The last full weekend in April, the get bEHIND the aRTS Studio Tour offers three days filled with art––inviting guests to explore an entire weekend of creativity in Southeastern Wisconsin. Now in its tenth year, the self-guided tour allows access to 70 artists’ studios featuring over 100 creatives at 35 locations throughout Racine and Kenosha. Visual and performing artists will open their private workspaces for a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse of their innovative and productive worlds.
The weekend kicks off with the art party of the year, the GBTA Preview Party on Friday, April 24 from 6:00 to 10:00pm at The Rita, UW-Parkside, 900 Wood Rd. Kenosha, WI. On Saturday, April 25, Racine artists’ studios are open to the public, and on Sunday, April 26, Kenosha studios welcome visitors. Artists’ workplaces are open on both days from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
The Preview Party on Friday is a one-night-only art exhibition offering an exciting overview of what to expect during the Tour. It is an opportunity to meet the artists, plan a tour route, marking maps for must-see studio visits. This year, the Party offers a diverse line up of local music and performances in UW-Parkside’s Black Box Theatre, live painting, and a variety of enticing raffle items. A highlight of the night will be Modular on the Rescue (MOTR), a pop-up experimental music performance by Racine artists Nick Dye and Christine Ingaldson.
The Preview Party and Studio Tour offer three days of art with a donation of $5. Kids and students are free. A souvenir button––created by artist Beth Cumbo––allows open access to all stops on the tour. Visitors may begin at any studio location. Maps and buttons will be available at the Preview Party and on the day of the tour at all participating studios. A list of all featured artists and a map of studio locations is also available online.
All donations support this and future Studio Tours.
get bEHIND the aRTS Studio Tours are organized by a collective of Racine and Kenosha artists and supporters of the arts.
Formed in 2010 through the efforts of the Wisconsin Arts Board, the organization strives to promote local talent, broaden art audiences and educate the public about our region’s creative sector.
get bEHIND the aRTS 2020 thanks our major sponsors for their support: Real Racine, Osborne and Scekic Family Foundation, Visit Kenosha, and Racine Art Museum.