The fifth annual North Shore Artists Studio Tour, happening the weekend of November 15-16, 2008, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Pupukea to Mokuleia, is continually gaining both momentum and prestige for the North Shore Community.

Once thought of as being mostly 'surfers, vacationers, and country folk'. The North Shore has quietly become home to more and more artists of local and national acclaim, seeking to live poetic lives away from the hustle and bustle of the world.

The self-guided "behind the scenes" weekend tour of the personal studios of these seven creative and willing artists gives a glimpse into not only the lives of some of our state' s emerging and established artists, but into their places of inspiration and devotion to their work.

The participating artists this year are of distinctively different styles, genres and motif, but all share a commitment to excellence. All the artists are either published in books, magazines, newspapers, etc., are award-winning artists, have work in galleries here and on the Mainland; or have exhibited in international or national exhibits.

You have seen them and their work on national TV or other media. Their works all over the world are diverse, their media include clay, wood, oils, acrylics, mixed media, recycled media, jewelry, glass etc.

Although the artists' studios are open year around by appointment, this one weekend a year they are open to all art lovers --a treat for the senses and the intellect. Demonstrations, extemporaneous talks, guided tours, sales of original works and limited editions plus general all-around delight greet the visitors on their rounds.

Original works large and small are often undiscovered treasures for those from 9-99 years old, something for everybody. Each entirely unique, but impressive in the quality of work, the artists treat their guests with the 'Ohana"treatment, will introduce you to their parrots and other pets, or will show off their gardens and courtyards, often filled with larger sculptural or 2-d works.

This is a "must see" for those seeking something different or seeking a "stay at home" vacation- a "staycation". The tour takes all day, so come early to see everything.

Comments are often along the lines of:

"The best thing I've done here (while vacationing).

"This was so wonderful! Thank you so much!"

"I wish everywhere would do this!"

"I'm going to tell all my friends!"

"Seeing so much good art in one place, it's hard to choose!"

Instilled into the concept of the "tour" from the beginning was the idea of sharing the gift of being an artist and living out a dream life in one of the world's most beautiful locations, even if only for a weekend. Although making art is an intensely private affair, the open studio concept is making inroads all over the nation as collectors of art (both novice and experienced) want more out of the buying experience. Often a deeper regard for the work of an artist, or of the purpose of art in our lives in general, is discovered in visiting the artist and hearing about the work or seeing how it is created, especially in the context of private studios where everything is on display, intended or not. Little treasures, often never exhibited publicly, can regularly be discovered this way.

The artists are:

Jerome Heck

Jeff and Carol Lee

Margo Goodwill

Jay Marr

Bill Braden

J Forest Ocean Bennett

Bernie Moriaz