Preview the Best

Right now, Robin and Marja are making a lot of noise in the main gallery at the Coconino Center for the Arts. The 1990's boom box isn't quite loud enough to drown out the hammering and shuffling and lots and lots of laughing. They're installing the 15th annual Prelude to Open Studios Art Exhibition.

I love the function of this show. Come to the Center to preview one piece of art by all 83 artists participating in the Flagstaff Open Studios Tour on Saturday & Sunday, August 25 & 26. Open Studios is one of my favorite arts events in town because it offers a little peak behind the curtain. You can visit artists in their habitat. See the process. How they do the incredible things they do. What makes their hearts beat.


An interactive guide to the tour can be found on the Artists' Coalition website. You can also download the Open Studios brochure from the FCP website (click here). It's a bit overwhelming trying to decide which studios to visit. You only have two days to fit it all in, after all. That's why the Prelude show is here. See the artists' work before you plan your self-guided tour.

Canyon Pastels by Shane McDermont

There's also a really beautiful concept behind this show that's really hitting home for me. Prelude isn't just some arbitrary mess of local artwork. It's the very best that 83 artists see in themselves. They each could only choose one piece to represent themselves, their work, their dream, their vision. They put their best effort on the gallery walls.

Dancing Kimono by Katalin Ehling

It's making me wonder: do I put my best out there? Really, though. It seems simple. "Did you try your best? Because that's all that matters." I'm just being honest with you when I say that no, I don't always put my best effort on the gallery walls. Sometimes, I slide by doing the smallest amount of work I can. Sometimes, I'm lazy and reactive. Sometimes, I don't try at all.



This show is inspirational to me. It's inspiring me to work a little harder. Dream a little bigger. Be a little better. So when people meet me, they'll only see my best.

You can catch some inspiration this Saturday from 6:00-9:00pm at the opening reception for Prelude to Open Studios. Food, beverages, and artwork a plenty. Many of the participating artists will be at the Center to talk about their work and their Open Studios stop. Prelude will stay open Tuesdays-Saturdays, 11:00am-5:00pm from August 14-September 8.