Have a Great Time at the 2016 South Orange Maplewood Artists Studio Tour

Sunday, June 5th

By Gregory Burrus

In my travels in and around South Orange, NJ, I continually run into some wonderful artists and have some very engaging conversations with them. Sometimes you want to tell folks all about their work, and if they are from out of town you want to get them to see all these wonderful artists in a short space of time. Well, little did I know that the vehicle to do is in its 13th year and it is titled the “Annual South Orange Maplewood Artists Studio Tour,” which is being held Sunday, June 5th.  Now, how big is it?  It runs across the entire South Orange, NJ and Maplewood, NJ area.  The event is comprised of nearly 80 amazing artists in studios, galleries and group exhibitions, which makes the South Orange Maplewood Artists Studio Tour an event that should not be missed!  

South Orange Maplewood Artists Studio Tour

For folks who are new to this area, the South Orange Maplewood Artists Studio Tour describes itself as “one of the most important and renowned art celebrations in the region.  For 11 years, the Tour has drawn art lovers from all over the Metropolitan area, featuring painters, photographers, sculptors, ceramicists, jewelers, craftspeople and multimedia artists.  The South Orange Maplewood Artists Studio Tour allows individuals and families of all ages to take an art adventure unlike any other, celebrating a diversity of art and culture that ties the South Orange and Maplewood communities together.”

A truly great thing about this tour, for me, is seeing the works of all these great artists on the same day, as I get to pick and choose who to see when.  Sometimes, it’s someone I met in a coffee shop or on the train and did not know they were an artist.  Sometimes you go with who's within walking proximity, as exercise and art come together.  Others come into town to see certain artists, get a map and then wander around to various events per the South Orange Maplewood Artists Studio Tour map. 

Meet the Artist - Joy Yagid

The video above gives you an example of the high quality of art and the artists involved.  Take a look at past tour exhibitor - whose work I really like a lot - Artist Joy Yagid.  She and a fellow artist describe their passions. 

Joy describes her mission in art as: “I love taking photographs.  I love trying to capture a common object/scene/whatever - in a different way.  It's that simple.  I like light.  Light likes me.  Light and I, are on a perpetual spree.”

You can find her work at www.joyyagid.com, joyyagid.zenfolio.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/joyyagidphotography.  

Some of the other artists that I know are involved and have some really great artwork are: Evelyn Graves (1978 Maplewood Arts Center), Nette Forne-Thomas, Jennie Traill Schaeffer, Florence Weisz, Raleigh Ceasar Jr. (who will conduct a Collector's Open House), Sandy Martiny (who will be managing the Pierro Gallery of the Baird Arts Center) and Catherine Delett.  I will tell you more about them in future articles, since I have met them all.

Getting Around - 2016 SOMA Tour Map

What also makes this a great tour is it is easy to get to and from the surrounding New York/New Jersey areas. By car, it is not far from major highways like I-280, the Garden State Parkway, and the NJ Turnpike.  But even better, is being able to get in/out using NJ Transit which has stops in South Orange and Maplewood.  From there, you can take a healthy walk to pretty much anywhere on the South Orange Maplewood Artists Studio Tour, as these are walkable towns. 

Check the website, get a South Orange Maplewood Artists Studio Tour map, plan your trip, and come see loads of independent artists showing their work.  Learn more about the South Orange Maplewood Artists Studio Tour by calling 973-378-7754 ext. 2223, email somastudiotour@gmail.com or visit the website at www.studiotoursoma.org.

About the Writer

Gregory Burrus is a supporter of local businesses, community events, jazz, blues musicians and local art exhibitions.  On a regular basis he promotes art, music, business, government and local community events through social media marketing, writing articles, blogging and photo journalism.  Gregory Burrus resides in the beautiful, historic town of South Orange, New Jersey, the home of beautiful gas lamps, many historic buildings, some wonderful old trees, the South Orange Performing Arts Center, Seton Hall University, South Mountain Reservation and many gorgeous, vibrant, growing communities in the surrounding North Jersey towns and cities of Essex County.  Having fun living life while helping others.  Visit Greg at facebook.com/gregoryburrus

Keywords: Maplewood, artists studio tour, community art, south orange nj, Maplewood nj, gregoryburrus, art, #artists, artist tour community, studiotoursoma, south orange