Can you believe it? Twenty years. That's two decades of artists in the Columbia River Gorge throwing open their studio doors, welcoming curious visitors, and sharing the magic that happens in these creative spaces.

This May 1-3, 2026, I'll be joining 50 fellow artists for Gorge Artists Open Studios – and honestly, I'm both nervous and absolutely thrilled.

My studio will be filled with the art quilts I've been pouring my heart into. You know those pieces that start as just fabric and thread, then somehow transform into something that tells a story? Those will be hanging on every available wall space, draped over cutting tables, maybe even pinned to my design wall mid-creation.

I keep imagining visitors viewing the intricate stitching patterns, asking about the hand-dyed fabrics, or discovering the tiny hidden details I embed in each piece – the ones only revealed when you lean in close. There's something incredibly personal about inviting people into the space where all this happens. The morning light streaming through my north-facing open doorway, the organized chaos of fabric bins, the design decisions scribbled on sticky notes everywhere.

The Columbia River Gorge has this way of inspiring artists. Maybe it's the dramatic landscape, or how the light changes throughout the day, reflecting off the river and snow-covered peaks. Whatever it is, we're all grateful to call this place home – and even more grateful to share our work with you.

Mark your calendars. Come spend a weekend wandering from studio to studio, meeting the makers, and seeing where the art actually comes to life.