There’s no better way to judge the scenic impact of a place, along with the cultural acumen and sensitivity of its resident artists, than to amass a couple of dozen professionals into a regional art studio tour, and then pull the works together into an online gallery. Consider Art Studio Views, the tour taking place in northern Dutchess County this Saturday and Sunday, September 3 and 4.

Stretching north from Hyde Park and Clinton Corners to Tivoli and Red Hook, it has brought together 26 painters, photographers, sculptors and multi-media artists who will be opening their studios and sharing not only their creative environment, but also the views and surroundings that inspire their works. “Behind the Scenes” is what they’re calling this free event, with maps and other information online, and a number of local sponsors making the whole thing possible while showing their support for the arts’ role in their communities’ coherence and cumulative beauty.

“The Art Studio Views 2011 tour provides a rare opportunity for the public to visit an artist’s private studio, see the creative process in the studios and interact on a personal level with each artist. Many new artists have joined the tour this year, adding to the high quality and range of artistic opportunities visitors will enjoy,” said Joanna Hess, director of the annual event this year. “Several artists will host an assortment of demonstrations of their skills, method and discuss their vision. And don’t forget: If you enjoy their artwork, you may purchase something directly from the artist. This is the best way to show your support and appreciation!”

Hess stressed that most of the studios are clustered together and are all within a few short miles of each other, with Rhinebeck central to all and Albert Shahinian Fine Art – run by Hess’s husband at 22 East Market Street in Rhinebeck – serving as the Art Studio Views tour’s headquarters. Brochures and maps will be available there, as well as at various shops throughout the region.

This year’s participating artists work in a variety of media including: photography, oils, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, ceramics, glass and printmaking. With 26 studios to explore, visitors can plan their own self-guided personal interest tour or visit all 26 artists over the two-day event by going to www.artsnortherndutchess.org/asv to download the tour brochure and map.

Helping Shahinian sponsor the event are Rhinebeck Savings Bank, taking a lead role for the fourth year in a row; Ameriprise Financial; Briggs Mountain Gallery; Cross River Fine Art; Gaby’s Café; Hudson Valley Pottery; Montgomery Row; Northern Dutchess Hospital; the Roosevelt Inn; Red Hook Framing Ltd.; and the Rhinebeck Artist’s Shop.

Currently showing at Shahinian, and on view over the weekend, are an exhibition of new works by Christie Scheele, one of the region’s great landscape artists with a strong career of several decades now, and a Summer Salon Show of longtime gallery associates. For more on the artists’ tour, which takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, call (845) 758-0335 or visit www.artsnortherndutchess.org/asv.