The 2009 Open Studios Art Tour is winding down with its last weekend coming up - October 17th& 18th. It's known as "Encore Weekend" because studios from BOTH North and South County will once again open their doors wide to visitors from both in, and out, of our community. In fact, there will be 240 studios open! If you missed anything the first two weekends of this year's Open Studios, now is your last chance this year to pick up what might have been missed.

Even in a sluggish local economy with people understandably watching their budgets, Open Studios is something many have not been able to forego. The sheer number of highly talented local artists presenting quality artwork for viewing and purchase is so tempting, that art lovers have come out in great numbers this year. Artists have wisely offered a variety of exceptional pieces at both ends of the economic scale, and some truly outstanding work can be purchased for minimal investment.

The Cultural Council's Open Studios Art Tour is not only an extremely fun activity for friends and family--and you!--to enoy, it's a boon to the local economy. Three hundred artists attract 7,000 visitors, and bring in more than $1 million in annual art sales for the economy. Fun and profitable for our community!

It's not too early for holiday gift-shopping, and what could be better than finding an original treasure created by our outstanding local talent? All you need is an Open Studios Artist Guide/Calendar--for a mere $20--and you'll be able to plan the best Tour ever.

Go for it while there's still time! And ENJOY!

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