A beloved Thanksgiving weekend tradition returns November 27, 28 and 29, 2026, as Covered Bridge Artisans presents its 32nd Annual Fall Studio Tour. Visitors are invited to explore the studios and creative spaces of 22 artists throughout the Delaware River Valley, discovering original artwork, fine crafts and the people behind them.
The free, self-guided tour runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes nine individual artist studios and a group exhibition at Sandy Ridge Community Church. All 10 locations are within five miles of Stockton, New Jersey, making it easy for visitors to enjoy a day exploring the area’s charming countryside and artistic community.
This year’s tour welcomes newcomer Kelly Sullivan, who will open her Lambertville studio and exhibit her paintings. While primarily working in oil, Kelly enjoys the exploration of alternative materials including gouache and ink. No matter the medium, her subjects emote a connection to the earth and a broad love of diverse cultures. Her participation adds another exciting dimension to a tour that has long celebrated artistic diversity and the opportunity to discover new talent.
At the group exhibition at Sandy Ridge Community Church, visitors can meet fiber artist Heidi Hammel and woodworker Jim Ruocco, among other participating artists.
“I absorbed the ethic that an artisan strives to make quality hand-made objects that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing,” Himmel shares while teaching at Rose Valley, an Arts and Crafts institution.
Ruocco is another recent addition to the tour and has been working with foraged local woods for more than 50 years, specializing in hand-turned bowls and hand-crafted furniture made from native trees. Their work reflects the remarkable range of materials, techniques and creative approaches represented throughout the tour.
From painting, pottery and photography to fiber art, woodworking, jewelry, glass and sculpture, the tour offers something for every artistic taste. Visitors can talk directly with the artists, learn about their creative processes, see where their work takes shape and purchase original pieces directly from the makers. It’s also an opportunity to find distinctive, handcrafted gifts just in time for the holiday season.
“The beauty of this tour is that every studio offers a different experience,” says Katherine Hackl, one of the founding members of Covered Bridge Artisans. “People aren’t just looking at artwork; they’re meeting the artists, seeing where the work is created and getting a glimpse into the inspiration and process behind it. After thirty-two years, that personal connection is still what makes the tour so special.”
“Thanksgiving weekend is a wonderful time to bring people together, and art is such a natural way to do that,” says Karen Caldwell, founding member of Covered Bridge Artisans. “We love welcoming returning visitors as well as people discovering the tour for the first time. There’s always something new to see, and we hope visitors will make a day of exploring the studios and supporting local artists.”
Founded in 1993 by a group of local women artisans, Covered Bridge Artisans began with a simple idea: invite the public into the studios of local artists to experience the creativity and craftsmanship of the Delaware River Valley. More than three decades later, that original vision continues, bringing together established and emerging artists and welcoming thousands of visitors to the area over Thanksgiving weekend.
Admission is free. For a complete list of participating artists, studio locations, tour map and directions, visit: www.coveredbridgeartisans.com.
