What is the Off The Beaten Path Studio Tour?

   Off the Beaten Path (OTBP) is a free, open to all, self-guided tour featuring numerous artists' studios in DeKalb and Cannon counties of Middle Tennessee. The tour is always held the last full weekend (Friday – Sunday) of October “when the color is breathtaking and there is a certain crispness in the air”. The tour's conception goes back to 1999 when a small group of DeKalb and Cannon County artists thought it would be fun to let the public into their otherwise private studios. The original members included Louis and Christine Colombarini and Sherri Gard, who continue to participate and support the tour.

   Once in the area, you can follow the yellow signs with black lettering to find something unique at each stop. Please note some stops are truly "off the beaten path" and driving conditions may range between pavement, gravel, or dirt.

   OTBP is not only a once a year studio tour, but a communal outreach throughout the year with programs at the local library, senior citizens center, and fundraising for efforts like the Backpack School program.

What are the tour's Covid-19 precautions?

     Each studio has their own unique requirements, but in general masks and social distancing precautions are encouraged. Some studios will have masks available – check ahead before your visit.

How do I become a stop on the tour?

Each year the tour’s studio stops and guest artists may change.  We accept rolling applications that are reviewed annually for the upcoming year.  Artists are selected based on available need and qualifying professional factors.  All artists pay annual dues and are expected to volunteer as a community to support OTBP.  If you are interested, please contact us.

How do I become a sponsor of the tour?

Thank you for your interest in supporting OTBP! Please see the sponsorship levels on our sponsor page, contact us or you can submit payment on our sponsors page.

When and where can I use the OTBP logo?

All marketing materials, slogans and logos of Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour are reserved property of Off The Beaten Path Studio Tour, 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Marketing materials can be used only by active supporting sponsors and artists for the sole purpose of advertising throughout the year electronically and in printed material.  All current logo requests should be made by emailing Lucas at OTBPfiles@gmail.com.