By Richard L. Gaw

Staff Writer

On May 19 and 20, Chester County will be a gallery of creativity on full display, and open for all to experience, touch, admire and purchase.

For the eighth consecutive year, the Chester County Open Studio Tour will give art collectors and the curious the rare opportunity to meet some of the best artists in their studios, observe the creative process and purchase distinctive creations. This year, 154 artists in 64 studios will exhibit works in different mediums such as painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, clay, glass, paper and fiber – and all artists will be on hand to talk about their work and meet buyers and browsers alike.

“The Chester County Studio Tour grows in popularity each year and this year will be the best ever,” said Jeff Schaller, artist and show coordinator. “The public will have a unique opportunity to see the creative process as many studios on the tour will feature works in progress and artist demonstrations. The tour has something for everyone, from the first-time art buyer to the seasoned collector, in a wide range of mediums and prices.”

The County Collector Series, sponsored by Otto’s Mini & Otto’s BMW, will be offered again. The public can collect an original, framed 6-by-6-inch piece of art for $75. Three-dimensional artists have created special pieces for the series as well. A photo of each work in this series is included in the catalog and displayed on the website.

The tour is free on May 19 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and May 20 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. For a map, visit www.chestercountystudiotour.com. Handicapped-accessible studios are marked on the studio pages in the catalog and on the website.

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email [email protected].

Studio tours in Southern Chester County

Studio 44

1721 West Doe Run Road, Kennett Square

J. Clayton Bright, painter and sculptor; Doug Mooberry, woodworker; Patricia Mooberry, ceramicist

Studio 45

960 Brinton's Bridge Road, West Chester

Madeleine Kelly, painter; Laurie Murray, painter; Susan Stefanski, painter; Radhika Srinivas, painter

Studio 46

301 Muddy Run Road, Oxford

Timothy Jayne, painter

Studio 47

3474 Gap Newport Pike, West Grove

Joan Brooks, ceramicist

Studio 48

119 Evergreen Street, West Grove

John Baker, mixed media; Karen Delaney, sculptor; Robert Jenkins, painter; Mitch Lyons, ceramicist; Temre Stanchfield, painter

Studio 49

1255 Newark Road, Toughkenamon

Thomas Von Koch, glass artist; Deanna Haldeman, ceramicist

Studio 50

128 South Willow Street, Kennett Square

Neilson Carlin, painter

Studio 51

715 Woodward Road, Chadds Ford

Ellen Catanzaro, painter

Studio 52

105 Kabob Lane, Kennett Square

Annie Strack, Sarah Baptist, Jeanne Bruneau, Karen Frattali and Catherine Quillman, painters

Studio 53

1452 Ashland Clinto Road, Hockessin

Patsy Keller, glass designer; Sarah Yeoman, watercolor painter

Studio 54

9 Okie Drive, Landenberg

Elaine Brooks, textile artist; Nanci Hersh, painter; Estelle Lukoff, jeweler