“Art is highly valued here. Local businesses support our tour and our ongoing work, the schools are closely connected to many of our artists, and every year we see more people moving here because of the art culture. Art truly does live on Camano Island."
CAMANO ISLAND, Wash. (PRWEB) May 05, 2017
Next Friday, May 12, the Camano Island Studio Tour will open to welcome an estimated 5,000 visitors to the tranquil artist community island over the course of its two-weekend event. The Studio Tour attracts art lovers and nature lovers drawn by the diverse visual arts and the unique beauty of Camano Island and has become the largest tourist event for the community.
Since the Tour began, Camano Island’s arts community has become a haven for artists and art lovers, attracted by the collaborative community of highly accomplished artists and the stunning natural beauty of the island.
Nicki Wight, this year’s cover artist, moved to Camano Island because she was inspired by the stunning natural beauty. When she arrived, she was pleased to also find a kindred group of accomplished artists, committed to improving their skills while also giving back to burgeoning artists in the local schools.
“Any artist would be inspired to be a part of this community,” Wight explained. “There is not only a shared passion for diverse art mediums, but a true commitment to taking that passion and focusing it over two weekends to share it with others. The energy, joy and talent is palpable.”
In addition to growing a vibrant arts community, the Camano Studio Tour has also become a signature event that draws attention to the growing need for arts education. The Camano Arts Association which puts on the event every year, also sponsors a number of scholarships for graduating seniors seeking to pursue advanced education in the arts and members regularly participate in mentorship programs with aspiring local artists.
According to this year’s tour director, Mary Simmons, the commitment to arts is a part of the culture on the island.
“Art is highly valued here,” Simmons said. “Local businesses support our tour and our ongoing work, the schools are closely connected to many of our artists, and every year we see more people moving here because of the art culture. Art truly does live on Camano Island.”
Visitors are encouraged to visit the more than 40 artists featured on this year’s Tour. In addition, there are five new juried artists on the tour, ensuring something new for everyone.
Operating hours are from 9am – 5pm, Friday – Sunday May 12 – 14 and Saturday – Sunday May 20- May 21. Free to the public, a tour map can be picked up on the island at the Windermere office parking lot at 818 N Sunrise Blvd, Camano Island starting opening day or downloaded at http://www.camanostudiotour.com.
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About Camano Island Studio Tour
The Camano Island Studio Tour was established in 1997 by the Camano Arts Association and the first tour commenced the following year. The tour attracts visitors from throughout the region and beyond, and has become the island’s largest tourist attraction of the year. For more information or to download a brochure and map of this year’s tour, visit http://www.camanostudiotour.com.