The Portsmouth Holiday Arts Tour has inspired many others, but as the original artist’s studio tour on the Seacoast, the quality and variety of artists represented is unparalleled. This year, as they celebrate their 20^th anniversary, they are pleased to announce that many home studios are choosing to stay open, with still others staying involved by participating online.

“It’s our 20^th year and it won’t be one we soon forget!” says Mills, potter and founding member of the Portsmouth Holiday Arts Tour (PHAT). “This tour has become part of the season’s tradition for artist and visitors alike and we want to celebrate this special and unusual year and still stay safe.” Featuring world class artists, PHAT offers a wide variety of work available for sale just in time for the holiday season. Including glass, clay, photography, printmaking, jewelry, encaustic, collage and blacksmithing, this tour is sure to provide something of interest to everyone.

Since 2001 Seacoast based artists have prepared their home studios to throw open their doors the weekend before Thanksgiving inviting the public to learn, unearth hidden treasures, and buy direct from the maker. “I know our community is hopeful for a return of cultural events. This is one small way we can help make that happen while at the same time inviting them to continue to support our local artists” says Mills.

This year’s upcoming event features four in-person studios, with 8 participating artists. Additionally there are 5 more artists sharing new work on their websites and online shops. Those studios that are opening to the public will ask visitors to observe social distancing, limit numbers inside, and require masks to be worn. Visitors can consult the PHAT website for links to individual artist studios and their guidelines.

“I think one of the reasons people enjoy the Tour so much, and come back year after year, is they’ll see familiar artists, but always a few new faces,” Lisa Grey, print and textile collage artist says. “I also think the variety of medium, style and price range has kept people interested, that and the fact it’s a low-key event, perfect to take in with friends.”

The tour features Steven Zoldak and Maureen Mills, Karen Orsillo, Nancy Kanner, Emma Ashby, Dyanna Smith, Lisa Gray and Peter Happny in studio.

Online ONLY artists will include  three generations of women artists, Kristina Logan, Reg Logan, Sophia Logan- Barré.

Victoria and Lawrence Elbroch will have sales by appointment only.

As always, many of the artists will demonstrate their processes periodically throughout the tour.

Art is a special, thoughtful, quality gift for any holiday or celebration. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, always comes with a story, and is heirloom quality – a gift that can be handed down from generation to generation. Open studio visits afford time to discuss a gift with an artist who will help you make the right choice for its recipient.

For information on the artists, times, and to download the Portsmouth Holiday Arts Tour tour map, check out www.PortsmouthArtsTour.com and https://www.facebook.com/events/1767153010051460/.