The artist studios are open year around by appointment, but once a year, they open on the same day, giving visitors a chance to really experience a creative, evolving neighborhood.

On Saturday, November 21st, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, dozens of Dallas artists will open their studios free to the public as part of the Seventh Annual Cedars Open Studios Tour. Visitors will experience a creative, evolving neighborhood, rich in art, history, dining and entertainment, and will see where world-class artists create their art. The tour features painting, sculpture, ceramics, blown glass, jewelry, textiles, furniture and more.

Historically, the Cedars was among Dallas’ first elegant neighborhoods. Named after the forest of cedar and oak trees lining its streets, the Cedars became home to some of Dallas’ great leaders, including Alexander Sanger, of Sanger-Harris, and Stanley Marcus, of Neiman-Marcus. The Cedars also boasted Dallas’ first city park (now Heritage Village), the city’s first water pump station, its first telephone exchange, first zoo, and numerous stately mansions.

As Dallas grew, the Cedars, already home to many of the city’s leading businesses, embraced the new industrialization. The quiet, Victorian village, perched on the south edge of Downtown Dallas, became a thriving industrial center with factories and warehouses, such as the old Sears-Roebuck building – now the South Side on Lamar, home to numerous artists and civic leaders. Eventually, as commerce evolved, the Cedars became ripe for a new wave of people who realized the potential of this convenient, eclectic and historic neighborhood. These people are now transforming the Cedars into a unique community that nurtures vibrant, creative people who enrich Dallas with character and culture. The Cedars Open Studio Tour is an annual celebration of this exciting neighborhood.

The Cedars is located just south of Downtown Dallas and I-30, between I-35 and I-45. Dallas Heritage Village (formerly Old City Park) will serve as the hub for the event, and their gates will be open free to the public along with free parking. Free shuttle busses will continuously circulate among the various studios throughout the day. South Side on Lamar, Corinth Park, and participating artists will also provide free parking. The DART Cedars Station is within walking distance of numerous artists’ studios, and across the street from one of the free shuttle stops. For cycling enthusiasts, there will be bike tours guided by neighborhood locals, which meet at the gates of Dallas Heritage Village at 10:00 am and also at 2:00 pm. The day closes with a sunset glass blowing performance by renowned glass blower, Jim Bowman, at his studio, located at 1419 Griffin Street. Visit www.cedarsopenstudios.com for a map of the tour and more information.

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