Art enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to peek behind the creative curtain when Artists’ Open Studios returns to Jamestown on Saturday, August 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The annual event, hosted by the Jamestown Arts Center, transforms Conanicut Island into a sprawling gallery as more than 30 participating artists invite the public into their private workspaces for a one-day, island-wide tour.
“There’s something truly special about getting to step inside an artist’s studio—it’s like being invited into their imagination,” said Christine Cocca, Executive Director of JAC. “This event has become a highlight of the summer because it offers more than just a chance to see art; it gives visitors an up-close look at how artists think, work, and create.”
The studios reflect the diverse artistic community that calls Jamestown home, offering visitors insights into creative processes that can’t be experienced in traditional gallery settings. Each workspace tells its own story, shaped by the unique personality and methods of its artist.
This year’s roster includes painters, printmakers, and various other artists working across different mediums. Participating artists include Hilary Archer, Jillian Barber, Shirley Bell, Shawndavid Berry, Ellen Bulger, Kurt Bonn & Diane Bonn Damle, Josephine Brak, Kyle Canyon, Ellie Cashman, Rose Chase, Barbara Cunha, Peter Diepenbrock, Dave Drown, Peter Elsworth, Jane Kamminski, Alexandra Kent, Deb Lichtenstein, Susan Mailloux, Amanda Matthews, Jessica McGuirl, Robin McGuirl, Rick Meli, Sarah Oesting, Julie Sanford, Sandy Sorlien, Christopher T. Terry, Alexi Sarah Widoff, Josy Wright, and Ernest Wulff.
Additional artists will showcase their work through pop-up displays at Fuller Gallery (42 Narragansett Ave.), RI Real Estate Services (34 Narragansett Ave), Out of the Box Studio & Gallery (11 Clinton Ave.), and at JAC itself (18 Valley St.).
For artist Lisa Barsumian, the event provides a rare opportunity to share her creative sanctuary with others. “As a full time painter and printmaker I spend almost every day working alone in my studio,” she explained. “Once a year, for the JAC Open Studios tour, I enjoy opening my doors to welcome people in to see where I work. It gives me a chance to talk about my creative process and to share a bit about works in progress.”
Barsumian noted that the interactions often lead to meaningful exchanges of ideas and new connections, though she admitted to one drawback: “The only downside for me is that because my studio is on the tour, I can’t visit the others!”
The self-guided tour is free and open to the public. Printed maps will be available at JAC starting Tuesday, August 4, while digital maps with turn-by-turn directions and detailed information about participating artists can be found on the center’s website.
Should weather interfere with Saturday’s plans, the event will be rescheduled for Sunday, August 10, during the same hours.
The Jamestown Arts Center describes itself as “a leading arts and cultural hub for Rhode Island and beyond, where creativity, ideas, and innovation flourish.”
For more information and maps, visit jamestownartcenter.org/events/open-studios-2025.
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