An artist’s studio is often described as a sacred space, a place where imagination gives way to artistic discipline and new ideas take physical shape. Unlike viewing art in a museum, where the work can feel distant and contextualized, the studio brings artists directly to their audience, giving viewers an intimate look into the creative process.

Breaking down the barriers between artists and art lovers is the idea behind Open Studios, a massive, two-day art crawl presented by the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. Now in its fourth year, the free event, happening May 2 and 3, has grown to over 150 artists. Creators of all kinds — from painters to jewelry makers to sculptors — will have the chance to demonstrate their craft, answer questions, and meet people who otherwise may not have access to their work.

Speaking with PureHoney, Jessica Ransom, the Cultural Council’s artist services director, explains that the event exemplifies what the council’s mission is all about: helping the arts become “a part of everyday life, for everyone.”

“When you’re looking at art in a museum or gallery, there’s a wall because you don’t know the artist or what they were thinking when they created the piece,” she says. “This event offers an opportunity to interact with artists in their own creative environments.”

To make navigating the event easier, the Cultural Council created a map of artist locations, separated into northern, central, and southern regions. You can visit individual studios or larger establishments with multiple artists. Think of it as a treasure hunt, except one where you can curate your own experience.

If you’re in the northern part of the county, consider stopping by Studio on 10th in Lake Park. Renowned mixed-media artist Ilene Gruber Adams is one of five artists who share the space. Since moving to Florida 22 years ago, she has become a fixture in the Palm Beach arts scene, holding leadership roles with multiple art organizations and serving as a longtime advisor to the Cultural Affairs Committee for West Palm Beach. For Open Studios, she’ll have her popular abstract paintings on display, showcasing her signature blend of vibrant colors, geometric lines, and bold forms.

“Having a studio has helped me promote and sell my art, which can be a challenge for some artists,” she says. “That’s why Open Studios is such a great resource — it gives artists a platform to connect with different types of collectors.”

For a truly unique experience, don’t miss Central Palm Beach County’s stained-glass artist Iva Kalikow, whose striking reinterpretations of well-known paintings include Henri Matisse’s “Odalisque, Blue Harmony,” Pablo Picasso’s “Still Life with Guitar,” and Paul Cezanne’s “Flowers in a Vase.” Dotted throughout her home are works inspired by other master artists, including Vincent van Gogh’s “Sunflowers,” its brilliant golden hues reminiscent of a sun-drenched countryside. If you venture into her studio, you’ll see her working on a current project: a series of Georgia O’Keeffe’s flowers for an art show this summer in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

“With Open Studios, you’re getting people who are really interested in what you do because they’re coming to see you specifically,” Kalikow tells PureHoney. “What could be better than that?”

Travel south to the white sandy shores of Delray Beach and you’ll find the Amanda James Gallery & Amanda Johnson Studio. Inside is an eclectic mix of paintings, photographs, textiles, home decor, and hand-painted wares. Portraits featuring women in confident, sensual poses figure prominently throughout the space. Jewel-toned antique rugs complement watermelon pink and deep purple walls. Nature themes blend seamlessly with the abundance of feminine energy.

“I like to think of this space as an artist gypsy caravan,” says Amanda Johnson, who shares the gallery/studio with her husband, James. Also a multidisciplinary artist, he heads up the gallery’s custom-framing department and is an accomplished photographer. This is the couple’s second year participating in Open Studios, and they have already seen their roster of clients grow.

“Events like Open Studios expose potential collectors to different kinds of art and connect artists with clients we typically wouldn’t reach,” Johnson tells PureHoney. “The Cultural Council recognizes this, and I think they do an outstanding job of being the go-between for collectors and artists.”

Open Studios runs noon-5pm Saturday and Sunday, May 2 and 3. Get details and a downloadable artist lineup and location map at palmbeachculture.com/open-studios/. For more exclusive discounts on cultural events during the month of May, sign up for the Cultural Council’s MOSAIC at palmbeachculture.com/mosaic ~ Trina Gray