The Shoreline Arts Trail’s 21st annual Open Studios Weekend happens right in your backyard—at more than 30 studio locations in Branford, Guilford, and Madison, Connecticut. Held Saturday, November 13 and Sunday, November 14, from 10am to 4pm, the ArtsTrail is supported by 42 shoreline artists and 10 local business sponsors, as well as the Guilford Art Center and Zip06.

This juried event gathers some of the finest, award-winning artists on the shoreline whose work must reflect mastery of methods and materials, originality of concept, and be handmade by the artist in his/her studio.

• What you’ll find…one-of-a-kind, quality-made items in a wide range of media including painting, jewelry, sculpture, fiber, glass, pottery, metal, and textiles.

• What you’ll experience…a chance to talk one-on-one with artists and explore their private studios as you weave your way around the scenic shoreline.

• What you’ll do…support our arts community, purchase great art made right here in Connecticut, and visit our sponsors which include unique shops, and renowned restaurants.

• What else you’ll do…enjoy a FUN and stress-free opportunity to get a head start on holiday shopping or enhance your home with an original work of art.

This year, the Shoreline ArtsTrail welcomes eight new member artists, Madison artist Candace Bialczak (watercolor/mixed media), Guilford artist Michael Bower (woodturner), Guilford artist Kelly Clark (painter), Guilford artist Jean Gresham (glass), Madison artist Hilary Griffin, (painter), Guilford artist Nathalie Noisett Hegedus (potter), and Guilford artist Eva Pollizi (fiber art). They will join returning artists Terry Bogan, Christine Chiocchio, Alice Chittenden, Anne Coffey, Maryann Beatty Cook, Jayne Crowley, Margaret B. Dean, Laurie Douglas, Eileen Eder, Laurie Flaherty, Carol Grave, Anita Griffith, Lisa Hess Hesselgrave, B. Joan Hickey, Kathleen Hoskins, Sandra Kensler, Marc Anthony Massaro, Linda Marino, Linda McCarthy, Molly S. McDonald, Jackie McGuire, Pam Neri, Estelle Nussbaum, Robert Parrott, Chris Penry, Steve Plaziak, Marta Resnikov Reisman, Janine Robertson, Barbara Shulman-Kirwin, Marjorie Sopkin, Sandra Spahr, Catherine Steinberg, Sid Werthan, Linda Knudsen Westgard, and Maureen Wilkinson.

Our 2021 Sponsors include Guilford Art Center, Zip06/Shore Publishing, Chapter One Restaurant, Diane Wright, Diastole Wealth Management, Ferguson & McGuire Insurance Services, Mix Design Store, Rock Paper Sistas, Page-Taft, and Tommy Sullivan’s Café.

For the latest information, please visit us at www.shorelineartstrail.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Watch for details on the Shoreline ArtsTrail website, www.shorelineartstrail.com , which includes an interactive map, downloadable print map and Family Activity Brochure, as well as a Facebook page with profiles on individual artists and special events.

The Shoreline ArtsTrail was started in 2001 by a small group of shoreline artists. Their intent was to create an annual open studios event to allow local residents and weekend visitors to interact with artists and experience the creative process first-hand. Three years later, grants from the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism and from the towns of Branford, Guilford and Madison, dramatically accelerated the project. The number of artists tripled, as did the types of media, which now includes painting, jewelry, sculpture, collage, paper, fiber, glass, pottery, metal, and textiles. Now in its 21st year, the Shoreline ArtsTrail is a collaborative effort that includes hundreds of volunteer hours from member artists, an ongoing partnership with the Guilford Art Center, and the support of numerous community sponsors. During Open Studios Weekend, the colorful yellow “Open Studio” signs point you to all of these artists and studios.

For specific locations and more information, pick up a copy of the Shoreline ArtsTrail map, available in libraries and town halls in Branford, Guilford and Madison, as well as at numerous business establishments listed on the website. Contact Eileen Eder at (203)458-1720 or visit www.shorelineartstrail.com