by Alec Clayton
Among the most entertaining and educational arts events to brighten the lives of Thurston County residents is the annual South Sound Studio tour. So many have loved visiting with the artists, seeing their artwork up close and personal, talking with them about their art, and in some instances watching the magic of turning blank sheets of paper or sheets of canvas, hunks of clay or found materials into works of art.
The self-guided annual tours take place over a two-day period of visiting artists in their private studios, many of whom demonstrate how they create their art. The primary intention of the tour according to the website at https://www.southsoundstudiotour.org is not to be a studio sale, although many of the artists do have works for sale, but rather to be a window into their creative processes. The studio tour is free to all visitors.
And now the Studio Tour board is looking for volunteers to serve on the board. Specifically, they are seeking two new working board members to fill Outreach Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator roles.
“The South Sound Studio Tour supports artists and makers in the greater South Sound area by showcasing their works and building direct connections between creatives and the community. If you are passionate about art and about building community, we would love to meet you,” says current board member and program manager Annie Perillo, who, along with her husband Alan, runs Perillo Pottery in Tenino, where they make wheel-thrown, functional, woodfired pottery.
Artist Mia Schulte, who has been on the tour multiple times, said, “The tour is a very special opportunity for artists, and an educational experience for customers who are interested in the creative process. I spend a majority of time discussing my materials and taking about the inspiration behind my work .”
“Creating art is a solidarity experience and the studio tour gives artists the opportunity to meet and discuss their work, which is not always possible. (For traditional gallery shows) we drop our work off at the galleries and often never meet the customers.
“The artists that created this opportunity deserve so much credit for all of their work and efforts. We are so grateful and lucky to have such a vibrant and active art community.
I exhibited at Art Journey Studio & Gallery in downtown (across from the Washington Center for the Performing Arts). Laura Lee Shearer is the generous owner and shared her studio space for the tour.”
Artist Diane Fairbanks said, “OlyImages Studio has participated in the South Sound Studio Tour since its beginnings. I have appreciated these events for the opportunity to guide young artists, students and apprentices in the work of selecting, preparing and staging their work in an atmosphere of support and professionalism. It is very gratifying to see how this event has grown and I will continue to exhibit in it going forward. The future looks bright for this event and artists in Olympia.”
The Outreach Coordinator will generate ideas for outreach and community engagement and plan and execute outreach to under-represented groups in the community, specifically BIPOC, LGBTQAI+, rural, and young artists.
The Volunteer Coordinator will promote and guide volunteer engagement, and recruit and organize volunteers to assist with the annual Studio Tour and related events such as the Post-Tour Party and fundraising events.
These are volunteer jobs.
All board members attend monthly board meetings where they contribute ideas for the direction of the Tour, jury in Studio Tour artists, carry out the annual Studio Tour, and share a casual pot-luck meal!
Artists and art lovers who are interested in either of these board positions, are asked to send a resume and short statement of interest to: olyssst@gmail.com
More information about joining the board:
https://www.southsoundstudiotour.org/join-the-board