ART AT WORK MONTH >>>

Art at Work: Tacoma's Arts Month showcases just about every aspect of the arts T-town sports during the month of November - but one of the most unique facets to this dreary month of art is the studio tour program.

Nov. 3 and 4, 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., Tacoma working artists open their studios to the public.

"Studio tours have gone on for eleven years," says Naomi Strom-Avila, cultural arts specialist at Tacoma Arts Commission. "Everyone will have either hands on activities or demonstrations for visitors, so it's really about getting people there to see how art is made and get to talk to artists first hand."

For the most part, studio tours are self-directed. While there are 55 artists on the tour and their studios are located all around Tacoma, you can visit just one or all 55 (good luck with that). Not all studios are open both days, or all hours, so check the program first. Programs are available in printed format at Tacoma's museums and many local coffee shops, and online at ArtAtWorkTacoma.com.

Alternately, if hoofing it to several studios on your own is not your style, you can take the Tacoma ART BUS either Nov. 3 or 4 from 1 to 4 p.m. The ART BUS will whisk you off to visit about eight studios each day. Along the way, partake of some snacks and effervescent conversation with your fellow bus mates. Get tickets online in advance at TacomaArtBus.com or show up at least a half hour before the bus leaves. Tickets cost $15, or $25 for VIP. The bus leaves from Tacoma Art Museum.

LINK: List of studios

LINK: Tacoma Arts has a bitchin' series on the studio tours