The Art Map Open Studio Weekend is in its 8th year.

The Art Map's 8th Annual Open Studio Weekend is coming up on September 28, 29 and 30 from 10-5pm each day. It's a great time of year to drive along country roads and visit artists in their studios or galleries in Bruce, Grey and Simcoe Counties. If you live in the area, there is an artist studio close to you.

The Art Map is a guide to the best art studios and galleries in the area. It gives visitors an overview of each area and displays the artists' work, contact information and location on maps. The Art Map has been published for 14 years. It evolved from a fold out map to a 40 page booklet.

The Art Map also includes events, art studio tours and shows.

This year during the Open Studio Weekend visitors can enter to win gift certificates when they visit 5 or more studios or galleries. To see the prizes, how to enter, and the participating locations, visit http://www.theartmap.com/open-studio-weekend.html

The Open Studio Weekend gives visitors the chance to visit as many of the best artists in Bruce, Grey and Simcoe Counties as they want, on one weekend, without making an appointment. They live and work amid some of the most scenic vistas Ontario has to offer. Watch for the signs.

There are 28 art studios to visit. Pick up a passport, start visiting your favourite artists and get it stamped or punched along the way, mail it to us before the deadline and you could win prizes.

Expect to see a variety of great original work including paintings, pottery, woodwork, glass, metal, and jewellery. You'll see something you love created by a local artist.

Enjoy the fall colours in hills and valleys of Bruce, Grey and Simcoe. It's a great opportunity to explore scenic areas of Ontario that you haven't seen before.

Flip over The Art Map to see many of the cafés and restaurants conveniently listed in The Food Map.

source: media release