Capital Arts has a new twist on its annual fundraiser.
For about 20 years, Capital Arts volunteer Mary Ann Hall organized home tours for the Historic City of Jefferson since 2006, which inspired her to pitch the idea to have tours of local artists' studios.
Five studios at three locations - in addition to several featured artists - will be open for viewing with live music, refreshments and beautiful artwork from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, May 8 for the Taste of Artistry event.
There will be a little something for everyone on display, from barn wood furniture to jewelry, paintings, punch rugs and metal sculptures. One of the locations, the home and studio of artists Lynn and Gail Barnickol in Wardsville, rests near a lake with a wooded lot. Hall said guests are encouraged to walk the paths and enjoy their garden after touring the studio.
Hall recommends attendees check out the Barnickol's tour first then make their way to Jefferson City for the final two tours.
"We want people to have plenty of time to visit the studios and chat with the artists," Hall said. "It's a very social event. ... I have personally been to the Barnickols' home, and the garden this time of year is absolutely gorgeous. It'll have an art fair ambiance, and we think it'll be a wonderful event."
The second location will be at Capital Arts Vice President Janis Burgin's studio, where she works, houses her gallery and teaches an art class. The final studio is run by Hall and her son, Sean Hall. The three-story historic carriage house will feature their own work, as well as other local artists.
Colleen Faulkner's eye-popping punch rugs will be on display at Hall's studio. Faulkner purchases some of her wool from New Zealand and hand dyes it. One of her creations, a realistic portrait of Gov. Jay Nixon's dog, can be found at the Governor's Mansion.
Hall said the fundraiser will be a fun Mother's Day outing, but the locations are not handicapped-accessible.
At the event, there will be drawings for door prizes and a raffle for a framed original painting.
Advanced tickets are available for $12 at Carrie's Hallmark, Busch's Florist, Hy-Vee and Schulte's Fresh Foods. Tickets the day of will be $15 at a Capital Arts tent at 1110 Moreau Drive. Children under the age of 12 are free. For additional information, contact Capital Arts at 635-8355 or 635-8512.