Big things come in small packages — or, perhaps, small islands. Especially when it comes to the talent per square foot on Shelter Island.
Enter ArtSI, the island-centric, grassroots artists’ collective that will hold its annual island-wide studio tour this weekend, August 16 and 17 from noon to 5 p.m.
Some of the compelling works that will be on view for this year’s ArtSI studio tour. (Images courtesy of ArtSI)
During these days and times, you can go to the actual studios of the 20 participating artists in this year’s event. The self-guided tour not only affords you entry into the places local artists work, but also a rare opportunity to actually talk with them, ask about materials, technique, who create the compelling imagery, sculpture, photography, textile and other works.
ArtSI formed back in 2010 as a breakaway group of artists wanting to share their work in a more accessible manner to a broader audience. The first one featured more than 20 local artists and was such a hit with the local community, it became an annual event.
Participants can download a map of participating artists and their location from the ArtSI website, and simply create your own self-guided tour of all or a few chosen stops for the open-studio days.
Three of those original, pioneering Studio Tour artists will be featured in this year’s event: Diana Malcomson, Roz Dimon and June Shatken.
“There was a real spark with the advent of ArtSI in 2010 that put Shelter Island back on the creative map; beyond the obvious textbook legends — John Chamberlain, Alan Shields, Ernst Neizvestny,” said founding member Dimon in a statement to the press. “ARTSI erupted with an exciting, happening now, backyard grassroots energy — and it’s done nothing but grow into its own legend ever since.”
Also in this year’s tour are Sally Jacobs Baker, Tia Bowman, Linda Brienza, Fred Buonocore, Catherine Corry, Kathryn A. Cunningham, Dee Debernardis, Laurie Dolphin, Melora Griffis, Megan Hergrueter, Lily Hoffman, Mary Ann Moy, Carl Norr, Jacky Pullman, Jana Sheinker, Susan Schrott, Peter Waldner and Allison Woodward.
