A Behind the Scenes LOOK!

The City by Steven Plaziak

Indoor Flowers by Stu Lerner

Many of us have had the experience of visiting art galleries and museums to experience fine art. But rarely is the opportunity available to actually interact with the creator of this work. Shoreline ArtsTrail Open Studios Weekend affords visitors this wonderful experience on November 22 and 23 from 10am - 4pm.  For 13 years Shoreline ArtsTrail has invited the public to view artists work in a wide range of mediums and styles as well as a variety of environments from lofts, to barns, to industrial parks, to cozy studios.  While following the self-guided map to the more than 42 artists' studios in Branford, Guilford and Madison you will learn about each artist's space, their process, influences, and other facts that one would likely not see otherwise. The studio visits allow one to truly appreciate the work and understand the realities of how it gets done.  The passion and creative perspective of the artist are palpable when engulfed in their space.  They are commited to their craft, working hard and taking risks.  So whether you are a collector, an emerging artist, an appreciator or just curious spend some time this coming weekend with some of the Shoreline's outstanding artists. You might even get in some early holiday shopping on this artistic journey.
During Open Studios Weekend, colorful “Open Studio” signs will point you to all of these artists and studios. For specific locations and more information about events, discount offers and participating artists, pick up a copy of the Shoreline ArtsTrail map, available in libraries, town halls and visitors’ centers in Branford, Guilford and Madison, as well as at the Guilford Art Center and the various studios. Contact Martha Link Walsh at (203) 481-3505 or visit www.shorelineartstrail.com.

The Shoreline ArtsTrail was initiated in 2002 by a small group of artists and artisans in the Connecticut shoreline towns of Branford, Guilford and Madison. Their intent was to create an annual Open Studios event as a showcase to allow local residents and weekend visitors to interact with the artists and to experience the creative process first-hand. The seeds were planted and began to grow.

Three years later, grants from the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism and from the three towns dramatically accelerated this burgeoning venture. The number of artists almost doubled; the media represented followed suit. With the invaluable support of the Guilford Art Center, the vigorous group of Open Studio artists morphed into a year-long Shoreline ArtsTrail. The combined efforts of all parties led to the ArtsTrail receiving the Compass Award for Excellence in Partnership in 2007 from the Greater New Haven Visitors' Bureau. The collaboration of artists, the Arts Center, and the tourism committees of the three towns was recognized as a powerful force for stimulating tourism on the Shoreline.

Painting by Christine Chiocchio

Now in its thirteenth year, the ArtsTrail and its Open Studio Weekend is better than ever. Armed with one of the thousands of maps distributed throughout Connecticut and its neighboring states, visitors get an intimate view of the artists in their natural habitat. Visitors are able to get a real feel for the artists and their work. One-on-one explanations illuminate the how's and why's that go into the design and development of each piece. The processes that artists use to transform raw materials into finished works of art are as different as they are special. No matter what the medium -- wood, glass, precious metal, paint, fiber, ceramics, stone, photography, or steel -- all require focus, an extended time frame, and skilled hands. Open Studios Weekend provides an opportunity to learn the "art" in each art form. What could be better than combining education, refreshments, and an unparalleled, early holiday shopping experience? Many visitors take the opportunity to initiate discussions of special projects or commissions that they have dreamed about.