Linda Lewis, #43, “Fine Art Jewelry”
While the 140 artists participating in the 2025 Open Studios Art Tour work in many materials and produce many kinds of art, their desire to share what they create—and how they create it—generates a special experience for artists and visitors alike.
With one weekend of the two-weekend event completed, there’s still time for visitors to connect with many of the Open Studios artists and explore their individual creative processes.
Jewelry artist Linda Lewis handcrafts her works of art in her beachside studio in Avila. Having taken part in Open Studios on and off since it began, she sees it as “a good chance for people to see my work and the environment in which I create it.”
It’s also an opportunity for local artists to connect with other artists. Lewis welcomed painter Tracy Taylor and pottery maker Jennifer Long to share her space during Open Studios.
Long, who says she “got bit by the pottery bug” 10 years ago, says Open Studios offers exposure, a chance to talk with other visiting artists, and “you get to hear what people think of your work.”
That interaction is a key element of the event.
Taylor agrees. “I’ve always had great success with Open Studios. So many people come to visit.” A patron from Laguna Beach, who had never met Taylor, came to Open Studios this year just to meet her.
“People are having fun, enjoying themselves,” according to SLO Silkworks artist Toni Pruett Bouman, describing her first weekend. Bouman, who hadn’t participated in Open Studios for a number of years, was pleasantly surprised to find her studio unexpectedly busy. “It’s the best Open Studios I’ve ever had—very positive remarks about my work and about the event.”
Mary Bucher, a glass fusion artist who was participating in Open Studios for the first time, was pleased with her numbers—in terms of both visitors and sales. She participates in other showcases, like Art in the Park at Dinosaur Caves, but Open Studios “is the best I’ve ever done anywhere.”
Bucher is one of eight artists who have gathered at the Gallery Monarch Dunes at Trilogy in Nipomo to show their work.
Jewelry designer Elizabeth Manak uses some uncommon materials in her work, pointing out some earrings made of felt, paper, and lava rock.
“I like to make jewelry by exploring different mediums,” she says. “I ‘recreate’—replacing the usual materials with things like neoprene, rubber, and paper.”
Manak expressed disappointment that she could only participate in the first weekend due to other obligations. “I do Open Studios because you want to show people what you’ve done,” she says. “And it helps connect with people and other artists.”
Joining Bucher at Trilogy for the second weekend of Open Studios are Lynne Hanna, Chris James Aldieri, Jewel DeMoss, Gary McCavitt, Fred Ventura, and Janet Yu.
The 2025 Open Studios Art Tour continues October 18-19 in all parts of SLO County.
The free catalog is available online and at the following locations:
- Studios on the Park in Paso Robles
- Art Center Morro Bay in Morro Bay
- Art Central in San Luis Obispo
- Edna Contemporary in San Luis Obispo
- The Gallery in Arroyo Grande