The 12th annual Kirkland Artist Studio Tour (KAST) will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mother’s Day weekend, May 9-10.

KAST 2015 will showcase 43 artists at 21 home studios, local businesses and galleries. Almost half the artists are new to participating in this event, and most are residents in King and Snohomish counties.

The artists, selected by the Kirkland Arts Center, work in a variety of media, including pottery, painting, jewelry, sculpture, photography, glass, printmaking and mixed media. During the weekend, artists will be on site working in the studios, offering visitors a chance to watch demonstrations, ask questions, purchase art directly from the artists or just soak up the inspiration.

The best places to start the self-guided tour are at the Kirkland Arts Center, at 620 Market Street, or the KAC Store, at 336 Parkplace Center, where free maps are available. Many studios are within walking distance of each other so patrons can stroll from one location to the next or hop on a bike.

Join the artists and their families at a special preview party at the KAC Gallery from 6-8:30 p.m. on May 1. This KAST-Off event is free and open to the public. It’s an opportunity to see and choose a favorite among a selection of the artwork in advance while enjoying free appetizers and $2 beer and wine.

There will be free art activities for youngsters at the KAC Skylight Studio from noon to 3 p.m. on May 9-10.

The event is free and no RSVP is needed.

Kirkland Artist Studio Tour representatives said that the events would not be possible without the support of local Community partners and Sponsors including: The city of Kirkland, Talon Private Capital, Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty, Haystack Home, Crush Footwear, Coralyn W Whitney Designs and The Grape Choice.

For more information on the 2015 Kirkland Artist Studio Tour, visit www.kirklandartiststudiotour.com or www.kirklandartscenter.org.