Residents and tourists will once again get a chance to step inside those hallowed places where art is created when 20 Vashon artists throw open their doors to the public this weekend and next.

The Vashon Island Art Studio Tour started 30 years ago as a modest affair. Now, it’s a thriving, twice-annual tradition that showcases the richness of Vashon’s artistic scene and gives visitors a chance to purchase original art from the people who make it.

This year’s tour will include many Island favorites: Delicate silver bells made by Gordon Barnett, light-infused oil paintings by Pam Ingalls, colorful pottery by Liz Lewis, whimsical tiles and magnets by Irene Otis.

As in years past, demonstrations will be part of the tour. Visitors can watch Emily Pruiksma paint Ukrainian eggs at Fiddle Home Studio or Dean Hanmer create garden art at his studio on the Burton Hill.

Potter Mary Hosick has completed her new outdoor reduction kiln and will have new surprises to exhibit. And visitors can blow their own glass at Brian Brenno’s studio on the Island’s north end.

The tour is also a wonderful way to see the Island: Many of the studios are tucked in the woods or perched above the water in intimate private settings.

Some studios will be open Friday night during the Gallery Cruise. But the tour officially takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday, May 5 and 6, and the following weekend, May 12 and 13.

Maps for the free, self-guided tour are available at businesses around town or online at www.VashonIslandArtStudioTour.com.