Tour open studios: Artists at work, art for sale

21st Rock River Artists’ Studio Tour

July 20-21, 10-6p. Rock River Artists, a collective of fine art and craft professionals, offers chance to win a free weekend for two in a charming cabin along the Rock River in South Newfane, coinciding with 21st annual Rock River Artists’ Open Studio Tour. Winners get two-night stay with breakfast in a guest cabin on grounds belonging to nationally acclaimed photographer Christine Triebert, a founding member of the Rock River Artists. Visit 16 artists’ studios, homes, and working environments and see it all happen. Many studios tucked away from the road, with lush gardens, hilltop views, river frontage, and unique rural settings. Details for weekend for two and studio tour at RockRiverArtists.com. Winners notified July 1.

7th Annual Readsboro Arts Festival

Sept. 21. From 10a-4p. Artists and craftspeople of Southern Vermont, performances by local musicians, art activities for all ages. Free. Readsboro Central School, 301 Phelps Lane. Call 802-423-7706, info.readsboroarts@gmail.com.

Brattleboro-West Arts Studio Tour

Sept. 28-29. From 10a-5p. Fifteen or so of possibly the most eclectic group of artists ever to share a six-mile radius. Where else can you watch a weathervane maker, a rug braider, a woodcarver, and a stone mason practice their craft alongside artists who work with hand-dyed silks, colored porcelain, blown and fused glass, and locally harvested hardwoods? And that’s before you get to the landscape artists, portraitists, and abstract painters. The artists all live along the Whetstone Brook watershed, in the villages of West Brattleboro and Marlboro. For information, visit Brattleboro-westarts.com.

Vermont Open Studios Weekend (Oct. 5-6)

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River Valley Artisans Tour

Oct. 12-13. From 10a-4p. Opening reception Friday, Oct. 11, 7-9p. Westmoreland Town Hall, Route 63, Westmoreland, N.H. View a sampling of artists’ work on the tour. Travel scenic back roads of Southern New Hampshire in the Connecticut River Valley during peak foliage season while enjoying the work of local artists and artisans in their studios. Self-guided tour encompasses Chesterfield, Spofford, Walpole and Westmoreland. Info Rivervalleyartisans.com.

35th Anniversary Putney Craft Tour

Nov. 29-30; Dec. 1. From 10a-5p. Twenty-eight artists and craftspeople in their studios in the Putney area. Blacksmiths, glass blowers, potters, jewelers, weavers, woodworkers, artisan cheesemakers, invite visitors to discover, ask questions, sip hot cider and find that one-of-a-kind gift. Start at the Putney Inn, where a preview exhibit showcases works of the artists on tour. Maps, coffee, restrooms, too. Info visit putneycrafts.com.

Walpole Artisan Tour

Nov. 29-30; Dec. 1. Wed-Sat 10a-5p; Sun 11a-3p. Sponsored by Walpole Artisans Cooperative. Featuring studio demonstrations throughout Bellows Falls, Walpole, and Alstead, N.H. Start at the Walpole Artisans Cooperative Gallery, 52 Main St., downtown Walpole, across from Burdick’s Restaurant. Info 603-756 3020 or walpoleartisans.org.

Cotton Mill Open Studio and Holiday Sale

Dec. 6-8. The Cotton Mill is three-story 145,000-square-foot renovated mill building in Brattleboro converted into studio space for artist and performers. Open to the public for demonstrations and sales. Potters, glass blowers, circus performers, musicians, painters, candle makers, jam makers, jewelers, booksellers, dancers and more.

Cherry Street Artisans Holiday Sale and Café

Dec. 7-8. Twelve artisans’ work in a beautiful Victorian home, 44 Cherry St., Brattleboro, the house transformed into a fine craft show and café. Fine hand-crafted items, delicious food, and amazing desserts. Call 802-254-3530 or visit cherrystreetartisans.com.