As a change of pace to the hustle bustle of exhibit openings and shows, where artists have to bring their art work to their admirers, the 2011 Artists’ Studio Tour sets up a scavenger hunt of artists’ studios for art lovers to visit.
For many artists, their homes are their studios so for them experience is much more personal than a 10x10 foot booth at a show. “We just enjoy it. We love our house, we love to show the place off. We always get interesting people… It’s not just ‘hello, here’s my artwork’ and ‘goodbye’,” said Candy Mayer, an El Paso artist whose Upper Valley home is a stop on the Tour.
Corinne Abeyta-Spinnler, another El Paso artist and teacher also relishes the chance to share her workspace with her fans. “This gives people from El Paso a chance to see how artists live and work,” she said, indicating her warm sunny studio tucked away in her home.
Both women described how the tour began when fellow Plein Air painter, Randy Limbird wanted to help artists get exposure in El Paso. With so many exhibits and shows, Limbird and other artists thought inviting visitors to see how the magic of their favorite pieces is made by their favorite local artists. Lisa Matta, a Plein Air artist and guest artist at Mayer’s studio, says Plein Air art, which means “open” air art, as well as the Studio Tour lets artists get into their work and interact with art enthusiasts, artists and friends. “It lets you push the limits, think outside the box.”
It is also a chance for blossoming artists to see how more seasoned artists breathe life into their paintings. “I think God gave everyone a little gift,” said Melinda Etzold, who insists that anyone can be an artist with the right teacher, hard work and motivation. “I do a lot of shows but they are a lot of work. It’s interesting to go see a different studio and see what other artists are using.” She added.
Already in its fourth consecutive year, the El Paso Artists’ Studio Tour was a bit slow this year, according to Mayer, Spinnler, and Etzold. “It’s not so much that you want to sell, you just want people to see your studio,” said Spinnler. But it is certain that for those who did attend, it was an interesting and fun testament to El Paso’s glorious scenery and the artists who paint it.
Zyanya Dickey, El Paso Art Alive
Published 04/17/2011 - 9:48 p.m. MST
The Before Picture 
The After Picture
Tour opens on Friday, August 26th, 2011 at the Sunland Park Mall through
Let me know if you would love to bid on this piece. Contact me at Marylisamatta@aol.com
Plein Air Painters Exhibit
