Where does Open Studios take place? In artist's studios throughout Santa Cruz County.

• South County (October 6-7) includes studios south of the Yacht Harbor: Live Oak, Capitola, Soquel, Aptos, Freedom, La Selva Beach, Corralitos, and Watsonville

• North County (October 13-14) includes studios north of the Yacht Harbor: Santa Cruz, Davenport, Bonny Doon, Boulder Creek, Brookdale, Ben Lomond, Felton, and Scotts Valley

• Find participating All County (October 20-21) artists in the guide and map, or just look for the green signs all over the county.

What is a studio and what is it like to visit them? A studio is a place where someone makes art – it could be a room in their house, a space in a warehouse, a garage, or something different altogether. Everyone has a different method to their art-making – clean or messy, funky or classic, huge or tiny. Open Studios gives you an opportunity to see this amazing variety of approach and style – enjoy!

Why do Open Studios? Experience art where it was created, meet the artist, and learn about their artistic process. Open Studios is also a great way to meet neighbors that you might not have known were artists, or visit a new part of the county. Visit one studio or make a day of it.

Who is Open Studios for? Anyone. Seriously, you don’t even need an artist guide (although it helps). You can follow the green directional artist signs and indulge your sense of adventure. It’s a great thing to do alone, with family, or with friends.

Is it free? Yes! The guide is free, the app is free, there is no cost for visiting a studio. You might want to bring your wallet just in case you find a perfect piece to bring home or gift to a loved one.

Who are the Open Studios artists? They’re your friends, neighbors, or sometimes people you wouldn’t otherwise meet. Some artists are shy and some are gregarious. Some artists are hobbyists, others have non-art day jobs, and some are full-time artists.

Artists have been selected based on their anonymous application by a jury of seven arts professionals, all from outside of Santa Cruz County.

I'm an artist. How can I apply to be part of the tour? Applications for the tour are available online every year starting March 1; the deadline to apply is April 30. The tour is limited to adults [18 or older] who are residents of Santa Cruz County.

Participating artists have paid for the opportunity to meet you. They want to feel appreciated and share their process with art-loving (or art-curious) folks like you. Feel free to ask them questions or quietly soak it all in.

Of course they’d love for you to buy their work, but there’s no obligation to buy a thing. That said, artists have pieces for sale in all price ranges. And, if you see something you can’t live without but don’t have the cash on hand, a lot of artists offer payment plans. Just ask.

I’m coming from out of town, where’s a good place to stay? Hotel Paradox is offering great deals as our preferred lodging partner. Or, find a great place to stay through Visit Santa Cruz County.