More Ways to Explore the SOMA Studio Tour

New this year: expanded studio list and extended hours give visitors more opportunities to experience the South Orange Maplewood Artists Studio Tour at their own pace. The free, community-based event brings together painters, sculptors, jewelers, textile artists, mixed-media creators, and other local makers across South Orange and Maplewood, New Jersey.

A larger participating artist roster means the tour can feel different for every guest. You may discover an established creator whose work you already admire, then turn a corner and find an emerging artist presenting a first collection. Studios, galleries, exhibitions, and community spaces create a varied route through two lively towns.

The extended schedule also makes it easier to plan around family activities, errands, and other weekend commitments. Visitors can build a short neighborhood outing or spend several hours moving between studios with time to pause, talk, and look closely.

A wider range of artists and mediums

An expanded studio list adds depth to the tour’s creative landscape. Expect opportunities to see original paintings alongside sculpture, ceramics, photography, jewelry, fiber work, collage, and experimental mixed media. Each stop offers a different perspective on process, materials, and personal expression.

The interactive tour map can help visitors connect artists by location and create a practical route. Rather than trying to see everything at once, guests can focus on a few nearby studios, then continue exploring as time allows. Artist profiles and event details make it easier to decide which stops match individual interests.

More time for discovery

Extended hours create room for a slower, more engaging visit. Guests can spend longer discussing technique with artists, comparing works across studios, or returning to a favorite exhibition later in the day. The additional time is especially useful for anyone attending with children, friends, or relatives who prefer a flexible schedule.

A longer window also supports spontaneous discoveries. A studio that was not on the original itinerary may become a highlight, while an interesting conversation may lead visitors to another artist, gallery, or nearby event. Checking the published schedule before setting out helps guests account for individual studio hours and special programming.

Meet the people behind the work

The studio tour is a chance to see more than finished objects. Artists can explain the ideas, materials, and decisions that shape their work, giving visitors a richer understanding of each piece. A conversation about a painting’s color palette or a textile’s construction can transform the way it is experienced.

Visitors interested in a personal view of the local art community can explore Tricia Zimic’s artist profile before planning a route. Reviewing artist information in advance can help guests identify studios that complement their interests while leaving room for unexpected finds.

A community event with local support

The tour depends on the energy of artists, volunteers, host venues, visitors, and local supporters. Its free admission helps make creative experiences accessible while encouraging people to spend time in South Orange and Maplewood businesses, streets, and gathering places.

Local sponsorship also plays an important role in keeping the event visible and welcoming. The story of local arts supporters highlights how businesses help sustain a shared cultural experience. Their involvement connects the studio tour to the wider community that makes it possible.

Plan a route that fits your day

A little preparation can make an expanded tour feel manageable without taking away its spontaneity. Use the map, artist listings, and schedule to identify a few priority stops, then leave space for discoveries along the way.

• Start with studios located near one another to reduce travel time.
• Check individual schedules for exhibitions, demonstrations, and special events.
• Allow extra time for conversations, browsing, and purchasing artwork.
• Choose a meeting point if attending with friends or family.
• Sign up for mailing-list updates so future tour news reaches you directly.

Make the most of the extended schedule

The longer hours invite visitors to experience the tour as a cultural outing rather than a race between addresses. Begin with a planned destination, explore nearby studios, and take breaks at local cafés or shops between visits. The result can be a fuller picture of the area’s creative community and the people who shape it.

Whether you collect art, enjoy meeting makers, or simply want a distinctive weekend activity, this year’s expanded program offers more ways to participate. Review the schedule and interactive map, choose your route, and join the South Orange Maplewood Artists Studio Tour to discover local work in the places where it begins.