Artist Patty Happy in her studio

(WASHINGTON COUNTY, N.Y.) –Tucked away in farmhouses, barns and old factories throughout the rural villages of Salem, Cambridge, Eagle Bridge, Hartford and Greenwich, N.Y., fifteen of Washington County, N.Y.’s finest professional artists invite the public into their studios for a free, self-guided tour as part of the third Open Studios of Washington County biennial on Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17, 2011 from 10 to 5. Carousel-style rocking horses, fine gourdwork, bronze sculpture, ceramics, mixed media constructions, folk art, paintings and pastels highlight the cultural wealth of this vibrant artist community.

New to this year’s tour are folk artist Art Poulin, painters Arleen Targan, Patty Happy, and Jim Schanz, and ceramicist Regina Wickham. Returning artists are Will Moses, Hannie Varosy, Joan Duff-Bohrer, Ed Hepp, Serena Kovalosky, Adriano Manocchia, Leslie Parke, Leslie Anne Peck, Virginia McNeice, and Gyula Varosy.

Art Poulin's "Day at the Fair"

The first Open Studios event took place in 2007, drawing visitors and art collectors from as far away as New Zealand. “People were visibly inspired by the beauty of our rural landscape and impressed with the quality and professionalism of the artists on the tour,” says Open Studios founder and artist Serena Kovalosky. “The relaxed atmosphere and intimacy of each studio made it easy for visitors to fully appreciate the artwork and strike up conversations with the artists. We encourage visitors to get to know their favorite artists, to develop a relationship with them so they can make an informed purchase of their work.”

Artist Leslie Parke in her studio

“The Open Studios weekend is a mini-vacation from the everyday world featuring an immersion into the joys of artful living,” says Open Studios director Sue Sanderson. “Each visitor experiences the creative forces of Washington County – from the beautiful drives through the county, the conversations with the artists, the experience of each studio, and the hundreds of diverse works that they will see in this two-day period.”

Open Studios and its sponsors will host a complimentary reception for all tour visitors at the Freight Depot at Hubbard Hall on Saturday, July 16 from 5:30 to 7:30. Visitors will enjoy hors d’oeuvres by Spoonful Catering, wine, and a chance to meet with all the artists and other Open Studios visitors and to share stories and discoveries of the day.

For more information, visit Open Studios of Washington County or call 518.692.2742.