On and Off Fredericksburg Road Studio Tour

The 3rd Annual On & Off Fredericksburg Road Studio Tour takes place in San Antonio’s famed Deco District, along a section of the celebrated Old Spanish Trail Auto Highway. The event, scheduled for Feb. 20 and 21, 2010, features two full days of leisurely self-guided tours that offer visitors the rare opportunity to interact with area artists in their work spaces. From reclaimed former neighborhood grocery stores to intimate backyard sanctuaries, the studios on the tour provide the environments in which artists create a variety of works, such as large ceramic sculptures, metalworks, one-of-a-kind light fixtures, art photography, and a variety of paintings in various styles. Demonstrations, hospitality, and opportunities to purchase art are all part of the On and Off Fred experience.  The Mission of the On and Off Fredericksburg Rd. Studio Tour is to promote the work of diverse visual and cultural artists in the area, enhance the appreciation for the arts in the community, and stimulate neighborhood revitalization.

The tour weekend kicks off Friday evening, February 19, 6:00-9:00 pm, with the not-to-be-missed On & Off Fred Autograph Party and Reception at Bihl Haus Arts, 2803 Fredericksburg Rd.  On exhibit will be works by each of the studio tour participating artists who will be on hand to autograph copies of the tour catalog. Lavish hors d’oeuvres, wine, live jazz by George Prado and George González, and the opportunity to mingle with artists, event sponsors, and community leaders fill the evening.

Visiting the tour website— www.onandofffred.org —provides the visitor with complete tour information, a downloadable map (available Feb. 12), and images of each artist’s work.  On the tour, visitors are guided by a color-coded map that makes navigating the tour easy. Seven neighborhoods are featured on the tour this year: historic Monticello Park, stately Jefferson, Woodlawn Lake, Los Angeles Heights, eclectic Keystone, charming Beacon Hill, and delightful Alta Vista.  A full-color, 80-page studio tour catalog ($10) may be ordered off the website starting February 1st, or may be picked up at local participating businesses, including Vee’s Hair and Spa (1022 Donaldson), IAMA Coffee House (just off Fredericksburg Road @ 131 Babcock), and Chris Madrid’s (1900 Blanco Road).  A free map will be available at the San Antonio Visitor’s Bureau.  A complimentary copy of the catalog is available to members of the press by email request to kellenkee@swbell.net

The On and Off Fredericksburg Road Studio Tour is made possible with the support of the City of San Antonio Office of Cultural Affairs and City Council District 7.  The tour is organized by area artists and Bihl Haus Arts (www.bihlhausarts.org), which is located at Primrose at Monticello Park Apartments, the only non-profit professional art gallery on the premises of senior affordable housing in the U.S.  The gallery is also supported by The Potashnik Family Foundation and Primrose.  For more information, 210.383.9723, or kellenkee@swbell.net