The Hopewell Tour Des Arts will return for its 19th year on Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27, bringing more than 60 local artists and 12 bands to studios, galleries and gathering spaces throughout the Hopewell area.
Hosted by the Hopewell Valley Arts Council, the annual self-guided arts tour will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, rain or shine. Admission is free, with donations encouraged to support the Tour.
Visitors can create their own route through the weekend, traveling between individual artists’ studios and group locations throughout the Hopewell area and Sourland Mountains. The Tour will feature artists working across a range of styles and mediums, as well as participating galleries and Tour sponsors Morpeth Contemporary and Gallery 14.
Live music will also be part of this year’s event, with 12 bands performing across four stages at Hopewell Valley Stage, Highland Design Farm, the Hopewell Train Station and Calvary Baptist Church.
New Welcome Center at Hopewell Valley Stage
New this year, the recently opened Hopewell Valley Stage will serve as the Tour’s Welcome Center.
Visitors can stop at the Stage to pick up maps, ask questions and hear live music before heading out on the Tour. It will also host the One Piece Show, an exhibition featuring one work from each participating Tour Des Arts artist, providing visitors with a preview of the work they can find throughout the weekend.
The Welcome Center will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
“The Tour is all about connection between artists, neighbors and visitors,” said Luna Sconty, co-chair of the Tour. “Whether you’re a first-time attendee or you’ve been visiting for all 19 years, there’s always something fresh and inspiring to discover.”
Tour organizers say works will be available for purchase at a range of prices, giving visitors an opportunity to buy directly from local artists while visiting the places where some of the work is created.
If You Go
What: Hopewell Tour Des Arts
When: Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Artist studios and group locations throughout the Hopewell area, with music stages at Hopewell Valley Stage, Highland Design Farm, Hopewell Train Station and Calvary Baptist Church
Welcome Center: Hopewell Valley Stage, featuring maps, information, live music and the One Piece Show
Admission: Free; donations are encouraged
Weather: Rain or shine
