About Us

OPEN STUDIOS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NY

The Open Studios of Washington County develops and promotes its fine arts community with the key objectives of increasing art revenues in the county, encouraging appreciation of the visual arts, and enhancing the image and reputation of Washington County beyond its borders. Based on two successful tour events (2007, 2009), we have set as our goal for the 2011 tour the establishment of this as a premiere cultural tourism event.

Washington County is the jewel of upstate New York. In the tradition of Tuscany, known for its rolling hills, pastoral settings and beautiful family farms, Washington County provides an ideal setting for artists and collectors alike to come together and celebrate this exceptional natural setting. Already home to Salem Artworks, the Battenkill Chorale, Hubbard Hall and Music from Salem, Washington County is a vibrant community inspiring all forms of creativity from music and theater to literature and craft. The Open Studios Tour provides the visual arts cornerstone for this cultural community and an opportunity for an exceptional cultural tourism event.

“The arts are invaluable tools for providing incredible cultural experiences, and the demand for this type of travel genre is growing fast. This type of traveler spends twice as much as local attendees. As a result, cultural tourism generates significant dollars for destination communities.” Ligaya Figueras (Art Calendar Feb 2010)

Each previous Open Studio Tour brought over 400 visitors to Washington County for the weekend to travel the county and visit a juried selection of professional artists in their studios. Visitors drove from studio to studio through the beautiful landscapes. Each artist was available to meet and talk with the guests about their work. Guests were able to peek behind the curtain of the studio as well as purchase works. The weekend experience also included a presentation at Hubbard Hall and a complimentary wine and cheese reception at The Rice Mansion, a mansion and carriage house restored as a bed and breakfast. The 2009 tour generated well in excess of $50,000 of revenue for the artists and more for local businesses.

OPEN STUDIOS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NY
PO Box 231 Greenwich, NY 12834
info@OpenStudiosWashingtonCounty.com
(518) 692-2742            
www.OpenStudiosWashingtonCounty.com