If you’ve ever wanted to peek inside an artist’s mind, the annual Nanaimo Artwalk may afford you that opportunity.

Artists working in all types of mediums are participating in the 11th annual Nanaimo Artwalk Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 14-15), 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“People are interested in taking in the intimacy of the artist’s studio,” said Yvonne Vander Kooi, one of the organizers of the event.

Vander Kooi shares her studio at 345 Haliburton St. with Alejandra Gomez Jonker, a painter with a focus on bright colours and social themes.

Vander Kooi participated in the artwalk for several years – when duties as a mom would allow – and saw several hundred people visit her studio last year.

She plans to have work on her easel during the event but expects to focus most of her attention on questions and queries from the public.

“I don’t want to have an open studio all the time – I’d never get any work done,” Vander Kooi said.

Joining her on the tour are Bad Boys Mosaics, Proletariat Pots, Art On the Move, The Garden Studio, the Vault and more.

“I’m trying to figure out a way to go and see the other artists myself,” Vander Kooi said.

The artwalk includes more than 30 artists spread throughout the downtown, Old City Quarter and South End.

“To do it as a walk is a little long,” Vander Kooi said.

The map and brochure are available online at www.nanaimoartwalk.ca.

People can cater their tour to their own interests, while planning central parking in each area.

“People can visit as many studios as they want,” Vander Kooi said.

Brochures are also available at Artzi Stuff on Wesley Street and House of Indigo on Commercial Street.

arts@nanaimobulletin.com