The Renton Arts Commission is organizing Art in Motion, a self-guided tour of different art studios around Renton.

The artist studio tour will be a free event in Renton from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, that offers people a behind-the-scenes look at local artists’ process. The event is a first for the city, and the idea for this tour came from a local artist to highlight the artists engaged in art in Renton.

“You have a chance to go see where artists are operating in their natural environment,” Renton Economic Development Manager Jessie Kotarski said.

Kotarski said they have artists in 15 different locations to show off their craft, and people can go to as many stops as they want.

“We have them spread throughout the city. We have some downtown. There are some up in the Highlands area and a couple as far as the East Plateau area,” Kotarski said.

The headquarters for the event will be Perfect Fit Framing on S. 3rd Street where people can get a map, event program and questions answered. Maps will also be available to download online and can be picked up at any participating studio.

“People can just create their own itinerary for the day and just hop around the city and get a full day of art and art business,” Kotarski said.

Kotarski said people will have the opportunity to purchase art directly from artists themselves. Some stops will have drop-in workshops and classes for people to learn the process as well.

Kotarski said the art mediums include fine art, glassblowing, tattoo art, dance and string instruments, to name a few.

“Any type of medium you could possibly think of,” Kotarski said.

Kotarski said as an incentive to visit multiple artists, there will be unique collectable pins at each location, and people who collect five or more will earn a special pin.

“We’re trying to encourage people to tour around and get more of a feel for the variety of arts that are here in the city,” Kotarski said.

Painter Britt Greenland’s studio. Photo provided by Jessie Kotarski

Printmaker Renee Look’s studio. Photo provided by Jessie Kotarski