When I learned that the. two-day tour of Davis-based art studios included a location that was walking distance from where I live, I walked over to view the works of two artists. The tour is self-guided and free to the public. The Davis Art Studio Tour highlights the artwork and creativity from a wide range of artists from the community. Because local creators open their private spaces to the public, it is a rare opportunity to look behind the scenes and see how art happens. After running for over two decades, the tour was paused during the pandemic but was successfully revived in 2023 by a grassroots collective of 20 local artists.
Note the Key Milestones and History
- Early Years: The studio tour began over 20 years ago as a beloved community event celebrating Davis’s eclectic arts scene.
- Pandemic Hiatus: The annual tour was halted in 2019, unable to run for four years.
- 2023 Revival: A small group of 20 local artists banded together to revive the event, hosting a successful comeback featuring 21 artists.
- Recent Growth: Interest has surged, with the roster expanding to over 40 artists in 2024 and 2025.
I went to visit Emma Luna’s home and studio. Emma Luna is a long time Davis resident with works displayed at the Crocker Art Gallery and in many local sites. Although Luna works in mixed media, this tour focused on her ceramics studio and the ceramics that have made her famous.
The beautiful outdoor garden space was made available to Jessica Levant, a recent transplant from San Francisco whose work includes abstract painting & mixed media plus wonderful photo art. This “two-fer” was the perfect stop because the day was unseasonably windy and there was so much to see in one stop.
In addition to enjoying all kinds of really wonderful art and a gorgeous garden, Emma Luna generously agreed to sharing some of her story in a Q&A for Splash Magazines Worldwide.
You grew up on the Dominican Republic and came to the US in your teens. What was your reaction to arriving in New York?
I came to NYC on Feb, of 1963 at the age of 14; it was so cold, and dark; i hated it. The climate was so different from my Caribbean Island. My arrival in NYC was a total cultural shock!
When did you first realize that you had to be an artist?
As a child in the Dominican Republic i was always drawing, and making toys out of found materials and tin cans, and cardboard. My stepmother always game me feedback in everything i did, that built me up. Nothing like giving young children recognition for their creativity.
What motivated you to obtain a PhD in the field of art?
We were extremely poor and could not afford much of anything, that pushed me to be resourceful it was a lesson I learned and have been able to apply even to these days. Upon my arrival in N.Y., I had to work, so art was on hold ‘till college, and I started college at 26 years old. It was when first touched clay, that I knew I had to work with this, and I declared my major to become an art teacher. This gave me the opportunity to do a lot of studio arts work. I took so many studio arts classes that I had two degrees just about! One in art Education and the second one studio arts!!!
What is most pleasing to you as a practicing artist?
As a practicing artist the most pleasing experience to me is to see people collecting my work; this gives me confidence, and continued validation.
What do like most about the opportunities Open Studio provides?
The importance of the open studio tours is exactly this; validation to the artist from their community. The sense that your work is beautiful, and admired by your community is an immense gift.
Thank you, Emma Luna
During my visit an unusual figure arrived on a bicycle dressed for the windy weather and looking like he lived on the moon. It was part of what makes an event like this great fun and builds community. If you did not have an opportunity to visit during this year’s Davis Art Studio Tour, be sure to watch for the date next year. You never know what or who you will see.
To reach Emma Luna- [email protected], EmmaLuna.Net
To reach Jessica [email protected], Website: jessicalevantart.com Studio visit: app.simplymeet.me/jessiclevant
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