Last weekend, 90 local artists welcomed the public into their studios for the first weekend of Napa Valley Open Studios 2007. The event continues this weekend, with studios open again on Saturday and Sunday.

During the first weekend, visitors enjoyed the opportunity to meet ceramicists, painters, sculptors, jewelry makers, glass artists, weavers, photographers and other fine craftspeople, and to buy works of art right from the source. Participating artists were excited about the number of patrons and art buyers, as well as the diversity of the patrons, who came from all over the Bay Area as well as from around the country.

The Open Studios “Amazing Art Adventure” included activities like a glass-blowing demonstration by Ed Breed; metal sculpting by Josanna Borelli-Zavala; a collaborative encaustic painting project with Jocelyn Audette; the creation of “kiln gods” with potters Jeff and Sally Manfredi; and weaving with Barbara Stafford.

“‘Wow, this is all so inspiring!’ is the most frequent comment we heard at Open Studio number 18 last weekend,” said painter Beverly Wilson, who is showing at her home studio along with Ed Breed and jewelry maker Marjorie Shachnow. “The rewards of opening our art studios to the public is the appreciation we feel from visitors who are interested in this unique opportunity to learn about how the creative process works, and see how art evolves from a concept to a finished piece. In our studios, surrounded by our supplies and equipment, we welcome questions, encourage guests to try out paints and assist in demonstrations, and the intimidation of art disappears.”

Wilson’s shared space had a steady stream of about 200 visitors each day, with many coming both days and bringing friends. Having three professional artists who work in different media clustered at one location, with ongoing glass blowing demonstrations, “created a dynamic mix of artistic energy,” said Wilson. “In my seventh Napa Valley Open Studio Tour, this year was by far the most engaging with the most visitors and lots of sales. We are all thrilled that Open Studios is no longer a Napa Valley secret!”

To plan your own “Amazing Art Adventure,” go to www.nvopenstudios.com, where you can learn about participating artists and plan and print your own custom tour. Open Studios continues Sept. 29  and 30, with all studios open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Artist Kasandra Weinerth is showing her found art mixed media paintings “River Squared, Transformed by Water” at St. Supéry Winery through Oct. 30. The series was inspired by ‘treasures’ she collected during her walks along the Napa River.

“When I was commissioned to design the logo for the six-mile long River Trail, I began talking walks along the trail for inspiration,” she said. “Initially I was disheartened by the amount of junk I found washed up on the river banks; however I soon realized this junk was part of the fabric of the valley and the life we live here.

“Months later while watching visiting Tibetan monks pour sand from their completed mandala into the river as a blessing, I was inspired to create this series using the small treasures I found in the river.”

St. Supéry is at 8440 St. Helena Highway in Rutherford. The gallery is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.