Shoreline ArtsTrail 2025 Open Studios Weekend: Celebrating 25 Years

The Shoreline Arts Trail’s 25th annual Open Studios Weekend happens right in your backyard—at more than 30 studio locations in Branford, Guilford, and Madison, Connecticut. Held Saturday, November 15 and Sunday, November 16, from 10am to 4pm, the ArtsTrail is supported by 38 shoreline artists and 12 local business sponsors.

This juried event gathers some of the finest, award-winning artists on the shoreline whose work must reflect mastery of methods and materials, originality of concept, and be handmade by the artist in his/her studio. 

•     What you’ll find…one-of-a-kind, quality-made items in a wide range of media including painting, jewelry, sculpture, fiber, glass, pottery, metal, and textiles.

•     What you’ll experience…a chance to talk one-on-one with artists, see their materials, learn about their process and explore their private studios as you weave your way around the scenic shoreline.

•     What you’ll do…support our arts community, purchase great art made right here in Connecticut, and visit our sponsors which include unique shops, and renowned restaurants. 

•     What else you’ll do…enjoy a FUN and stress-free opportunity to get a head start on holiday shopping or enhance your home with an original work of art.

The Shoreline ArtsTrail was started in 2001 by a small group of shoreline artists. Their intent was to create an annual open studios event to allow local residents and weekend visitors to interact with artists and experience the creative process first-hand. Three years later, grants from the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism and from the towns of Branford, Guilford and Madison, dramatically accelerated the project. The number of artists has tripled, as has the types of media, which now includes painting, ceramics, wood, glass, textiles, printmaking, collage, photography, sculpture, and more. 

Now in its 25th year, the Shoreline ArtsTrail is a collaborative effort that includes hundreds of volunteer hours from member artists and the support of numerous community sponsors. During Open Studios Weekend, the colorful yellow “Open Studio” signs point you to all of these artists and studios. 

The Weekend runs November 15 & 16 from 10am to 4pm, is free, and allows art lovers to meet artists, explore their workspaces, and purchase unique, handmade art, making it ideal for holiday shopping or home decor. Trail maps are available at libraries, town halls, and sponsor locations and businesses in Branford, Guilford and Madison. For details on the Weekend, locations for a paper map, a printable map and artist profiles, visit www.shorelineartstrail.org, instagram @shorelineartstrail, or their Facebook page.