Dutch Iris Inn Bed and Breakfast, near Hartford CT and Springfield MA

One of our favorite events that happen here in Granby each year is the Granby Artists Association Open Studio Tour on Columbus Day weekend.  It never ceases to amaze us how many talented individuals we have in our community that excel in oil painting, wood working, watercolor, pottery, jewelry, calligraphy, cartooning, glassworks, photography, furniture and more.  Open Studio weekend is always at a beautiful time of year, with peak fall foliage providing the backdrop for a spectacular drive from studio to studio.  This year, the dates are Saturday & Sunday October 8^th and 9^th, 2011, 10am – 4pm each day. 

It is always a pleasure to meet the artists, talk with them about their craft, learn a few new things – how surprised we were to learn the intricacies of cartooning, and what it takes to produce a final draft!  Having the opportunity to see artists working with media that is not so familiar to us is a real treat.  We always come away with a better appreciation for the talent that surrounds us every day. 

Like previous years, you can participate in the “Passport” program while on tour.  Simply pick up your passport at the first studio you visit, have it stamped, and then have it stamped at all the other studios you tour that weekend.  If you get stamped by at least 12 of the 18 open studios, your name is entered into a drawing for a $250 gift certificate that you can spend at any studio(s) on tour. 

For those who have stayed or visited us at the Dutch Iris Inn know how much we enjoy showcasing Granby art throughout our home.  Some of these pieces we found during Open Studio, and others we selected at various shows and from art stores in the area.  On the open studio tour, wonderful masterpieces of all kinds are available for show and for sale.  Come take a look and inspire your artist within!

For a map of the Granby Artists Association 10^th Annual Open Studio Tour, visit the association’s website at www.granbyartists.org.  Why not get the best New England autumn experience around?  Soak in beautiful fall foliage colors created by nature and view beautiful artwork created by our talented community artists.  See you on tour!