Event Preview: Area Artists Hold Artist Studio Tour

Area artists are opening their studios this weekend for the 2nd Annual Family Counseling Service Artists Studio Tour. The free, self-guided tour takes place on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A Meet the Artists Reception benefiting FCS will be held on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Remsenburg Academy. Tickets are $35. They can be purchased the door.

Unlike last year, there is no admission to visit the studios or galleries.

“The artist studio tour is free this year,” said Candyce Brokaw, one of three artist co-chairs for the event. “Everyone should take advantage of this amazing gift of art that Family Counseling Services and the local artists are giving to the community this year.”

There are 15 stops featuring art by around 37 artists, said Brokaw. Studios are located from Quogue to East Moriches. The majority are centered in Westhampton Beach and Remsenburg.

Galleries on the tour are Galerie BelAge, Fitzgerald Gallery, Art and Soul Gallery and the Remsenburg Academy. Artists include Marilyn Weiss, Roseline Koener, Mike Pope, Margery Gosnell-Qua, Lance Corey and Janine Stern.

A sample of the artwork on the tour is on exhibit at Remsenburg Academy held through Sunday. One artwork from each artist is in the art show. The gallery is open Thursday through Sunday.  

A high point of the tour is seeing a range of artwork made by area talent, said Brokaw. It also presents the opportunity to get to know local artists. Studio visits let viewers see a body of work versus one or two pieces selected by a gallery director.

Tour goers get the chance to peek into the working areas of the artists said Meryl Spiegel, an event co-chair and photographer. Artist Mia Wisnoski is the third event co-chair.

"The Artists Studio Tour has not only opened doors for the public to see art in the making, it has brought artists together and strengthened the arts community in our area," Spiegel said.