Artist Info & FAQ - Artists of Sierra County Studio Tour

Artists of Sierra County

The Sierra County Arts Council is proud to present the third annual Artists of Sierra County Studio Tour.

This free, self-guided tour invites art lovers to step beyond galleries and storefronts and into the working studios of Sierra County's artists. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to explore the creative spaces where art is made, discover the diverse mediums and environments that inspire local artists, and engage with the artists themselves about their work and creative process.

New Mexico has long been recognized as a destination for art and culture, with communities such as Santa Fe, Taos, Dixon, Alto, and Abiquiú attracting visitors from around the world. We believe Sierra County deserves to stand alongside these celebrated art destinations. With its vibrant community of talented artists creating exceptional work in local studios, Sierra County offers an authentic and inspiring arts experience all its own.

We invite all artists who create their work in Sierra County, New Mexico, to be part of this growing tradition by sharing their unique talents with the public. Artist applications for the 2026 Studio Tour are now open.

Artist Participation FAQ

What types of artists can be involved?

The Artists of Sierra County Studio Tour is open to all artists working within Sierra County, regardless of medium or showing status.

How can I get my studio on the TOUR?

Easy! Simply fill out the Participation Questionnaire before the deadline on September 11, 2026 and we will contact you with next steps.

What days and times will the tour occur? Will I need to open my space for the entire time?

The TOUR will be “active” from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8. Participating studios would need to be open to TOUR attendees for a majority of that timeframe. If a given studio will have shorter/alternative hours, we would need to be able to list those hours on all materials.

What if I want to participate on the TOUR, but I am not able to open my workspace to the public?

If you cannot, or do not want to, open your space to the public (for example, if your space is just a small room or corner of your house) we will work with you to help place you in a “shared” workspace within another studio that has extra space. Remember, the tour is about exposing the “process,” not the “product.” So if you move your setup to a shared space, you would need to move enough of your working materials to show “how” you work.

Is there a fee to participate in the TOUR?

Yes, there is a small $25 administration fee for each artist participating in the TOUR. Once you have filled out the Participation Questionnaire, and we have confirmed your space for the TOUR, you can send a check, made payable to Sierra County Arts Council, to:

Artists of Sierra County Studio Tour
% Sierra County Arts Council
PO Box 1924
Truth or Consequences, NM 87901

Contact us at christine@theunitedprojectsalliance.com or stacyhayartist@gmail.com it you need assistance in covering this fee.

How will AoSC Studio Tour attendees find my studio?

A full list of all TOUR STOPS will be listed on the Artists of Sierra County Studio Tour website, along with a map. Printed maps will be available at various TorC/Sierra County businesses and at the TorC Chamber of Commerce at least one week prior to, and during, the TOUR dates. Each participating studio will receive a distinctive TOUR STOP sign to post in their window, or in a visible spot on their property. There will also be several “information booths” around TorC throughout the weekend for visitors to learn more about the event.

Is the TOUR associated with the Second Saturday Art Hop?

No. The Artists of Sierra County Studio Tour is independent of the Second Saturday Art Hop, occurring the weekend before the November Art Hop.

Will galleries be able to participate in the tour?

Galleries that also serve as an artist’s workspace can have a stop on the TOUR. Galleries that do not house an artist’s workspace can be open during their regular business hours, but will NOT be listed as an official TOUR STOP. That being said, we will do everything we can to call attention to the open galleries that are not part of the TOUR on our website, and in marketing materials.

Can I sell my artwork during the TOUR?

Yes. If you are set up to take payment, you can certainly sell your artwork during your TOUR hours. However, if you have work showing at a gallery during the TOUR dates, we ask that you point visitors to that gallery to see your additional work, and that you work with that gallery for purchase arrangements.

Can I serve refreshments at my space during the tour?

It is entirely at your discretion if you want to serve refreshments at your space. We only ask that you refrain from serving alcohol.

Are there other ways can I get involved with the TOUR?

YES!!! There are several ways to get involved, even if you do not have a STOP on the TOUR.

PARTNERSHIPS! We are looking to partner with venues and other groups to help us host our social gatherings. We are also putting together “incentive packages” to encourage attendees to visit as many studios as they can (like a “passport” with prizes) and to book stays in our local hotels and Airbnbs. Local stores, artists, spas, etc are invited to provide whatever “incentives” they would like to offer.

VOLUNTEERS!! No event can run smoothly without the help of a small (or large, depending on the event) army of helpers. This could be anything from manning one of our “information booths” for a few hours, or passing out brochures and flyers, to checking up on the various TOUR STOPS to make sure everything is running smoothly. If you are interested in getting involved, email us at christine@theunitedprojectsalliance.com or stacyhayartist@gmail.com.

Who do I contact if I have more questions?

Not seeing your question on this list, or you would like additional information? You can always contact us at info@aosc-studiotour.com.