Whidbey Art Market hosting studio tours

Art appreciators can kick off the holiday season by visiting a series of South Whidbey studios.

By Kira Erickson • November 17, 2023 1:30 am

Art appreciators can kick off the holiday season by visiting a series of South Whidbey studios as part of this year’s Whidbey Art Market, and potentially take home a big prize.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 24 and 25, six studios with a total of 15 working artists are open to the public. Sculpture, clay, wood, photography, basketry, glass, illustration, paintings, mixed media, digital collage, jewelry and fiber are among the fine art that will be represented.

Whidbey Art Market is wrapping up its third year of operation. Freeland artist Kim Tinuviel came up with the idea during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to bring in revenue for artists on the island.

“After lockdown, we all kind of had cabin fever,” she said. “And economically, we all needed an outlet into getting back to selling our work.”

What began as an outdoor event morphed into more markets held at larger venues. This year, Tinuviel decided to try something different with a handful of studio tours.

Those who visit all six studios, and get their show passports punched, have a chance to win big. There are three enticing prizes that will be awarded from a random drawing after the event. The grand prize, valued at $500, is a one-night midweek stay at the Inn at Langley. The first prize, valued at $340, includes dinner for two at Orchard Kitchen. The runner-up prize is a surprise gift basket, with items made by the artists.

The studios are spread out across Clinton, Langley, Freeland and Greenbank. Entry is free and does not require a ticket.

“Each studio is like a glimpse of not only our art lives, but our personal lives,” Tinuviel said. “Each studio is unique.”

Tinuviel’s own studio is on the map. She plans to host Danette Sulgrove, a fiber artist, and painter Alicia Elliott. Expect some lively music.

“Most of us will be demonstrating in one way or another,” Tinuviel said.

Glass blower Katrina Hude is one of the newest members of Whidbey Art Market. Her studio, also on the map, is a hot shop hidden in the woods of Greenbank. Tinuviel described her work as “edgy, contemporary and really exciting.”

Other participating artists include Beth Rahi, Michelle Bach, David Somers, Daniel J. Gregory, Regina Kastler, Deborah and Ian Montgomerie, Barbara Mosher, Tammi Sloan, R. E. Yelton and Jordan Jones.

“They’re some of the best artists on the island,” Tinuviel said. “They’re all professional artists, they’re all high quality. It leans towards fine art, as opposed to craft art.”

To view the interactive online map and to learn more about the event, visit whidbeyartmarket.com.