Sneak peek into the studio

The annual Open Studios Tour starts early with a special sneak peek at the SLO Art Center through Oct. 18. This year’s tour features 235 artists from all around the county opening their workspaces to the public for two consecutive weekends; 70 artists are new to the program. Color catalogs are available for sale detailing the work of local artists. The North County tour takes place Oct. 16-17 — including the Atascadero studio of Tracy Di Vita Baas, whose work is shown below — and the South County tour is Oct. 23-24.

• The annual Open Studios Tour reception takes place Monday, Oct. 18, 6-8 p.m. at the SLO Art Center, 1010 Broad St. The North County tour takes place Oct. 16-17 and the South County tour is Oct. 23-24. For more info, call 544-9251 or visit www.sloartscouncil.org.

Apples for every eye

Windrose Farm offers up the first Organic Apple Pie Contest and Apple Tasting. Sample delicious pies, cakes, sauces, and juices, tour the facilities, and spend an autumn afternoon on the farm.

• The Organic Apple Pie Contest and Apple Tasting runs Oct. 17 from 2-5 p.m. Admission is $15 and includes apple tasting and refreshments. Windrose Farm is located at 5750 El Pharo Road in Paso Robles. For more information, call 239-3757 or visit www.windrosefarm.org.

Green thumb gala

“A Gathering of Gardeners” brings garden tips, insights, and revelry to Cambria. Speakers include noted horticulturalists Rosalind Creasy, Renee Shepherd, and Robin Parer. Free demonstrations and fun. Get up to your elbows in garden goodness!

• “A Gathering of Gardeners” runs Oct. 16-17 at Cambria Pines Lodge and Cambria Nursery and Florist. For more information and event/workshop registration, call 414-6915. For lodging information, call 966-6490.