The 11 artists on the tour this year are: Linda Atkinson, Ed Bordett, Jake Cress, Nancy Dahlstrom, Vera Dickerson, Helen Hubler, Dreama Kattenbraker, Brett LaGue, Willie Simmons, Bill White and Mark Woodie.

This year, some of the artists will give demonstrations during the weekend to explain the materials, methods and processes they use. Demonstrations are scheduled in such media as printmaking, wood turning & carving, painting and mixed media processes. Specific locations and times will be listed in the event brochure and on the website.

This year's tour also includes a special project for 24 art students in Lord Botetourt and James River High Schools. The art teachers have chosen their best students to create a painting of a favorite pet or animal and these works will be displayed in the studios during the Open Studio Tour. A portion of the sales of the students' works will go to support the League of Animal Protection, a no-kill shelter in Botetourt County.

Visitors can pick up a "Studio Passport" at any studio and have it stamped at each of the studios visited. A drawing of collected passports will be held after the tour and one lucky winner will receive a $150 gift certificate towards the purchase of art work of their choice.

Sponsors for the studio tour this year: Bank of Fincastle, Bank of Botetourt, Botetourt County Office of Tourism and City Magazine.

Come and visit one or all of the studios and enjoy a weekend exploring beautiful Botetourt County and the splendid colors of the season.