For the second consecutive year, the Annual Tour of Artists sponsored by the Wake Forest Guild of Artists has grown in size and scope. The two-day event to be held Saturday, Sept. 6, and Sunday, Sept. 7, now boasts a significant increase in the number of participating artists (62 versus last year’s 24) and sites (16 versus last year’s 10). In 2013, the tour opened up to remote sites, and in 2014 there will be nine remote studios/galleries, a 300 percent increase.
The number ofgalleries and studiosin Historic DowntownWake Forest has remained the same with seven, including the new Artists’ Nook at Mimosa and Artists’ Loft & Gallery at the Wake Forest Coffee Company.“We are really excited about the number of artists participating this year,” Beth Massey, president of the guild, said. “There is just so much incredible talent. We will have something of interest for everyone.”
Galleries and studios in locations in and around town will be open both days. Hours on Saturday are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Artists will be in attendance at the galleries and studios to give demonstrations and to talk about their art. These demonstrations include oil, acrylic, and watercolor painting; portraiture; ink; metalworking and jewelry making; and wood working. The schedule of demonstrations (specific times, places, media, and artists) will be available during the tour at all participating locations.
This annual event, now in its 19th year, continues to draw art lovers from all around the Triangle, making Wake Forest a hot destination that weekend. A map of galleries and studios will be available online at: http://www.wakeforestguild.com, and a handy, easy-to-use brochure will also be available at all participating locations. This brochure will contain tour details, including the map of galleries and studios plus a list of downtown dining and drinking establishments that will be open during the hours of the tour. As a way of saying ‘thank you’ to those attending the tour, the Guild will hold a drawing for a basket of art related goodies such as note cards, prints, special offers, art materials, etc. Entry slips for the drawing will be placed in all participating locations, and the basket will be displayed at Storyteller’s Bookstore, 158 South White Street, for viewing.
“What a great way to spend a weekend!” Massey said. “Wandering Historic Wake Forest, interacting with the artists, seeing them at work and, in some cases, getting to try art for yourself … come on out and enjoy the Tour of Artists!
