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• Photo by Monica Topping

The North Coast is a vibrant stretch of land, bursting with originals and originators. The salt air, natural beauty, friendly folk and easygoing pace surely serve our ability to recognize and unleash our creative power. And fortunately, North Coast Open Studios, the two-weekend, community art event, affords us a rare opportunity to step into the places where that creativity blooms. We get to talk with artists, watch them work, see what inspires them and perhaps pick up a few ideas for our own practices (or, pick up a few pieces for our collections).

The annual event, now in its 18th year, includes open studio locations from Trinidad to Hydesville and east to Blue Lake. It showcases more than 100 artists and artisans. And this year, for connoisseurs of fine fermentation, local cider and wine makers will open their doors for a peek into the processes.

Studios are open this Saturday and Sunday, June 4 and 5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and next weekend, June 11 and 12 (free), same time.

To find out where your favorite creator is located, or to double check the rare exception to the open studio times, look for guidebooks around the county, online at www.northcoastjournal.com or in the May 26 issue of the Journal.