Free, Self-Guided Art Event Returns May 1st-3rd, 2026

In 2026, the Gorge Artists Open Studios Tour celebrates its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of inviting the public into the working studios of artists throughout the Mid-Columbia Gorge. This free, self-guided spring event takes place May 1–3, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, and offers visitors an opportunity to experience art at its source—where ideas, materials, and stories converge.

Set within one of the Pacific Northwest’s most dramatic landscapes, the tour reflects the deep relationship between creative expression and place. Artists are often driven by powerful and deeply personal forces: a love of materials, a need to make sense of the world, the desire to create beauty or social commentary, or memories—both cherished and challenging—that insist on being told. At its core, art is a form of storytelling, a practice as old as humanity itself, reaching back to the earliest known cave paintings created more than 17,000 years ago.

This year’s anniversary tour features 50 artists across 42 studio locations in Hood River and Wasco Counties in Oregon, and Skamania and Klickitat Counties in Washington. While early artists worked with limited tools, today’s artists draw from an expansive range of techniques and materials. Visitors will encounter work in painting, pastel, watercolor, ink, printmaking, photography, ceramics, basketry, woodworking, fiber and textiles, jewelry, enamel, and more.

Stepping inside an artist’s studio offers something rare: insight into process, intention, and the lived experience behind the work. It is a place where curiosity is welcomed, conversations unfold, and stories are shared- directly with the person who made the art.

“Participating in the Gorge Artists Open Studios Tour is a true highlight of the year. I enjoy long-lasting relationships with the lovely folks who come to my studio. They very much look forward to our event and feel a sense of ownership.   Selling is great, but these people offer a different type of commerce, and it’s precious.”
— Melanie Thompson, Ceramics, 18-year participating artist

Over the years, the tour has maintained a strong core of returning artists while continuing to welcome new voices. In 2026, the tour proudly introduces 9 artists opening their studios for the first time, adding new voices and perspectives to this anniversary year.

“I’m a pretty shy person and not a self-promoter, but I love visiting artists’ studios and talking with them. People need to understand the effort, love, and skill that goes into what we do, so I decided to open my studio this year for the first time.”
— Helen Fischer, Painter & Sculptor, First time participating artist

As visitors move from studio to studio, they are also invited to explore the greater Mid-Columbia Gorge—an area rich in natural beauty and community life. The region offers scenic vistas, hiking and outdoor recreation, locally owned shops, restaurants, breweries, wineries, and lodging throughout four counties. Many local businesses support the tour as sponsors, helping to sustain this long-running cultural event.

“I always enjoy the mix of visitors and all of the great questions and comments.  The passion for the arts is always evident! Through the tour, I also get to act as a Gorge tour guide, sharing some the must-see sights…of our spectacular area.  It’s always a great weekend!”                  — Ted Olson, Painter, long time participating artist

Complete tour information, including artist profiles, studio locations, maps, directions and a list of business sponsors can be found at gorgeartists.org. 

To see more about what’s in store, also follow us on social media @gorgeartists. 

High-resolution images for print and online publication are attached.

About Gorge Artists  

Gorge Artists is a nonprofit 501(c3).  Its mission is to advance and encourage artists in the Columbia River Gorge by building community among artists and the public, promoting art and business education, and providing opportunities for the public to experience and enjoy art.  

About the Columbia River Gorge  

Surrounded by orchards and vineyards, mountains and rivers, the Columbia River Gorge offers something for everyone – hikers and kite surfers, shoppers and nature photographers, craft beer enthusiasts and stand-up paddle boarders, and everyone in between.  Dotted with quaint towns connected by stunning scenic drives, the Columbia River Gorge is a place to come explore, again and again.  

For more media information, please contact  

Daiva Bergman Harris, Gorge Artists board member  

Email: daiva@studiodbh.com     

Cellphone: (949) 246-6886  

To connect to our social media, please contact

Paloma Ayala, Gorge Artists board member  

Email: paloma@ayalapaloma.com     

Cellphone: (541) 490-4486  

CALENDAR EVENT RELEASE  

Gorge Artists Open Studios Tour Celebrates 20 Years

May 1– 3, 2026  

Daily, 10am – 5 pm  

For more Info and a map of studio locations: www.gorgeartists.org  

Gorge Artists Open Studios Tour invites art lovers to come celebrate and experience art as work, craft, process, and inspiration. With 50 artists working in 42 studios, discover a variety of mediums  from painting to ceramics, jewelry to textiles, woodworking to photography, glass to metalsmith, and so much more.  This is a free, self-guided tour of artist studios and workspaces located throughout the magnificent Mid-Columbia Gorge region.  To see what’s in store for this year, also follow us on social media @gorgeartists.