Hit the Road for The Art Drive Exploring South Coast Massachusetts

Just over the Rhode Island border, a traipse around Westport and Dartmouth, MA takes sightseers through the picturesque south coast dotted with architectural gems, from quaint farmhouses and historic properties to New England-style cottages, a scenic trip backdropping the unique self-guided studio tour known as The Art Drive.

Highlighting professional works created by the region’s premier painters, ceramic artists, photographers, jewelers, fiber artists, woodworkers, and metal artists, The Art Drive, which takes place August 2-4, “is an opportunity for visitors from all over New England and the New York area to experience an up-close and personal view of the artists' experiences along the magnificent south coast of Massachusetts,” explains artist Heidi Eastman. Members hone their craft by teaching, learning, and sharing with the community, culminating in this consummate showcase.

Eastman describes the event as “a comprehensive, organic experience” with something for everyone, not only letting guests glimpse behind the scenes at working artists’ studios, but also fixing a spotlight on the area’s natural beauty. “The region is known for stunning vistas where farms meet the sea, the ubiquitous stone walls, and quiet wooded areas.”

Throughout the weekend, the immersive event allows visitors to speak with artists while they work, ask questions, and see new ideas and works take shape before their eyes. Talks and presentations happening throughout the weekend equip attendees with the techniques and processes to inspire their own creations, with topics ranging from ceramics and textiles to oil painting, printmaking, and even children’s book illustrations.

With plenty of time to stop by a restaurant or ice cream shop in between stops, hit the road and be prepared to make a day of it. “The Art Drive fosters relationships between the artistic community and the community at large,” says Eastman. “These relationships mature as strong bonds between the viewers and the landscape, including the professional artists, the supporting patrons and businesses, and the magnificent natural world.”

Visit The-Art-Drive.com for an online directory of artist profiles, the tour map, a schedule of presentations, and more ahead of The Art Drive, which takes place August 2-4, 10am-5pm each day.