8th Annual Southern Hands Artist Studio Tour Live and On-line

Artists open their studios to the public the 2nd weekend in November!

Southern Hands Artist Studio Tour, a free self-guided tour of artist studios, similar to a tour-of-homes or gardens, will be held Saturday, November 14th and Sunday, November 15th this year. Several artists are also open Friday, November 13th. Art students and art-lovers of all ages are invited to come be inspired and learn a bit more about the wide variety of art talent in their community.

Tour artists are located in Fayette and Coweta counties and in Chatt Hills, South Fulton. The variety of art covers the spectrum to include painting, bronze sculpting, fused glass, weaving, ceramics, jewelry, woodturning, fabric art, photography, and mixed media.

Southern Hands Artist Studio Tour (SHAST) is adapting to ensure art-lovers across the Metro Atlanta area can safely visit artist’s studios.

Chair Suzanne Kleese-Stamps shared, “Masks will be available to visitors and studio set ups will allow for easy social distancing.”

She continued, “We’re also excited to add a new way for those who aren’t comfortable going to studios to enjoy and purchase art. We are launching a virtual tour that will start December 1st and be live through December 31st.”

Visitors can find Tour Booklets at various locations around the South Metro area with times, a listing of artists, photos, events and a map or can visit the tour website, www.SHASTour.com, for a printable tour booklet, map, events and other information on the live and virtual Tour.

New artists join the Tour each year and 2020 is no exception! Internationally known sculptor Nnamdi Okonkwo, bronze artist Mike Sluder, jeweler Andrea Winkler, fine artist Dianne Cutler, woodturner David Oehrke, charcoal artist Caitlin Collins, floral designer Dawn Hunt, and painter Heather Bergholt will be in their own studios or will be guest artists in other artist’s studios. Two emerging artists are participating this year, mixed media artist Katie Turner and photographer Mac Aughey. Returning artists include Cheryl Jashek, Austin Lindsey, Bill Turner, Sherry Cook, Seth Fitts, Janet McGregor Dunn, Suzanne Kleese-Stamps, Andrea Faye, Carla Cook-Smith, Jennifer Stott, Taryn Cuper, Denise Prince, Hanley Lewis, Gail Jensen, Helena Marette, Manasi Joshi, Cheryl Krebs and Charles Tryon.

Participating artists demonstrate their techniques throughout the day. Check the website for a list of special demos such as raku firing, kiln openings, glaze demos and more. Visitors will also have the opportunity to play with clay, do a bit of painting, make ornaments or try their hand at weaving and other art activities. Art is available for sale during the tour. Many of the artists offer classes or are available for private lessons.

SHAST was started by local ceramic artist Andrea Boswell to educate those curious about the creative process and to inspire future artists. Her vision has expanded and each year the all-volunteer Board selects two art-related charities to support.

SHAST, a 501(3)c non-profit, is held the 2nd weekend in November. Attendance is free. Many make this an annual event bringing family and friends. Along with art, information and fun, guests enjoy a variety of refreshments at each studio.

Each year local galleries and other businesses support SHAST through donations and sponsorships. This year Piedmont Insurance Associates, Inc., Stamps Store Fixtures, Chatt Hills Gallery, Paint Space, and Talk Time Speech and Language Services, LLC are a few of the generous supporters of the Tour

To learn more about SHAST call Andrea Boswell at 678-641-1247, email info@shastour.com, visit www.SHASTour.com, follow along on Twitter: @shastga, Facebook: artstudiotourga, Instagram: shastour_ga or sign up for SHAST Blasts on the website.