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GREENSBORO -- As local artists prepare for the 12th annual Artstock studio tour this weekend, the troubled economy has colored their approach.

Artstock has adopted the slogan, "Stimulate local creativity and economy," and its artists are working to do both.

"Artists are being mindful that people don't have the kind of money they used to have," says Carolyn Owen, longtime Artstock coordinator.

"They are trying to make smaller and less expensive pieces, so that people can afford to buy."

Artstock took root in 1998. It was a product of a local Artist's Support System Established Synergy, in which artisans shared ideas and concerns.

This year, the self-directed studio tour will feature 62 artists showing and selling their paintings, drawings, pottery, sculpture, metalwork, photography, collages, handmade paper and works in mixed media.

They will exhibit in 30 locations -- in galleries usually closed on Sunday, in neighborhoods such as Westerwood, in a Boy Scout hut near Irving Park School and in shopping venues such as The Village at North Elm and Summerfield Shopping Center.

To check out samples of the artists' work in one location, stop by the Artstock preview show at the downtown Center for Visual Artists' gallery. It runs through Oct. 16.

The number of artists participating in Artstock is down slightly this year, likely because of concerns about sales prospects in a struggling economy.

But 10 locations will participate for the first time, including Penland Custom Frames at 712 W. Market St. and Bricolage at 716 W. Market St.

"A lot of us have been through two or three downturns, and we know to stay the course and do what we can to keep our art out there, because it will turn around," Owen said.

Contact Dawn DeCwikiel-Kane at 373-5204 or dawn.kane@news-record.com