Dozens of local painters, sculptors, jewelers, potters, candle makers, glass blowers and other artists are getting ready for their biggest sales event of the season — the annual spring Vashon Island Art Studio Tour.

The event, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for two consecutive weekends — May 7, 8, 14 and 15 — will take place in art studios and workshops tucked away in locations all over the Island.

“It’s a huge, big deal,” said Liz Lewis, a potter who has participated in the tour since its inception more than 25 years ago. “I know that I see other artists who are out and about, and then we all go rushing back home, because everyone is working so hard.”

This year’s tour will take visitors and shoppers to more than 20 studios, ranging from cozy yurts to spacious, light-filled studios shared by artists’ collaboratives, such as Barnworks. 

The Hardware Store Restaurant is also on the tour, with a show by Island oil painter Pam Ingalls, and the tour map directs tour-goers to local galleries and shops, including the Blue Heron, the Heron’s Nest, Raven’s Nest and Good Merchandise.

The event won’t only feature art for sale. It will also give Islanders a glimpse of Island artists actually creating their work. Hands-on demonstrations are planned at Raven’s Nest, Fiddle Home Beeswax Studio, Brian Brenno’s glass studio, Liz Lewis’ pottery studio and many other locations.

The spring tour, like its counterpart in December, is billed as a rare opportunity to take in the full artistic output of some of Vashon’s most creative residents.

“It’s art for the home, garden, mind and soul,” said Lewis. 

Brochures with maps of the spring art tour are available at most Island retail outlets, or visit the tour’s website at www.vashonislandartstudiotour.com.