Santa Cruz, CA — This October, Arts Council Santa Cruz County proudly presents the 40th Annual Open Studios Art Tour, the county’s largest and most beloved art event. Over 340 artists working in 22 mediums will open their studios across the county, inviting the public to Discover, Experience, and Connect with creativity at its source.
Since its founding in 1985, Open Studios has become a cultural tradition that fuels the local economy and strengthens community bonds. According to the national Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study, the nonprofit arts sector generates over $68 million annually in Santa Cruz County, underscoring the tour’s role as both a cultural and economic driver.
Press Resources
To support press, artists, sponsors, and partners, the Arts Council has created an Open Studios 2025 Marketing Toolkit, which includes graphics, social media assets, tour details, photos, and press materials. Find the full toolkit at: [Open Studios 2025 Marketing Toolkit – link].
A New Chapter, A Lasting Legacy
“As we celebrate 40 years of Open Studios, we’re also looking to the future,” says Bree Karpavage, Open Studios and Tannery Arts Center Program Manager, “Our goal is to not only showcase extraordinary art, but also to elevate the artists themselves, expand community access, and create lasting cultural impact. Open Studios is more than an event — it’s an invitation to connect with the creative heartbeat of our county.”
Tour Dates:
Studios open Sat & Sun, 11am–5pm
-
October 4–5: South County artists (Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor South)
-
October 11–12: North County artists (Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor North)
-
October 18–19: All County weekend, featuring 250+ artists across the region
Preview Exhibits:
-
Santa Cruz Art League — September 26–October 19 (featuring 2025 artists)
-
Pajaro Valley Arts — September 20–October 19 (highlighting artists from Watsonville, Davenport, San Lorenzo Valley & other far-reaching areas of the county.)
How to Plan Your Visit:
-
Website: santacruzopenstudios.com — FAQ’s, artist directory, maps, digital guide.
-
Printed Guide: Available at 700+ Good Times drop-off locations beginning mid-September.
-
App: Free “Santa Cruz County Open Studios” app available on iTunes & Google Play beginning mid-September
-
Follow the iconic green signs as you journey across the county
-
Blog Posts:
More than a Tour
For forty years, Open Studios has been more than a tour — it has been a catalyst for connection, creativity, and cultural vitality in Santa Cruz County. Each year, the event generates over $1 million in direct sales for artists, boosts local shops, restaurants, and hotels, and reinforces the region’s reputation as a cultural destination.
In today’s moment — when communities everywhere are seeking ways to reconnect — Open Studios reminds us that art is not only expression, but also an engine of belonging, resilience, and shared identity.
“Open Studios is where our community gathers around creativity,” adds Bree Karpavage, Open Studios and Tannery Arts Center Program Manager. “It’s about supporting local artists, investing in the cultural economy, and experiencing the joy of discovery.”
“As we enter this milestone year, we’re honored to carry forward the legacy of Open Studios while also innovating for the future,” says Mercedes Lewis, Communications Manager. “This year, more than ever, we warmly invite everyone to discover, experience, and connect with the extraordinary creativity of Santa Cruz County.”
Website: santacruzopenstudios.com | Follow: @artscouncilsc IG | FB
Special thanks to our sponsors: West Coast Community Bank and GoodTimes.
