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Have you ever wondered how local artists create their work? Wished you could peek into their private studios? Wanted to meet the creator of your most recent art purchase?

We’ve got you covered.

Professional artists in and around Edmonds are already preparing to open their studio doors for the 12th annual Edmonds Art Studio Tour Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 16-17. The free, self-guided tour gives the opportunity to visit 18 private studios displaying the work of 31 local artists.

Studios will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

In addition to offering the chance to watch artists at work, see newly created and in-progress pieces, and purchase high quality art directly from the artists. Visitors can see paintings, sculptures, jewelry, wood pieces, glasswork, pottery and more.

“Nothing makes me happier than to talk about art in general and my art in particular with people who are interested in discussing art,” said painter Sue Robertson, one of the founders of the event. “The Studio Tour provides the opportunity to do just that with hundreds of visitors. In particular, I enjoy talking with young people who are creating art and asking questions about how to get their art seen or about my studio set up. It is a joyful weekend for me.”

Painter Angela Bandurka agrees.

“This is the best opportunity for me to meet with collectors and artists in an informal setting,” she said. “Usually as an artist, you're alone in your studio day after day and, while I love the quiet time, it's great to talk to folks about art and the process of making it.”

“The tour is a weekend of fun and friends,” said Janis Graves, a painter who has been part of the event since its inception. “It’s a time to reconnect with patrons who come every year to say hello and search for new art works – to meet people from all walks of life.”

New work

Studio tour visitors are often the first to see new work by their favorite artists and hear about their latest projects and honors.

Bandurka has had a particularly good year, having achieved Master Signature status in the International Society of Acrylic Painters (ISAP). She also received the first place prize for The Artist’s Magazine’s All Media Art Competition last year. The winners are highlighted in this year's July/August issue.

Always cooking up something new, mixed media artist Meredith Arnold has been working on designs for collage necklaces. “I have been wanting to combine different mediums, materials and elements with a variety of chain patterns,” she said. “I am making each of the key elements that will be combined into the chain that include small, handmade metal shadow boxes with tiny collage compositions inside under resin, escutcheons I made from opaque resins, wire-framed, resin-covered papers and handmade beads.”

Artists give back

All that creativity can’t help but spill over into the community. And when it does, a deeper investigation reveals many of Edmonds’ artists use their art powers for good.

Arnold, for example, has become involved with the Museum of Special Art in Bothell’s Country Village. “I enjoyed helping at the sales desk for their first opening this last year,” she said.

“This group for artists with disabilities began by having their studios open twice a month at ArtWorks in Edmonds. As the manager of the ArtWorks space, I was able to help them get donations, learn how to hang a show, and help produce an annual exhibit. They have since become their own nonprofit.”

Bandurka has enjoyed participating in the monthly HeartSpot fundraisers, held by ARTspot on Main Street in downtown Edmonds during Third Thursday Art Walks. She also enjoys helping her son's school “with any creative needs they may have.” And she hosts “neighborhood art days each summer for the kids” that live near her home.

Robertson likes “to impart to people the joy that art brings” during the tour. “Creating art is beneficial to the creator,” she said. “And joyful artists give back to their community by creating art. Participating in the Studio Tour and the Edmonds Arts Festival is an opportunity to give back to our lovely community.”

“There are a lot of world-class artists living and working in the Edmonds area,” Bandurka said. “It's an exciting time to be a part of the Edmonds arts scene.”

And a vibrant arts scene creates a vibrant community.

“Whenever you get a large group of artists in a town, art businesses begin to appear,” Robertson said. “We have galleries, an art supply store and a performing arts center. Art classes and workshops are offered and there will soon be a new art nonprofit appearing on Main Street. Once these things start to happen, more artists are drawn to the community and more people become supportive of the arts.”

Arnold agrees, calling the Edmonds an “art-centric” community. “Many passionate art lovers come to see and support artists,” she said. “The community is openly supportive of artists, which is a rare and special thing.”

And that community feel extends beyond just artists and their art.

“I've seen total strangers connect and become friends on the spot through mutual love of art,” said Graves. “Most of all, there is lots of laughter. This is why I participate (in the tour) and why I would encourage people to come.”

“Even if you are not aware of a particular interest in art,” said Robertson, “come visit the studios during the Studio Tour. You never know if you might awaken something within yourself that wants to create. If you have an interest in being creative, come see all different types of art and talk to the artists about their process. It might help you identify what you would like to try. In a few years, you might be on the Studio Tour yourself”

Visit the Tour’s mobile-friendly website at EdmondsArtStudioTour.com to preview the participating artists and their work, download a map of participating studios, and find links to each artist’s website.

The Edmonds Art Studio Tour is supported by the Edmonds Arts Festival, the Edmonds Arts Commission, Joyful Art Foundation, Harsin Wealth Management, Inc., The Cheesemonger’s Table and many others, listed on the tour website.

Ellen Chappelle will display her wire and chain mail jewelry during the Edmonds Art Studio Tour at Marohn’s Glass and Fine Art, 181290 Andover St., Edmonds.