Sandia Heights artists open 13-home studio tour in Albuquerque foothills

The 23rd annual Sandia Heights Artists Studio Tour returns Sept. 12-13 with 40 local artists showing work in 13 homes and studios in Albuquerque’s foothills. A monthlong preview exhibition and Sunport display give visitors an early look at the free self-guided event.

Why it matters: - The Sandia Heights Artists Studio Tour gives Albuquerque residents and visitors a free way to see local art in a neighborhood setting. - The tour also supports arts visibility in the community by pairing a public event with education outreach. - The group’s support for La Mesa Arts Academy connects the tour to free after-school arts programming at La Mesa Elementary School.

What happened: - The 23rd annual Sandia Heights Artists Studio Tour takes place Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12-13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - The event is a free, self-guided art crawl in the foothills of the Sandias near Paseo del Norte and Tramway Boulevard. - Forty local artists will show work in 13 homes and studios. - Claudia Mitchell, president of the Sandia Heights Artists, said the tour highlights the range of artistic variety in Sandia Heights.

The details: - The tour features finished pieces displayed in curated home and studio settings. - Artwork includes painting, sculpture, ceramics, fiber arts, glass, photography, jewelry, woodworking, metal work, mixed media, and code-based digital art. - Multiple artists will appear at each location. - Visitors can move from one style and medium to another across the neighborhood. - A preview exhibition runs throughout August at The Gallery ABQ, 8210 Menaul Blvd. NE. - Select artists’ work is also on display during August in the lower-level showcase at Albuquerque International Sunport. - Tour information, participating artists, a downloadable brochure, and an interactive map are available on tour details and the interactive map.

Between the lines: - The format turns private homes into temporary galleries, which can make the experience feel more personal than a conventional show. - The August preview and airport display extend the tour’s reach beyond the September weekend and help build awareness with both locals and travelers. - The emphasis on many media types suggests the tour is aimed at both collectors and casual visitors, not just one audience.

What's next: - The August preview exhibition continues ahead of the September tour. - Visitors can plan routes using the downloadable brochure and interactive map before the Sept. 12-13 event. - The tour opens its doors for the main weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

The bottom line: - Sandia Heights is turning its foothills into a neighborhood-wide art walk, with 40 artists, two preview venues and a free weekend tour in September.