These days, the sight of a chalk-wielding street artist reproducing Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring” on the sidewalks of Library Mall is more than enough to attract a sizable crowd of onlookers. On a similar note, landscape painter Bob Ross’ strangely soothing voice and trails of “happy little clouds” have kept viewers hooked on “The Joy of Painting” for more than 10 years. Clearly, the creative process behind an aesthetically pleasing work of art has never quite ceased to pique our curiosity and perpetuate our fascination.

For those who seek further indulgements in these sorts of artistic experiences, Open Art Studios proposes a much more satisfying and interactive approach to exploring the process of creating art.

On Oct. 4 and 5, the completely free, annual event will allow Madison-based artists to open their studios to the general public and introduce the guests to the behind-the-scenes production of art-making.

Prior to the event, individuals interested can pay a visit to the Overture Center galleries where the artists have displayed their works of art. With over 150 artists partaking in the celebration of Madison’s artistic vitality, the exhibition at the Overture Center galleries showcases a wide variety of local art such as ceramics, textiles, paintings, jewelry and photography. Detailed artist directories and studio maps are provided at the exhibition, lest visitors show further interest in particular artists and decide to venture upon an artistic pilgrimage throughout the Madison area.

According to public relations coordinator Cora Hardin, the mission of Open Art Studios is to provide the community with an educational experience that would more or less unravel the mystery behind modern-day contemporary art. As Paul Gauguin had once said, the history of modern art is also the history of the progressive loss of art’s audience. Art, according to the famed post-impressionist painter, has increasingly become the concern of the artist and the bafflement of the public.

Indeed, with the constant outpour of increasingly obscure art nowadays, it is almost impossible to comprehend the meaning behind them.

“There are a lot of people who are scared of contemporary art and don’t know what it is supposed to mean or what it stands for,” Hardin said during an interview with The Badger Herald. “We want to demystify the artistic process and make art a little more accessible by having the artists open up their studios and show people how they make it and why they make it.”

“It’s really kind of getting the inside look at the whole mystical art world,” Hardin added.

Alongside the efforts of promoting a heightened awareness of local art, Open Art Studios is aiming to support local participating artists by offering them a venue to showcase and sell their artworks.

“Artists definitely want to make themselves known on a local level,” Hardin said. “Often, [artists] are known nationally and have won awards, but their neighbors don’t know what they do, so it’s a way of reaching out to the Madison community and letting them know that they are here.”

“Got Art?” asks the paint-splattered cow that adorns most of Open Art Studio’s media merchandise. With the dome of the Wisconsin State Capitol jauntily resting atop its head, the cow’s witty spin on the nationally recognized “Got Milk?” campaign is surely set out to prove that Wisconsin has more to offer than just its typical dairy products.

For more information about Open Art Studios, visit www.maoas.com