Meet the Artists Behind the Canvas — Open Studios at Columbia Pike Artist Studios

Columbia Pike Artist Studios was founded in 1989 by local artists who pooled funds to create a shared workspace in South Arlington, converting a retail space into studios for painters, sculptors, and other visual artists — becoming a vital part of the Pike’s diverse arts scene for over three decades.  Tucked on the second floor of 932 S. Walter Reed Drive — the same building as the Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse, just around the corner — CPAS operates as a genuine working cooperative: 21 studio spaces housing painters, sculptors, printmakers, collage and mixed media artists, illustrators, and photographers who share the space, critique each other’s work, and collectively engage with the broader community. It’s not a gallery with an agenda; it’s a place where art is actually being made, which gives every visit a different energy than a polished exhibition space.

The studios and CPAS gallery are open to the public during special events, including bi-annual open studio weekends, and by appointment with individual artists. For Spring 2026, there will be an open house April 18 and 19th from 2-5 PM. Open studio events are free and open to the public — visitors can explore behind the scenes, view a group exhibition, meet artists working in painting, sculpture, printmaking, drawing, and mixed media, discuss their processes and concepts, and purchase artwork directly from the makers. The spring open studio typically runs in late April and the fall edition in November, each spanning a Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon — dates and participating artists are announced at columbiapikeartiststudios.org. These events consistently feature 20 or more CPAS member artists, with past participants working in everything from abstract oil painting and figurative sculpture to relief printmaking and documentary photography. Street parking is available nearby, with additional parking behind the McDonald’s and 7-Eleven on 9th Road.