JOINING FORCES: Hopewell Tour Des Arts, marking its 17th anniversary, has partnered with the Hopewell Valley Arts Council as it prepares for its May fundraiser and fall event.

This year marks the 17th anniversary of Hopewell Tour Des Arts, the annual event that opens the doors of local artists’ studios and pop-up art spaces to the public. This curated tour showcases new and innovative work from talented artists in the Hopewell area and is free to the public. In conjunction with celebrating this milestone, the Tour announces a new partnership with the Hopewell Valley Arts Council and gears up for its May fundraiser.

Starting with Highland Design Farm’s transformation over 50 years ago from multi-floored chicken coops to vibrant artist studios, Hopewell Tour Des Arts was conceptualized by Sean Mannix, Beth Judge, and Ruth Morpeth 18 years ago. Their vision was to unify the artist community and foster a culture of creativity and engagement.

This year, as part of this new collaboration, Tour Des Artes will operate under the Hopewell Valley Arts Council’s oversight, providing event and marketing support and enabling patrons to support the Tour with tax-deductible donations.

Of the new partnership, Mannix said, “I look forward with anticipation to the possibilities that lie ahead in our collective journey with the HV Arts Council. Together, we aim to nurture and elevate the event and mentor emerging artists, ensuring its longevity for many years to come.”

Carol Lipson, HV Arts Council executive director said, “We are excited to have Tour Des Arts added to our repertoire of premier events as we strive to not only elevate Hopewell to a regional art hub, but also underscore the importance of art as a cornerstone for thriving communities.”

On Friday, May 31, a fundraiser to support Tour Des Arts and student art scholarships will be held at the Hopewell Theater in Hopewell Borough. The event, “Canvases + Confections,” will feature a display of works by art students from Hopewell Valley Central High School and The Cambridge School; an opportunity to purchase small works created by Tour Des Arts artists; live music; a hands-on mural painting; and a smorgasbord of desserts. For further details and to purchase fundraiser tickets, visit hvartscouncil.org/tourdesarts.

Tour Des Arts 2024 is scheduled for Saturday, September 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, September 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is free. Details and this year’s tour map will be available several weeks in advance on both the Hopewell Valley Arts Council and Tour Des Arts websites.