From Oct. 1-16, residents and visitors can connect with local artists through WNC Open Studios, an idea inspired by a Saluda artist’s visit to a similar tour in Devon, England.

When painter Bradly Schwartz and his wife, Sandy Phillips, were tracing her family’s roots in England in 2013, they encountered Devon Open Studios in Dartmoor.

Impressed with the professionalism of the tour, they asked Devon Open Studios Coordinator Claire McLaughlin for advice on replicating the event in North Carolina.

Schwartz noted, “Not only was our visit to Devon enhanced by venturing out to unknown places to visit studios, but we returned home with a print based on the 1841 map of Shobrooke, destined to become a family heirloom.”

While the 2016 WNC Open Studios tour includes artists in and around Buncombe and Transylvania counties, nine artists in Polk County and Landrum, and their works, are on

the tour. In all, 30 venues and over 40 artists will be featured.

Schwartz, who paints Asian-influenced scenes of waterfalls, and Japanese interiors, also produces wall sculptures inspired by primitive animals. One of his works bears Japanese characters which include the Americanized term yokai, meaning primitive animal spirits.

Schwartz noted that children will be welcome at his studio, and will have the opportunity to create their own art.

To locate studios on the tour, visit wncopenstudios.org, and look for the WNC Open Studios road signs.

McLaughlin told Schwartz, “We get a lot of visitors from overseas to Devon Open Studios, but it was a surprise to be contacted by someone inspired to set up a similar event. Bradley and I exchanged e-mails, and had a long Skype conversation, where I told him many things I’ve learned from five years of coordinating DOS.”

Continuing, McLaughlin told Schwartz about how the DOS artists note the benefits they receive, from being able to meet potential customers, obtain feedback, and build their businesses.

“Being able to learn from the lessons of a tried and tested event like ours, helped Bradley encourage artists to sign up for his new event, McLaughlin added.

Schwartz, the sole organizer of WNC Open Studios, told McLaughlin that the event is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, in three counties near Asheville.

“Most of our studios are off the beaten track in rural locations, just like yours in Devon.”

Schwartz praised McLaughlin.

“Claire McLaughlin was wonderful support during our set-up process, as we allocated our budget for printed materials, publicity, a website, and the design of our roadside signs . . . our new North Carolina event came together successfully, with the encouragement and support of Devon Open Studios.”

The geographic area of the first WNC Open Studios is roughly the same as Devon. Schwartz noted that the lineup of artists includes “a traditional Appalachian potter who cleaves to the materials and methods used by the early British settlers in the Blue Ridge; and an organization of over 100 members who support the growing, teaching and design of indigenous fabric production, as well as many other artists whose work aligns with our peers in Devon.”

Said Claire McLaughlin, “It’s been great to be involved with WNC Open Studios so far, and we’d love the relationship to build further. I’d particularly love to visit and compare the two events more closely.”

Devon Open Studios is online at devonartistnetwork.co.uk.