Art, inspiration and connection: North Valley Studio Tour highlights 50 local artists creating in a variety of mediums

Known for its lush green farmlands fed by a network of tree-lined acequias, Albuquerque’s historic North Valley runs parallel to the Rio Grande.

Narrow gravel roads lead to rustic adobe homes, pastures, orchards, vineyards and cottonwood tree-lined drives.

The scenery often serves as inspiration for the artists who call the area home.

It takes months for the cooperative behind the North Valley Studio Tour to bring the two-day event together.

Art, inspiration and connection: North Valley Studio Tour highlights 50 local artists creating in a variety of mediums

The North Valley Studio Tour is in its second year — an expanded version of the defunct Alameda Studio Tour — and has expanded the boundaries of the original.

“The North Valley Studio Tour is a local, cooperative, community-based tour, committed to promoting local studio artists, local merchants and outreach to the North Valley community,” said Diane Short, North Valley Studio Tour director. “We’re trying to have diversity within the artists that are showing. The mediums run the gamut and give guests a clear view of what the event offers.”

The tour will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, and Sunday, Sept. 22, at various locations around the North Valley.

It will feature 50 artists among 21 studios. A full schedule can be found at northvalleystudiotour.com.

The tour is self-guided where visitors can explore the studios of talented artists working in a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, textiles and more. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to meet the artists, gain insight into their creative process and purchase their work.

“The 2023 North Valley Studio Tour received an overwhelming response in its first year,” Short said. “This event is a testament to the incredible talent and creativity that thrives in our community. We invite everyone to join us for another great weekend of art, inspiration and connection.”

The North Valley Studio Tour is an annual event dedicated to showcasing the work of local artists in the North Valley region.

Short said by opening their studios to the public, artists can share their creative processes and connect with the community, fostering a greater appreciation for the arts. The tour is organized by a volunteer committee committed to promoting and supporting the arts in the region.

There are a wide variety of businesses that have contributed to the community by sponsoring this event, such as Casa Rondeña Winery, Dave’s Valley Grill, Lavender in the Village and Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm along with media partner, Hutton Broadcasting/Albuquerque.com.

Short said planning began in March and April and a call for artists went out in May.

She said while there is preference for artists in the North Valley, artists from around the city will be featured.

The tour goes throughout Albuquerque’s North Valley, from Candelaria Road, through the Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, up to the unincorporated areas of Alameda.

“The event is heavy on the North Valley,” she said. “As we look at growing it, we have to weigh the process. We had 17 studios last year and this year we’re up to 21. It’s something that we’re growing organically because we need to keep it manageable for the visitors who want to do the complete tour.”

Short, who is also a ceramic artist, usually sells at the Downtown Growers’ Market.

Over her time selling at the market, she’s learned that a spotlight is important to a growing artist profile.

“I do hand building and they take me a long time,” she said. “The pieces are four or six inches and I continue to learn the techniques.”

By opening up artist’s studios in the North Valley, the cooperative is hoping to shine a light on the artists in the area.

“With the event being a tour, it’s helping a number of artists to be seen,” she said. “Last year we had a couple that wanted to walk the entire tour. It’s a big tour. Some people will bike the tour. It’s important for us to continue to build this community.”