel and precious metals into vibrant, wearable designs inspired by nature.
“Open Studios is such a special event. It is truly an inspiring experience to see the studios and spaces where art is made, connect with artists, and find ar twork that inspires you.” says Bree Karpavage, Open Studios and Tannery Arts Center Program Manager. “The creative energy the artists bring to Open Studios is exciting and contagious. There’s always something new to discover when you’re out on the tour – new artists, new places…exploring our beautiful county is all a part of the experience!”
The weekends of Open Studios offer an unforgettable and unique experience, discovering creative spaces and connecting with the artists who make Santa Cruz rich with creativity.
Start planning your Open Studios adventure at santacruzopenstudios.com. Pick up the free Open Studios Artist Guide on newsstands or download the new mobile app that makes it easy to browse artists and get directions to studios while you’re out exploring. Add artist studios to your favorites but leave room for the unexpected! Bring a friend and follow the green signs along the way.
Plan Your 2026 Santa Cruz County Open Studios Art Tour
October 3-4 | South County
October 10-11 | North County
October 17-18 | All County
11am–5pm
Website: santacruzopenstudios.com – Explore the Artist Directory, FAQ’s, marketing toolkit and more.
NEW Mobile App: Download the free app, search Santa Cruz Open Studios.
Printed Artist Guide: Pick up the magazine at Good Times newspaper locations, preview exhibit galleries, and public libraries across the county, available while supplies last.
Digital Artist Guide: A digital version of the print magazine.
Green Signs: Follow the green signs to discover artists across Santa Cruz County.
Follow us on Social Media: @artscouncilsc IG | FB
Preview Exhibitions
M.K. Contemporary Art | Sept 25-Oct 25 | Main preview exhibition featuring artists from all participating artists
Pajaro Valley Arts | Sept 26-Oct18 | Preview exhibition featuring South County artists
Santa Cruz Art League | Oct 2-18 | Far Out, featuring North Coast and Santa Cruz Mountains artists
Special thanks to our 2026 sponsors: GoodTimes and West Coast Community Bank
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