What are you doing the weekend of November 22 and 23? Visit the private studios of 42 local artists during the Shoreline Arts Trails 2014 Open Studios Weekend, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm along the Connecticut Shoreline.

Artists from Branford, Guilford, and Madison participate in this juried, two-day event, presenting works in cut paper, fiber, found objects, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, paint, photography, pottery, print making, sculpture, textiles and more. Open Studios Weekend is free and open to the public, and there’s something for everyone!

• Make it a family event!
• Enjoy a couple’s weekend!
• Plan a girls’ get-away
• Meet-up with other arts enthusiasts!
• Start your holiday shopping!

The Shoreline ArtsTrail’s Open Studios Weekend is presented in collaboration with Guilford Art Center, and supported by local sponsors including Branford’s HOME, Luckey ReDo, Tommy Sullivans, and Words by Jen; Guilford’s Mix Design Store; and Madison’s Friends & Company, Tidewater Inn, and Wall Street Gallery.

Enhancing the weekend’s experience are local Lodge and Dine Partners offering special deals for ArtsTrail visitors. Enjoy a free glass of wine with purchase at HOME (Branford). Get discounts off meals at Bualina (Guilford), Friends and Company (Madison), La Rosticceria (Guilford) and Tommy Sullivans (Branford). Treat yourself to an overnight stay at the Kelsey House Bed & Breakfast (Branford) or Tidewater Inn Madison) at discounted rates, or have one of your purchases framed at Wall Street Gallery for 20% off. All you have to do is show your ArtsTrail map! (Check out the Shoreline ArtsTrail website for more details.)

Now in its 13th year, the Shoreline ArtsTrail and Open Studios Weekend is a great way explore the shoreline’s arts community. Enjoy refreshments while you watch demonstrations and ask questions, meet the artists one-on-one and explore their studios, see new and amazing art, get a head start on your holiday shopping and much more. So, save the date and make it a weekend event with your friends or family!

During Open Studios Weekend, the colorful “Open Studio” signs point you to all of these artists and studios. For specific locations and more information about events, discount offers and participating artists, pick up a copy of the Shoreline ArtsTrail map, available in libraries, town halls, Connecticut welcome centers, and visitors’ centers in Branford, Guilford and Madison, as well as at the Guilford Art Center and the various studios. Contact Martha Link Walsh at (203) 481-3505 or visit www.shorelineartstrail.com, and its companion blog or Facebook page, for more information.