By Rod Hansen
Staff Writer

Goffstown artist Diane Ryan displays her acrylic painting, “Putting the ‘Aggie’ Back in Culture,’ at a preview for the Goffstown Open Studio Tour. Ryan is one of 19 artists displaying her work at the town-wide open house event the weekend of Sept. 30. (The Goffstown News/Rod Hansen)

The explosive colors of autumn won’t be confined to trees the weekend of Sept. 30, as more than a dozen local artists exhibit in the Main Street Program’s Third Annual Open Studio Tour.

“We’ve been doing this for three years, and it’s gotten bigger and bigger every year,” said Kate DalPra, co-chairman of the Main Street Program’s art team and coordinator of this year’s tour.

“Last year people told me they couldn’t believe how many talented artists there are right here in Goffstown. But there are, and this is our chance to show them off,” DalPra said.

A total of 19 artists will take part in this year’s tour, offering a vibrant kaleidoscope of paintings, pottery, photography, sculpture, fiber art and multimedia.

The event provides a showcase for local artists and businesses, as well as Goffstown as a whole, DalPra said.

The tour runs from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30, and Sunday, Oct. 1. It is a self-guided tour, allowing visitors to travel at their own pace to as many destinations as they choose.

Several of the artists are located in the village section of town, with clusters also showing in Grasmere and outlying areas.

A map of all locations is available at www.goffstownmainst.org/themap.gif.

Resident Diane Ryan, who will display work at her home in Grasmere, is in her third year of participating in the Open Studio Tour.

Ryan spoke about the tour at a sneak preview event on Thursday, Sept. 21.

“It’s been a good time both of the years I’ve done it. The self-guided tour format gives you time to enjoy the people,” said Ryan, who last year decorated the walls, floor and curtains of her home with special painting designs for the event.

“This is a great way to enjoy a fall day,” DalPra said. “It also lets people know Goffstown has a very healthy arts community.”

For more information about the tour, visit www.goffstownmainst.org/studio.htm.