Do you have a collection of beautiful photographs from your travels? Or do you like to dabble in watercolors? Now is the time to showcase your talents and work! The Jersey City Artists’ Studio Tour is for ALL artists—so professional or hobbyist—get your work together and be a part of the tour! But first, you’ve got to fill out the application, which is due July 30. Then you’ll have a few months to get your creations in order since the Artists’ Studio Tour isn’t until Saturday October 4 and Sunday October 5.

The tour, which will be from noon to 6 p.m. on both October 4 and 5, highlights artwork at artists’ studios and other venues. Pro Arts of Jersey City and the Jersey City Department of Cultural Affairs sponsor the tour. Rebecca Feranec of Pro Arts, in her third year as coordinator for the event, has been working since March to get everything together. In addition, seven members of Pro Arts volunteer on the Exhibition Committee and work with the division of Cultural Affairs to ensure a successful art-filled weekend.

According to Feranec, artists have as much freedom as they need. They can have an individual show, an exhibit with a friend, or be part of a group show. The same is true about location: it could be at your apartment, a studio, or at a local business. If you want to display your work in a group show, like the ones at the Beacon and Canco, contact the curator first, and then fill out the application. Feranec realizes that since the deadlines for curators to have their shows lined up also July 30, she’s giving some leeway for artists to get their application in. So if it reaches her in the beginning of August, you should still be fine.

Once the artists and sites are determined, a map with all of the artists and venues will be printed. During the tour weekend, maps will be available for free at City Hall and the Grove and Journal Square PATH stations. Balloons and a number will also mark each site.

Canco Lofts will be the site of the kick off party on Friday October 3 from 6 p.m. -10 p.m. With 10 curator exhibitions featuring 200 artists, people will get a taste of the artwork and then be able to see the artists’ studio the next day at their own show. “It’s a portal,” Feranec said, referring to the opening night kick off party and exhibit. Besides the multitude of artwork, there will also be live music and refreshments.  Another highlight of the Artists’ Studio Tour will be the Fourth Street Art and Music festival on Saturday. The street will be closed with artists and a stage featuring performances and a fashion show taking center stage.

So now is the time to mark your calendar and get that application in. “We’re really looking forward to the vibrancy of downtown and getting the whole city involved,” said Feranec.