By Lynne Hendricks
Staff Writer
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AMESBURY — Though the days are long and sweet now, it won't be long before the crisp, colorful days of autumn are upon us. And if you're an artist living or working in Amesbury, that means it's time to start selecting pieces to exhibit for the upcoming 14th annual Open Studio Tour.
Applications are currently being accepted for the weekend-long, townwide exhibit, taking place this year on Nov. 13 and 14 at various locations across Amesbury. So if you've been working on something special throughout the year, it's time to start thinking about how you want to share it with the community during this event.
In past years, the studio tours have displayed the work of some of the region's most talented artists and artisans, whether they hail from a rented space in the Cedar Street Studio building, within the Upper Millyard building, or from the Cultural Council headquarters. Pieces have included fine art by Helen Hamel, Rachel Kohn, Peg McIntosh and Edward Gerrish Mair. Artists like Charlotte Sorsen have exhibited special pieces with influences rooted in the history of Amesbury, and other artists have opened their work spaces to the public, showcasing art made from recycled materials, woodworking pieces and artistic renderings utilizing a wide spectrum of mediums.
Last year, their one-of-a-kind pieces of art were showcased and sold to residents from more than 46 exhibit venues — with 14 alone housed within the Cedar Street Studio building.
This year, event organizers Su Bailey and Renee Schneider are hoping for an even greater showing in terms of both exhibitors and art enthusiasts. In order to have more time to promote the weekend event, Bailey and Schneider are asking entrants to submit their applications by Sept. 30, just a bit earlier than in previous years. Applications are available on the Cultural Council website.
The council is also looking for volunteers to help plan the event and help organize things throughout the weekend. If you're interested, contact Bailey at subailey13@gmail.com or Schneider at rd2fly@comcast.net.
