What is a Studio Tour?
What is the MKE Studio Tour?
The MKE Studio Tour is a free, self-guided driving tour that gives visitors the rare opportunity to step inside working artist studios across Milwaukee County. Unlike a traditional gallery or art fair, the Tour takes you behind the scenes and into the places where artists create.
Meet artists in their creative spaces, ask questions about their techniques and processes, see demonstrations and activities at select locations, and purchase artwork directly from the makers.
Create Your Own Studio Tour Adventure
There is no set route and no need to visit every location. You decide how you want to experience the Tour.
Start by exploring the Host Studios, 2026 Participating artists and Tour Map to see the participating artists and studio locations. Choose the stops that interest you based on the artists and mediums you want to discover, the neighborhoods you would like to explore, or demonstrations and activities you would like to experience.
Then, grab a friend, family member, or fellow art lover and head out for the weekend. Visit as many studios as you like, in whatever order you choose, and spend as much time as you wish at each stop.
Here's how it works:
1. Explore the artists.
Browse the Artist Listing to discover the participating artists, their mediums, and examples of their work.
2. Plan your route.
Use the Interactive Google Tour Map or printable map to choose the studios you want to visit. You can plan a few favorite stops or make a full day of exploring.
3. Visit the studios.
All participating studios are open during the Tour hours. Look for the MKE Studio Tour signs at each location and come inside to meet the artists and explore their creative spaces.
4. Make it your own.
Talk with artists, learn about their creative processes, watch demonstrations or participate in activities at select locations, and shop for handmade artwork directly from the artists.
The MKE Studio Tour is designed to be flexible, welcoming, and easy to explore. You choose the artists, studios, neighborhoods, and experiences that make your perfect art-filled weekend.
Our Mission
The MKE Studio Tour connects artists and the community by opening the doors to working studios throughout Milwaukee County. Presented by Wisconsin Craft, the Tour celebrates fine craft, encourages meaningful connections between artists and visitors, and supports both emerging and established makers through education, visibility, and direct engagement.
Origins of the MKE Studio Tour
The MKE Studio Tour began with a simple conversation in 2018 between artists Jean Wells and Andrew Linderman about creating an urban studio tour showcasing small business artisans who work inside Milwaukee County. With the support of Wisconsin Craft and a dedicated group of volunteers, that idea became a reality. Today, the annual events connects thousands of visitors with dozens of artists throughout Milwaukee County.
MKE Studio Tour and Wisconsin Craft in the Spotlight
The Future of Fine Craft
Wisconsin Craft is a , a non-profit organization that supports and celebrates the work of craft artists in Wisconsin and surrounding areas. Our mission is to provide opportunities for artists to showcase their work, connect with fellow artists, and enhance their skills through exhibitions, events, educational programs, and a supportive community. We organize various events, like the Morning Glory Art Fair, as well as other workshops, and seminars, to support the growth and development of craft artists and to promote the value of fine craft in Wisconsin communities and beyond.