Local art enthusiasts can get a sneak peek of the work in this year’s Whatcom Artist Studio Tour at the group show hosted at Blind Bird Studio, from Friday through Aug. 9.
Shawna Morris, co-founder of Blind Bird Studio, is one of the artists showing work in the beloved juried show that is the Whatcom Artist Studio Tour, which has run the first two weekends of October for more than 30 years. Over 50 Whatcom artists are participating this year, and will show in galleries across the county.
A Blaine resident, Morris had wanted to submit paintings to be considered for a few years, but hesitated, fearing people wouldn’t attend due to the distance from Bellingham, where the majority of the shows are held. But this year, something changed.
“My thought was, if I do it and we get more people coming up to Blaine for art, then perhaps in the following years, more artists will submit and then we’ll (have) like a solid foothold in the Whatcom Artist Studio Tour,” Morris said. “I’m playing the long game, I’m thinking of the future.”
Leading up to the main show, studios will host group shows, where a handful of artists will show one or two pieces at one of the participating galleries.
Approximately 30 artists will be featured at Blind Bird Studio, which is the only working art studio in Blaine, meaning passersby can come in and view art as it’s being made by Morris and Kevin Hoover, the other co-founder of the studio.
An opening reception will be held on Friday, July 31, from 6 to 8 p.m., and light refreshments will be offered.
The show will be open Thursdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Aug. 9. It will also be open by appointment, which can be scheduled by emailing Morris at shawna@shawnamorris.com.
“We’re excited to be supporting our fellow artists and bringing people to Blaine,” Morris said.
For more information on the Whatcom Artist Studio Tour or other group shows leading up to it, visit studiotour.net.
