On May 17 and 18 the gates are open for locals to check out featured artists throughout Saratoga, Monte Sereno, Los Gatos, Campbell, San Jose, Santa Clara, Milpitas, Gilroy, Morgan Hill, and San Martin.

Silicon Valley Open Studios 2003 has already visited northern Santa Clara County and San Mateo County, and after visiting south Santa Clara County the project will have presented the work of more than 400 local artists to the public eye. Artists exhibit an immense range of work, from oils and acrylics on canvas to ceramics, mosaics, blown glass, handmade books, photography, stone sculpture, calligraphy, digital art, metal sculpture, and quilts.

Through a self-guided tour accompanied by a tour map, the hope of Open Studios is to unearth the powerful talent lying low in the midst of a coffee and computer culture. Many artists will serve refreshments and offer demonstrations on their artistic process, while others will offer up pieces for sale. Tour hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call 408.367.7255 or visit www.svopenstudios.org.

Tour maps are available in Los Gatos at the Tercera Gallery, the Los Gatos Library, Blossom Hill Crafts, Elemental Art Gallery, Studio Forty Two Gallery, Art Museum of Los Gatos, California View Fine Art, Los Gatos Framing Company, Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company, and Borders Books.

Los Gatos and Monte Sereno artists participating in the event are Kathryn Allen, Jolene Anderson, Elise Chezem, Ella Fisher, Marian Gault, Ned Gault, Ruth Geredes, Elke Groves, Laura Hagan, Constance Ijordan, Paul Jossi, Philip Lange, Ed Lucey, Maralyn Miller, Elizabeth Parashis, Helen Scheel, Linda Sieker, Jennifer Wool, Douglas Wright, and Marco Zecchin.