gmhTODAY Summer 2024 | Page 38

4th Annual Morgan Hill Open Studios

Artists on display throughout South County

Which art lover — whether a connoisseur , a learner , or simply curious — can withstand the irresistible opportunity to be immersed in original local art showcased in two unique formats ? This September 21-22 , 2024 ( 10 am-4 pm ), the 4th Annual Morgan Hill Open Studios ( MHOS ) art tours will once again showcase local artists from Morgan Hill , San Martin , Gilroy , and South San Jose .

Every studio tour is distinctive and fascinating , offering glimpses into the private creative sanctuaries of local artists . Surrounded by beauty and artistic expression , the essence of every vibrant brushstroke , sculpted curve , ceramic , jewelry , metalwork , or fabric resonates and lingers on . Stimulating thoughtful conversations with artists about their creative processes , inspirations , and artistic trajectories provides deeper insights into them and their art . Or perhaps letting the art speak for itself while you silently lose yourself in a serene , soulful space is more your style . You might even feel compelled to purchase an art piece to cement your profound bond with it . Extras at

The idea of a local Open Studios event was proposed to the City of Morgan Hill ’ s Library , Culture and Arts Commission in December 2019 by local artists , Marie Cloughesy , Cindy Blanton , and Sophie Lastra , and enthusiastically embraced . MHOS debuted in November 2021 and operates as an El Toro Culture & Arts Committee project of the Morgan Hill Community Foundation , with goals of connecting art lovers with local artists , making the arts accessible , enriching lives , and making South County an arts destination .

Artists from San Martin , Gilroy , and South San Jose are invited to participate annually , and the hope is to grow the event , attracting neighboring cities and organizations to help with planning and resource-sharing . a studio might include art demonstrations , prize drawings , cookies , hor d ’ oeuvres , and more . You may even be inspired to brave creative swirls on a community-created canvas — like the one last year at artist Jennifer Blalack ’ s Holiday Lakes home and studio , where she showcased her own stunning creations .
Experience a distinct change of scene and ambience in our festive and vibrant communal spaces . Booths with walls and tables adorned with eye-catching and diverse genres of art , along with the bustling , dynamic energy and buzz of many artists and people gathered in one place , make communal venues a hit . Celebration , community , and inspiration radiate from communal sites ; you can ’ t help being drawn in . The Community & Cultural Center , Community Recreation Center , Morgan Hill House , and Sculpture Monkey Studios are our communal sites this year . Visit communal sites and individual studios for the full Open Studios experience .
MHOS Chair Cindy Blanton joined the LCAC commission and currently serves as its chair for 2024-2025 . As she eloquently stated , “ After retirement , I was able to focus on my love of making art . I discovered a large art community in Morgan Hill , and saw that our city really appreciated art , as witnessed by all our beautiful public art . Both our county and neighboring counties had Open Studios events , but visitors were hesitant to travel to our south county area . I was thrilled that two commissioners were eager to help with establishing a local Open Studios event . So here we are , still in our infancy , celebrating our 4th year . Please join us , either as an Artist or a visitor . I know it fills the hearts of artists to share their work .”
Visit www . morganhillopenstudios . org for more information .
38 SUMMER 2024 gmhTODAY Magazine : Go . Make history ... gmhtoday . com