GRASS VALLEY, CA, February 26, 2026- The Center for the Arts is pleased to announce a Call to Artists to apply for participation in the 31st Annual Open Studios Tour, featuring a broad but curated sampling of our talented artists in Nevada County’s Western Region who will open their doors during the two-weekend tour so the public can see where art is made, displayed, and appreciated. Stops on the tour include the studios of sculptors, painters, photographers, woodworkers, designers, ceramicists, jewelers, fiber artists, and illustrators, along with several galleries, collectives, and art facilities. Open Studios is a wonderful opportunity to share your work, meet local artists, see finished and in-progress projects, watch live demonstrations, learn more about artistic processes and inspirations, and, of course, purchase beautiful original and printed art directly from the source. On this free self-guided tour, everyone can experience first-hand how, where, and why art is created.
The studio locations will be open to visit from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on October 10, 11, 17, and 18th, 2026 and all it requires is a downloaded or printed tour guide to lead the way. The Open Studios website has been redesigned to include an interactive Google map, artist directory, and downloadable comprehensive guide. You can download the guide online at openstudiostour.org or pick up a physical copy at one of our pick-up locations: The Center for the Arts, Artist’s Studio in the Foothills (ASiF), ArtWorks Gallery, Mill St, Communal Cafe, Grass Valley Courtyard Suites, Nevada City Winery, Natural Selection, SPD, B&C, Heartwood Eatery & Annex, The Holbrooke Hotel, The National Hotel and GV and NC Chambers of Commerce. You can also find Open Studios artists and volunteers at the Nevada City and Grass Valley Farmers Markets starting in September passing out guides and engaging the public.
From September 28th to October 18th, one work from each participating artist or group will be on display in our Granucci Gallery at The Center for the Arts as part of the Open Studios Preview Exhibition. This show will give viewers a taste of all the tour has to offer, and a visit to the gallery before planning your route is highly recommended. Gallery hours are Monday – Friday, 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. and during the tour weekends the gallery will be open 10:00am – 5:00pm.
Mark your calendars for the Preview Exhibition Opening Reception and Open Studios Tour Kick-Off on October 8th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at The Center’s Granucci Gallery. This is an opportunity to meet other artists and patrons, showcase your work, and show support for this amazing program.
As we celebrate our 31st Anniversary we’d like to take the opportunity to acknowledge and honor the passionate dedication the artists in our community continue to live. So much of the collective success with Open Studios has been and continues to be about each artist showing up consistently, staying true to the calling and sharing a vision with our community. Thank you for being the lifeblood of this important work.
Support the arts by accessing a guide and enjoying the free 31st Annual Open Studios Tour, on October 10, 11, 17, and 18, 2026. Don’t miss this opportunity to be all that our creative community has to offer. Tell your friends and gather the artists to be part of the magic!
WHAT: Applications open for 31st Annual – Open Studios Tour 2026
WHERE: The Center for the Arts Granucci Gallery | 314 West Main Street, Grass Valley, CA 95945 and
Western Nevada County (Grass Valley, Nevada City, Penn Valley, Alta Sierra)
WHEN: Application open: March 2nd-April 10th, 2026 I Tour Dates: October 10, 11, 17, 18, 2026,
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Preview Exhibition Dates: September 28th – October 18, 2026| Opening Reception & Tour Kick Off: Thursday, October 8, 2026, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
TICKETS: Free | openstudiostour.org
WEBSITE: INFO: http://openstudiostour.org/ or (530) 274-8384