This year’s 6^th Annual Open Studio Art Tours will run from October 26-November 4 and will feature over 100 participating artists from the Morongo Basin communities of Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, Twentynine Palms, Pioneertown, Landers, Morongo Valley and Wonder Valley.

Anchored by two featured weekends, this free, self-guided, ten-day event celebrates the Morongo Basin’s establishment as a significant art community. Adjacent to the spectacular Joshua Tree National Park, this area is nationally recognized for its dark, starry nights and other-worldly terrain which provides the backdrop for artistic inspiration. During the event, museums, galleries, cafes, theaters and music venues across the Morongo Basin will host cultural events and shows.

With over 100 participants in this year’s Open Studio Art Tours, all artistic mediums are represented including sculpture, watercolor, oils, collage, photography, jewelry, mixed-media, glass, acrylic, ceramics, handmade paper, cast bronze, tile, pencil, metal, photomontage, stone, and fiber.

Among the artists featured will be photographer Wally Pacholka, three-time winner of Time-Life’s “Picture of the Year” award, Steve Rieman, a sculptor with public art pieces displayed throughout California, and Mikal Winn, whose jewelry is worn by the likes of Halle Berry, Lucy Lui and Britney Spears.

The Gathering of Artists Reception for this year’s tours will be held on Friday, October 26, at 6pm at the Joshua Tree Retreat and Event Center (Institute of Mentalphysics). This catered event features live music and attracts up to 400 artists and patrons each year. The Artists Reception is free to all members of the MBCAC, and membership may be obtained at the door. (Individuals $25, Couples or Businesses $45.)

The West End Studio Tours in the communities of Morongo Valley, Yucca Valley, Pioneertown, Landers and Joshua Tree will be open from Saturday, October 27 through Sunday, October 28, from 9 am to 5 pm daily. The East End Studio Tours in the communities of Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms and Wonder Valley will be open from Saturday, November 3 through Sunday, November 4, from 9 am to 5 pm daily.

Additional information is available at ArtTours2007.com or by contacting the MBCAC at 760-368-8306, or by email .