Eldorado Studio Tour this Weekend

It must be spring! We have unpredictable weather in the beginning of May and then it turns to perfect weather for the Eldorado Studio Tour – even the Weather Channel and Weather.com says so.

The Eldorado Studio Tour has grown to over 100 artists in more than 60 locations in this thriving, artistic community just a short drive from downtown. This is the 21st Annual Tour and the 106 artists cover almost every possible genre of art making. The tour begins its third decade as one of the largest studio tours in New Mexico. This spring, the 106 artists will share their work in 69 open studios.

Whatever your taste or interest, I am sure you will find something in Eldorado next weekend. The art forms represented include:  painting, mixed media, jewelry, sculpture, photography, textiles, ceramics and digital, wearable and recycled arts.

It all begins with an Opening Night Party on Friday, May 18, including a gala reception in the Exhibit Space at La Tienda at Eldorado, 7 Caliente Road, from 5 to 7 p.m. At this event you can meet the artists, preview their work and enjoy refreshments. Master guitarist David Wescott Yard and keyboardist Doug Frantz will provide live music throughout the party.

On Saturday and Sunday it’s on to the studios. I always find it best to plan my weekend outings. I pick up a tour brochure at the Preview Gallery (The Exhibit Space) during the party or, if I have forgotten to do so because of so much fun at the opening party, I return on Saturday morning and plan my two-day strategy. The Preview Gallery is a good place to begin your day and to plan your route as you browse art work created by the participating artists. It's open both days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or, if you have a favorite artist you always visit early, in order to get first pick of their work, you can pick up a tour brochure (map included) along the way. All the studios have extra copies and you can always get suggestions from an artist about what other studios you should see. The artists are a wonderfully supportive group and even if you don’t choose something from one artist’s studio, they will often send you on to someone else, sensing what you like.

Studios will be open to visitors on Saturday and Sunday, May 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Directions to the Preview Gallery and a map to the studios can also be downloaded on the Studio Tour website, giving you lots of time to plan.