OAKHURST — Sierra Art Trails announced this week that the 18th annual Sierra Art Trails Open Studio Tour has been postponed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The application for Sierra Art Trails 2021 will go live on SmarterEntry.com on Feb. 1, 2021. If you are an artist who has already applied for 2020, your application fee will be refunded.
Sierra Art Trails offered a special thank you to everyone who shared their insights, helping them to make this difficult decision.
“While many artists were willing to participate in Sierra Art Trails in Oct. 2020, the majority expressed their concern that they do not know when the current crisis will end, and they felt the need to protect themselves, their friends, and their families from exposure to COVID-19,” said a press release issued Tuesday.
“California is in Stage 2 of a 4-stage plan to re-open our economy, but the disease is still present, people are still dying, and there is the possibility of spikes in infection as public venues open, and in the fall when the virus may become more active,” the release stated. “There is also the belief that while life may return to normal by October, people will still be hesitant to gather in public, and to welcome visitors into their homes, studios or businesses.”
While the tour has been postponed, Sierra Art Trails will continue to plan exhibits and events, and to explore ways to share the work of the many talented artists that participate in Sierra Art Trails.
“New opportunities are evolving quickly, including virtual exhibits, streaming lectures, meetings, classes and performances. Artists are embracing these new opportunities to share their work with the public remotely,” the release also stated. “There are many exciting new tools available, and people are learning fast. Necessity is the mother of invention, and great ideas arise when people are most challenged.”
“At the same time, people are venturing back into the real world. Shops, galleries, restaurants, and specialty businesses are re-opening. While the future is still unknown, the outlook is hopeful, and people will rise to overcome this challenge. Everyone is looking forward to the time when we can safely gather together again.”
Sierra Art Trails is a 501(c)4 California non-profit organization dedicated to supporting working artists and artisans by promoting their work, fostering art education, and benefiting our communities through cultural tourism. Each year, their organization produces the annual Yosemite Foothills Open Studio Tour, and a number of other unique art exhibits and art related events.
Sierra Art Trails raises funds for student scholarships, public arts, awards for artists and art organizations, and a unique student sponsorship program. Through these activities we seek to educate the public about the importance of the arts in our lives, and the role that artists play in building and maintaining a vibrant culture.
To inquire about sponsorship or to make a donation, please visit www.sierraarttrails.org or call 559-658-8844.
