In its first seven years, the ArtJones Gulfport Artist Studio Tour has become a must-see and must-shop event on the region’s overflowing holiday arts calendar. Its intimate look inside the working studios of some of the region’s most creative artists and live demonstrations by several artists has kept this self-guided tour fresh and lively to the art loving crowds that frequent it annually during the first weekend of December.
The Eighth Annual ArtJones Gulfport Artist Studio Tour takes place on Saturday, December 7th from 10am – 5pm and Sunday, December 8th from 11am – 4pm, and features 22 artists across nine stops. Live music and artist demonstrations will take place at multiple locations along the route, and visitors will have the chance to meet participating artists in person and learn more about their creative process at each stop on the tour.
The work on this year’s tour represents a variety of artistic mediums, including painting, ceramics, jewelry, metal art, and mixed-media art. Art lovers are invited to visit ArtJonesStudioTour.com to download a map of the stops and brochure of the tour or pick up postcards and brochures with a map at several businesses throughout Gulfport and St. Petersburg.
Since its inception, ArtJones has been committed to supporting the next generation of artists and creators through its emerging artist scholarship program. This year’s scholarship recipient is Daphna Bowman, who creates what she calls “vine art” to reflect her connection with nature.
Says Bowman, “Through my artistry, I aim to create pieces that not only captivate the eye but also evoke a sense of tranquility and harmony with nature.”
In addition to Bowman, this year’s group includes painters Ray Domingo, Deserie Valloreo, Amy Howell, Jack Providenti, Christine Di Staola, Angela Warren, Nancy Poucher, Kiersty Long, Paula Roy, Cynthia Dugat, John Doyle, and Puma Love, as well as ceramic artists Brenda McMahon, Denny Howard, Patricia Burrows, and Margaret Pankhurst, metal artist Eric Folsom, jeweler Jessica Steele-Koupas, and mixed-media artists Polly Tetrault, Debra Campbell, and Monika Watson. Eight of the 22 participating artists are either new or returning to the tour after a hiatus.
ArtJones is sponsored locally by the Enroy Foundation, Kathleen and Peter Forde, Gulfport Beach Bazaar, Stella’s, Sail Market & Boutique, and Qi Crystal Energy. For more information on the artists and to download a brochure with a map of this year’s ArtJones Open Studio Tour, visit ArtJonesStudioTour.com and follow the group on social media outlets @weareartjones on Facebook and @artjonesgulfportfl on Instagram.
About the organization:
ArtJones is an independent artist-run collective with a rotating list of artists selected by invitation annually.
