6th Annual
Round About Artist Studio Tour
Round About Artist Studio Tour
Round About Artist Studio Tour: History
The Caddo River Art Guild was founded in October, 2006 by five local artists who painted together for many years and saw a need to promote art and artists in south central Arkansas. With that goal in mind, these artists organized a tour of artists’ studios in Arkadelphia and the surrounding area. The first Round About Artist Studio Tour was a huge success with over 600 tourists attending the three-day tour through beautiful wooded hills and valleys to view the studios and watch the artists demonstrate their talents.
The Round About Artist Studio Tour has continued to grow and be successful in its mission to promote the visual arts and visual artists in this area. The 2012 tour will mark the 6th annual art tour. This free self-driving tour takes tourists to the individual working environment of local artists. This is an art education event with tourists meeting the artists, seeing the actual works in process, given a chance to ask questions relating to the wide variety of art work and how the pieces are constructed. The artists learn how to meet and greet their visitors, explain their work and thus promote their art and themselves. Visitors also have an opportunity to purchase work directly from the artists. Buying each unique piece of art supports Arkansas artists who are making their living creating items by their own skills and tools.
Another important aspect of promoting art and artists is the benefit it brings to Arkansas’ creative economy. The promotion of the arts in Arkansas is an important area that needs to be more explored and utilized. Arkansas is a prime area for arts and crafts industry, new job opportunities and increased tourism. The art tours are doing their part. Do a tour, have fun, be educated and promote art and artists.
