Artists in the Hopewell region are gathering together to showcase their local artwork and pieces in the annual Hopewell Tour Des Arts.
The self-guided tour is in its 12th year and residents in the Hopewell-area will be able to tour studios, galleries and workshops in and around Hopewell Borough and the township.
“This gives us an avenue to showcase local artists to the community. This is an event of artists, by artists and for artists,” Sean Mannix, one of the founders of Tour des Arts said. “There is a lot creativity in Hopewell. There is a surprising community of artists, designers, musicians and craftspeople that are hidden.”
Officials estimate that between 25-30 local artists will be represented from all backgrounds which include established and emerging sculptors, goldsmiths, photographers, live musicians, performance artists, wood turners, painters, filmmakers, a metallurgist and collagist.
“It is really important to have these different genres. It is not all just painting or sculpture,” Mannix said. “There is a lot of creativity around here. Anyone who is in the visual or performing arts we want to showcase. We are just not keeping to the traditional fine art pieces.”
The self-guided tour, which is scheduled for Nov. 9-10, begins at the Hopewell Train Station in Hopewell. On display will be a sample of each artist’s work, and printed maps to guide you throughout the rest of the tour will also be available.
“When we began this was a one-day event that culminated in the evening with a dinner and an auction. After a couple of years, the personal feedback we received sparked us to make this event two days,” Mannix said. “People were really deciding to come out and spend sometime with the artists in a way that could not be all done in one day.”
The tour will take those participating to several studios that include ones at Highland Design Farm in Hopewell. According to officials, they estimate that there will be 17 different locations where people can view artworks and workshops on the self-guided tour.
“We would like people to take home a piece of art. I think it is important that people know what is hidden right around the corner,” Mannix said. “You do not often get to see these types of environments in your every day life if you are not an artist. The atmosphere and the sense of community is part of the magic. These works are important and personal to us.”
For more information about the tour, visit www.hopewelltourdesarts.com.