In the 10 years that the Open Studios tour has taken place in Roanoke, there's been one commodity that's been surprisingly scarce: actual working art studios.

Event director Mary Bullington said the goal for this year was to get as many actual studios on the tour as possible, and they've pulled it off. All but two of the 11 stops are in fact studios where visitors can see works in progress. The popular annual event, which is free, involves what's essentially a large-scale open house with studios to check out in downtown and South Roanoke and the Raleigh Court neighborhood.

This year there are 26 featured artists, including 10 guest artists, some of whom have never participated before. "We've got a quality of artwork that is as good or better than anything we've ever had," Bullington said.

Beyond providing a mobile audience, the tour benefits the artists by giving them incentive to produce new work -- not to mention tidy up in advance.

The tour can start at any site. Most locations have readily available parking, but at one studio, that of Sherry Lantze at 2602 Grandin Road, folks will need to park at Westhampton Christian Church and walk or call the artist to be picked up by a shuttle, Bullington said.

Brochures with maps are at local galleries, coffee shops and other locations. Families are encouraged to bring their children.

For more information call 344-5542 or visit www.open studiosofroanoke.com.