The Whidbey Island Arts Council invites artists to participate in the 2010 Whidbey Open Studio Tour to be held Sept. 25 and 26.

This year, tour organizers are trying something new. Groups of three to six artists will be able to gather in one place to demonstrate their process and display their work. The steering committee encourages as many small-group venues as possible.

In addition, two large public spaces will be available for artists to show work and welcome visitors in Langley and Coupeville. Individual artists can also register to participate using their own studio on the tour. There will be no gallery exhibits of artists’ work.

In another new twist this year, there will be no admission charge to attend the tour. Contributions from sponsors and advertisers, all of whom will be listed in the brochure and other publications, plus the registration fees from participating artists, will defray most costs of putting on the tour. There will be an increase in the registration fees for artists.

All applications should be submitted online through the Whidbey Island Arts Council Web site (www.islandartscouncil.org).

To register you will need an email address and access to the internet. Email studiotour@islandartscouncil.org, or call 678-3396 at the Pacific Northwest Art School.