For forty years, the annual Santa Cruz County Open Studios Art Tour has been a beloved and much-anticipated event. Nurtured and built for decades by Ann Ostermann, whose dedication shaped the program into what it is today.
We're celebrating this anniversary and are excited to introduce the tour’s new leader, Bree Karpavage. With her thoughtful approach as an arts administrator and experience as a working artist, Bree will guide Open Studios into a new phase of community and connection. During the first three weekends in October, you’ll have the chance to discover nearly 350 artists opening their doors, and we're thrilled to welcome 56 artists participating for the first time!
Meet Bree Karpavage: Artist, Administrator, Community Builder
A mother of three, Bree is deeply rooted in the Santa Cruz Mountains community. Her childhood on a small Atlantic island, surrounded by a family who loved to sew and create, laid the foundation for her artistic path. Her journey westward at 21, initially drawn to the desert landscapes, eventually brought her to California. Bree finds joy in making art, being outdoors, hiking, and finding moments to relax, much like many artists strive to do.
Bree steps into running Open Studios with a unique understanding, having both participated as a prior participant and served on the committee. She brings an entrepreneurial spirit to her work, having been a jeweler and now a collage artist. It was her journey as a full-time artist seeking consistent local opportunities to sell her work that inspired her to create the Santa Cruz Mountains Makers Market, which evolved into the Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market in 2018. In 2020, Bree purchased First Friday Santa Cruz, a monthly art tour featuring exhibits and art events in local galleries and art spaces.
Fifteen-plus years building and nurturing art markets means Bree understands the ups and downs artists face – from the excitement of creating, to the thoughtful, and sometimes intimidating, process of sharing and marketing their work.
“There’s a certain vulnerability artists face when putting ourselves out there, that in and of itself is a big deal.”
Bree Karpavage, Open Studios and Tannery Arts Center Program Manager
Empowering Artists and Enriching the Community
Bree views art as a powerful means of expressing what's in our hearts. In her own abstract and surreal collages, she muses, “Art is often a feeling that ends up being visual.” She respects the courage it takes for artists to put their creations out into the world.
Bree understands what it's like to find balance as a human, an artist, a parent, and a business owner. Knowing first hand the many hats artists wear—from creation to managing their business—Bree is keen to offer practical support. That's why she's so passionate about introducing new professional development meet-ups, which are open to anyone in the community. These friendly gatherings help artists navigate positioning their art as a business, learning skills like best practices for social media and how to price their work, while offering an opportunity to connect with other artists and the community.
This 40th anniversary celebrates the creative spirit and community that Open Studios has fostered for generations. It highlights decades of meaningful support for artists at every stage of their careers. For some, Open Studios has been an integral part of their entire arts career. Bree's vision includes opening things up, making the whole experience even more welcoming and accessible.
We're excited to launch the Emerging Artist Fund, which aims to provide $7,500 in support to over 30 artists this year. “It’s a way to nurture new talent and ensure our artistic community continues to grow and thrive,” says Karpavage. “We’re about 35% of the way there. If you want to support artists directly, contributing to this fund is a great way to do it.”
So, what's Bree’s invitation to you? It's simple: come with an open mind, be curious, and connect! Take your time in each studio. Feel the creative energy, ask questions that spark conversation, and steep yourself in the moment. Open Studios is an opportunity to step into an artist's world, to witness where inspiration takes flight, and to feel a deeper connection to the creative pulse of our community.
“When I was in Open Studios, I was surprised at how curious visitors were about my art, the thinking behind my choices, and my process. I think it goes back to the feeling in an artist’s studio and the sense of freedom. Seeing artists in their natural world, the process, not just the final product. Experiencing that in motion is freeing for everyone,” muses Karpavage.
For all the details and to plan your adventure, visit Santa Cruz County Open Studios
You can plan your journey using the comprehensive printed artist guide, the online directory, or our handy app. Mark your calendars for three weekends in October: South County (October 4-5), North County (October 11-12), and All County (October 18-19). For a taste of what you’ll see and experience on the tour, be sure to visit the preview exhibits at the Santa Cruz Art League and Pajaro Valley Arts.
One of the best parts? It's completely free to explore and open to everyone!
SUPPORT OPEN STUDIOS 2025!
GIVE – Help us nurture new talent through the Emerging Artist Fund. Your support helps artists thrive at every stage of their journey. DONATE NOW »
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ATTEND - the next artist meetup
Thursday, August 28, 5:30–7pm
Beer Thirty, 2504 Main Street, Soquel
FREE WORKSHOPS - open to all and hosted at:
Radius Gallery, 1050 River Street, Santa Cruz
6–7:30pm
Art as Business – Thursday, July 17
Storytelling for Self-Promotion – Thursday, August 7
Instagram, Reels & Video – Thursday, August 21