This article originally appeared in PureHoney Magazine. Check them out here.
We begin by stipulating that when it comes to the visual arts, Miami-Dade County is king, regionally speaking. Between Art Basel, the Wynwood Arts District and an archipelago of fine-art museums stretching from Coral Gables to Miami Beach, the southernmost of the big three South Florida counties has more art clout than its neighbors.
But Broward and Palm Beach aren’t just coasting on their proximity to an art capital. Both are home to highly regarded museums, juried biennials and art expos that represent investments in culture and competition across county lines for recognition as arts communities.
Consider Open Studios, a two-day event (May 17 and 18) presented by Cultural Council of Palm Beach County. Now in its third year, Open Studios spotlights art, artists, and the creative process by focusing on Palm-based creators in multiple media: painting, sculpture, illustration, photography, mixed media, installation, glass blowing, ceramics, apparel, and tattooing.
If one is inquisitive or brave enough to interrogate an art form and audit the process behind it, Open Studios has dozens of participating venues from Boca to Tequesta, and more than 100 artists available to match the question to the right practitioner. Everything is free and open to all ages.
Artists and artisans will be demonstrating their crafts and offering guidance on how to get stared. While many artists are return hosts for Open Studios, the talent pool is growing. One look at the roster of participants tells you that the Palm Beaches have no shortage of creativity.
Think of Open Studios as a day trip to see what this arts community has to offer. Studio and gallery staff will be in their work and display spaces all day on that Saturday and Sunday, showing their wares, answering questions, and offering pieces for sale. It’s an opportunity not just for residents to marvel at Palm Beach County’s thriving art economy, but also for artists themselves to get their names out into the world and be recognized among the region’s very best.
Open Studios runs 10am-3pm Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18. Find a downloadable artist lineup, location map and app at palmbeachculture.com/open-studios/
