Warwick Open Studio Tour attracts 400 visitors to 40 sites

WARWICK-The recent Warwick Artist Studio Tour drew almost 400 visitors to the 40 studios across the town of Warwick. "Most artists had between 50 and 100 visitors during the weekend" said Sarah McHugh, the organizer of the event. The artists demonstrated their techniques, exhibited their work and many sold work during the event. Visitors said they enjoyed seeing the variety of places artists work in and how the home and the studio relate to each other. "Many of the visitors were artists themselves", said New Milford artist David Horton. "They were looking for inspiration and encouragement for their own work. I enjoyed it very much." The Artists Open Studio Tour began in 1994 and ran for five years. This year, it returned with the organizational skills of Sarah McHugh, Beth Kalet and Judi Wilbur, all Board members of Community 2000, the sponsoring organization. "It was great to have it a part of the Warwick Summer Arts Festival" said Judi Wilbur. "Both events got stronger." Several local restaurants supported the event by offering boxed suppers for the concerts in the parks after each of the Studio tour days. And the Warwick Village merchants once again made their window space available for a display of work coordinated again this year by Barbara Laurence. The award-winning Warwick-in-Bloom project worked with the Tour artists on a successful Birdhouse Auction Fundraiser in June for both organizations.. Event organizer Sarah McHugh said she appreciates the wide base of support the Tour and the Festival gets from the Town. She also wishes to acknowledge and thank the volunteers who gave of their time and energy. "This is such a good example of how and why Warwick works as a community! " Plans are being discussed for a similar event next year and smaller events in the various villages and hamlets of the Town during the year. People interested in helping work are invited to contact McHugh at Community 2000 Box 2000 Warwick, NY 10990, call 987 2000 or leave a note at The Bookstore.