Craig McInnis photo courtesy of CCPBC
One day last May I set out to investigate the debut of Open Studios, a free, come-one-and-all tour of local artist and artisan spaces added to MOSAIC, Palm Beach County’s springtime carousel of special events and discounted cultural attractions. Navigating studios, galleries and foundries with program guide in hand, I realized I knew less than I thought about the sheer abundance of artistic and artisanal activity in my backyard.
Open Studios returns as a centerpiece of MOSAIC with an expanded schedule of two days, May 18 and 19, and more than 90 creators opening their doors to the public for walkabouts, talks and a bit of shopping. Thanks to MOSAIC and its organizer, the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County (CCPBC), South Floridians will have even more opportunities than I did to marvel at the region’s creative industriousness.
Consider checking out Lake Worth’s McMow Art Glass, a family-owned institution tucked away in plain sight on Dixie Highway. Inside, rainbow-scattered light shimmers across the active workshop and store, and custom works are made for delivery to churches, hotels, restaurants and celebrity homes. Or pay a visit to The Peach, a warren of garage studios in West Palm Beach opened by Craig McInnis and populated by artists including McInnis himself who work in various media for clients near and far.
Chatting recently with PureHoney on a couch on his studio, McInnis mentions one of his many jobs: creative director of Fright Nights at the South Florida Fair. So locals already know his handiwork in giving the terror festivities — from horror makeup to set design to graphics — their ghoulishly fun flair. McInnis and other participating artists will by happy to talk more about their work if you stop by.
“Open Studios is a unique opportunity for visitors to meet artists in their studio and ask questions about their processes, background in the arts, and more,” CCPBC’s artist services director, Jessica Ransom, tells PureHoney. And if you’re buying their wares, Ransom adds, you’re “truly supporting small businesses.”
MOSIAC’s Open Studios, presented by CCPBC, runs noon-5pm Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19. Get details and a downloadable artist lineup and location map at palmbeachculture.com/open-studios ~ Amanda Moore
Craig McInnis by Kevin Jantunen
