OSA 2023 Tour
Christopher Noxon | Photos of the Artists by Julie Grist
Spark Taylor, At the Corner of Sun and Shade, Oil on linen panel, 9 x 12
Painter Spark TAYLOR opens her studio as part of this year’s Ojai Studio Artists Tour
The main thing about the Ojai Studio Artists (OSA) annual open studio event: it’s a LOT.
This year’s tour, October 7-9, marks the 40th anniversary, and every year seems to get bigger, more diverse, and more daunting. More than sixty studios will be open over the three-day tour, featuring a head-spinning variety of paintings, sculpture, ceramics, fiber arts, jewelry, apparel, photography, glass, printmaking, and collage. Open studios range from secluded canyons near Lake Casitas to backyard wonderlands right in town to secluded cabins up Sulphur Mountain.
Painter GAYEL CHILDRESS opens her studio as part of this year’s Ojai Studio Artists Tour
There’s just so much to see — really, too much. Talk to tour veterans, and you’re bound to hear the same bit of advice: have a game plan. Others insist on the importance of an open mind and good footwear. Herewith, tips and tricks for getting the most out of the event:
#1: Make a list.
Resist the temptation to leave it to the last minute and then follow the orange road signs wherever they lead. You might get lucky, but more likely, you’ll go home exhausted and bored. Do your homework. Start at the Ojai Valley Museum, which is currently showing “Turning Corners,” including work by all this year’s participating artists, many of whom will be at the museum in person on Oct 6 (the night before the tour begins) for a special reception from 5-7 pm. Mingle, ask questions, and jot down the names of artists you like. When you get home, check the OSA website, check out the online brochure, and register (it’s free!).
Gayel Childress, Nature's Eye Candy, Mixed media on acrylic panel, 60 x 14
Fiber artist Carol Shaw is featured in the Ojai Studio Artists Open Studio Tour
STUDIO OF CAROL SHAW-SUTTON, FROM THE ARTIST’S IG
The point of all this prep, says artist and famed rock-stacker Martha Moran, is zeroing in on what you like. “There are so many studios, so you have to really decide first what you want to see,” she says. “You run out of time really fast — if you’ve got one day, you better pick studios you like.”
Lucinda Yates, A Big Move, Oil on Mounted paper, 20 x 16
PAINTER LUCINDA YATES is featured in the Ojai Studio Artists Open Studio Tour
#2 Plan a route.
Once you’ve registered, you’ll get instructions on where to pick up your tour guidebook with studio details and a full map. Locate all the studios on your list and check the listings — some studios are only open for one or two days. You might also break your list into two or three geographic areas and then plot your route for each day. Mondays are typically the least crowded — some swear it’s their favorite.
Mixed media artist James Robie is featured in the Ojai Studio Artists Open Studio Tour
#3 Take your time.
Don’t rush. Accept that you won’t be able to see everything. “Pace yourself,” says painter Pamela Grau. “People tend to run around and wear themselves out. You need the bandwidth to enjoy and appreciate what you’re seeing.”
#4 Talk to the artists.
Artmaking can be a lonely business, so the artists you meet are almost always super excited to meet you. Feel free to ask about processes and materials, and inspirations. If you like something but aren’t ready to make a purchase, take pictures and talk to the artist.
#5 Ask around for deals, great spots, specials, and must-sees.
Talk to people along the way about where they’ve been. Several studios offer heavy discounts; others sell out early. One artist has been known to draw visitors’ portraits. And many work out of studios in spectacular homes and properties. Collect intel as you go. (And here’s one bit of good inside dope: if you’re into seeing ridiculously gorgeous pieces of property, don’t miss the studios of Mark Whitman, Sylvia Raz, and Leslie Plimpton — and don’t just lookie-loo — buy some art!)
#6: Make arrangements for visitors now.
Hotel rooms for the Tour weekend are often sold out entirely. In a pinch, check in Oak View or with the Ventura Visitor Center for vacancies.
Lastly, don’t forget the first rule of every good field trip: “Bring snacks,” says Emily Thomas, “It’s a long day.”
Check out the Artist Demonstration Schedule on
This piece was done as a trade with Ojai Studio Artists. You can also catch its author, Christopher Noxon, on the Tour. 
