Thomas Deir and other Maui artists will host art enthusiasts at their studios during the event.

The tradition continues when the 12th annual Winter Maui Open Studios Event kicks off its 12th year of connecting art lovers and art collectors with artists around the island of Maui.

MOS is a popular event for art enthusiasts, art collectors, and those seeking creative inspiration — both locals and tourists alike.

This year, organizers are especially excited about the return of the festive Opening Celebration/Preview Exhibition on Feb. 11.

This year’s schedule begins in February and continues into the first weekend of March. The event gives artists the opportunity to open up their studios and exhibition spaces to show and sell their work directly to the public, as well as “talk story,” connect and inspire visitors through one-on-one interactions and, in some cases, live demonstrations. The entire event is free to the public.

The mission of MOS is to connect the art community directly with art-lovers on Maui. It’s now held twice a year: winter and summer.

Since its inception, the event has featured over 80 artists every year and generated over 8,000 individual studio visits by art collectors and art enthusiasts each year.

For the 2023 winter event, there are over 85 participating artists, including 20-plus artists new to the event, working in various mediums, including ceramics, photography, mixed media, glass, wood, fiber, drawing, painting and more.

Be sure to check the event’s online directories for artists with “w” in their numbers, who missed the print deadline.

The public is invited to join many of the artists at the free Opening Celebration/Preview Exhibition on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the University of Hawaii Maui College Pa’ina Culinary Arts Center at 310 West Kaahumanu Avenue in Kahului.

Enjoy complimentary wine, food trucks and live music; preview a few pieces of the artists’ work; connect with the artists and pick up copies of the printed guidebook at the UHMC event.

The self-guided tours begin the following weekend. Hours for the weekend shows are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. under the following schedule:

Weekend 1: Upcountry, Feb. 18 and 19;

Weekend 2: South Maui, Feb. 25 and 26;

Weekend 3: West, Central and North Shore, March 4 and 5,

Guidebooks are also available throughout the duration of the event, while supplies last, at various locations around the island, which are listed on MauiOpenStudios.com.

The website also includes online artist directories and an interactive Google map/directory.

As technology develops from year to year, MOS encourages the use of digital devices and GPS to visit with the artists.

For more information about the event, visit MauiOpenStudios.com.