This Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., plan a stroll around the Logan and Dupont Circle neighborhoods to check out the art studios of the Mid City Artists. Be sure to print out their map before you head out, wear comfy shoes, and take note of the specific times listed—the studios span nine square blocks and the opening and closing times vary. This week, DCist spoke with several of the participating artists, including Sondra Arkin, Brian Petro, Tanja Bos, Bridget Sue Lambert and Scott Brooks.

“Mid City Artists is defined by location, which means that there is no driving philosophy that binds our work together,” co-founder Arkin said. “But overall, I think that it is a really nice mix. The open studios is a terrific free activity for folks to do to enjoy being out and about in the city — and to see how many people juggle and fit art into their life.”

An abstract mixed media artist and oil painter, Arkin and her bright, colorful works are represented by the Nevin Kelly Gallery. Her 32″ x 32″ encaustic Waterloo is pictured right. Arkin is also exhibiting seven new works alongside Willem de Looper at Dupont’s PASS Gallery until May 30. PASS will be open on Saturday, and you can also stop by Arkin’s studio a few blocks south of the gallery on Church Street to view a few of her new large pieces as well as a number of older, smaller works.

Brian Petro occupies a 320 square foot studio in the basement of Vastu on 14th Street, where he also exhibits three times a year. Brian’s work spans photography, painting, drawing, sculpture and mixed media, and he explains, “My mind is always trying to find new, inventive things. I can’t be stagnant.” Working on over ten pieces at once, his almost obsessive need to create results in the completion of over 200 new works annually. Petro is represented not only by Vastu, but by galleries in Philadelphia and New Orleans as well.