The mission of Open Studios is to advance and enrich the visual arts and promote the role of artists in the Boulder community.

Open Studios is more than just the annual studio tour. Since 1995, the organization has grown to encompass numerous programs and projects designed to raise awareness and appreciation of art in our community. Over the last 30 years, Open Studios has become the most comprehensive visual arts organization in Boulder, including seven different programs:

Open Studios Tour 

The Studio Tour is our flagship event, created in 1995. The Tour is an exciting 3-weekend-long event with a festival-like atmosphere, featuring artists' in their working studios throughout Boulder County. The Tour annually attracts 8,000+ patrons from our region and beyond. These patrons visit multiple studios, meet artists, purchase art, learn about art-making practices and form lasting relationships with the artists. 

Open Studios Membership Program 

Our juried Membership Program provides 12 months of activities and benefits for artists to promote their art, engage with the public and hone their skills in the business of the arts. Members are eligible to consign their work to our retail galleries, teach in our outreach programs and show their work in numerous exhibits throughout the year.

Boulder Plein Art Festival (BPAF)

Juried Plein Air artists from around the country spend a week capturing our beautiful Boulder County scenery on paper and canvas. They compete for notoriety, cash rewards and the opportunity to market and sell the art produced during the festival week. Our next Plein Air Fest  will be held May 31 - June 6, 2025, with an exhibit opening reception at Boulder's Armory on First Friday, June 6th. The exhibit will be on view through July 5, 2025.

• Retail Galleries

Open Studios operates a permanent retail gallery at 3075 Pearl Parkway in Boulder, featuring the work for Open Studios' juried Artist Members. In  addition, using temporary spaces during the summer and holiday months, POP! Gallery pop-ups give local artists an opportunity to sell their work and advance their careers.

• EdLinks Art Education

EdLinks matches Boulder Valley and Saint Vrain Valley School District art teachers with local professional artists for classroom instruction, projects, presentations, and demonstrations. These services are provided free of charge to the schools.

• Mobile Art Lab

The Art Lab appears at festivals, fairs and even birthday parties, providing materials, guidance and process-based teaching to encourage children and adults to discover the creative artist within. In collaboration with other organizations, notably Boulder Housing Partners, the Lab facilitates art-based community-building projects in Boulder’s under-served neighborhoods. 

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• Virginia Wood Fund

Started with a gift of artwork from the family of beloved Boulder artist Virginia Wood, this fund provides micro grants to Boulder County artists who face financial challenges.