What do you call 47 artists, 23 parties and hundreds of pieces of fine art? It's the Open Studios Tour in the Grand Valley. On Saturday, Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 11 from noon to 5 p.m., some of the most notable fine artists in the region will open their doors to the public to view their studios and purchase their work directly. This is one event you DO NOT want to miss. It only happens twice a year, and people look forward to it for months. 

Here's the deal. Pick up a free map detailing the artists and locations for the open studios. The gorgeous four-color maps are available at the Visitors' Centers in Fruita and Grand Junction, and at The Art Center, Palisade City Hall and about 20 other locations from Fruita to Palisade. Or you can log onto www.artspacecolorado.org and print out a two-color version of the map. Either way will get you started.

Then simply map out a plan to visit the artists you are most interested in. I don't know about you, but with the way I talk, I don't think there's any way I could get to all 23 locations in two days. But hey, I say give it a try! 

At each open studio location, you'll find anywhere from one to 13 artists demonstrating and selling their work. And at each location, there will be goodies to munch on and beverages to partake in. Of course great art will be in abundance, too!

Whether you're a novice or a savvy art collector, this tour is a splendid way to become familiar with the special talents of notable fine artists. You'll mingle with a large variety of sculptors, painters, jeweler, potters and many more artists in different media who are selling a wide variety of artwork not available in local galleries.

Another important tidbit... the tour is FREE, and you'll find art at every price point. From $10 to $10,000, you can pick up great gifts or that one-of-a-kind "statement maker" for your home. It really is a fantastic opportunity to personally connect with local artists and tour the Grand Valley's amazing landscape at the same time. 

If you want more information, please go to www.artspacecolorado.org, e-mail artspaceopenstudios@gmail.com or send me a question directly here.

I'll be at my studio at the Twisted Brick Studios and gallery in Palisade, so come by and say "hi." I look forward to seeing you.