It is that exciting time of year when our our community looks forward to the Shoreline Arts Trail Open Studios Weekend. Mark your calendar: This year's annual event is Saturday, Nov. 16, and Sunday, Nov. 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

This is a fun, 24-year-old tradition, with free admission. Children are welcome. Over 40 professional artists from Branford, Guilford, and Madison show their art work. They are delighted to talk with guests about their ideas and techniques. The juried group works in paint, clay, fiber, wood, paper, glass, encaustic, and mixed media.

The Shoreline Arts Trail began in 2001 with eight determined artists. They grew the organization from that time to now, receiving continuous and enthusiastic support from a widespread audience. Many local business sponsors, among them the Guilford Art Center, have contributed to the ongoing success of the Trail.

To plan your visit, go to the SAT website, shorelineartstrail.org, where there is information about each artist, as well as detailed maps showing the location of the studios. Look for the yellow Open Studios directional signs along local roads. Come and feel free to find the perfect gift or simply to browse. If you can't make it to every studio, just contact any individual artist through the website to set up an appointment after the weekend.

As a longtime member of the Shoreline Arts Trail, I can recommend this upcoming weekend as a getaway from the stress of everyday life, for the artist participants and their guests, alike. We look forward to seeing you there!

Laurie Douglas, Member

Shoreline Arts Trail