To the editor:

The 2008 Open Studio Tour on Whidbey Island on Sept. 27 and 28 was well-attended — North, Central and South island. It appears that even in these uncertain times, people are being drawn to connect through art; looking for the handmade, for local, for knowing the source, supporting their local artists. This is hopeful.

We want to thank all those who helped make this year’s annual event a great success, including the art lovers who attended, participating artists demonstrating and presenting their work, businesses that sponsored and advertisers in our new calendar.

Special thanks go to all the folks that volunteered their time and services as well as the newspapers on and off island for writing in-depth and informative articles.

This year’s studio tour ticket, the beautiful 15-month art calendar, will continue to be sold for $10 each. All sales go directly to fund local artists — professional and emerging, young and old — through grants and scholarships. Look for them in your local shops or contact Whidbey Open Studio Tour at 221-4121 or at www.WhidbeyOpenStudioTour.org.

2008 Whidbey Open Studio Tour Committee