"POP", Pendleton, Oconee, Pickens Open Studio Tour The weekend so carefully planned was a resounding success for "POP" participants and artists. The reaction from the visitors and the community was extremely positive. Attendance totaled approximately 2,400 visitors with 20% being considered as tourists from over 50 miles away. We continue to receive expressions of thanks and congratulations for the efforts made by all concerned. Artist participation and cooperation was remarkable and greatly contributed to the success of the event. Requests are being received by artists and visitors for a repeat in 2009. The research and input gathered by the original organizing committee, consisting of art partners from throughout the tri-county area, proved to be extremely valuable. Few difficulties were encountered during the entire process. The encouragement and financial support received from the city, county, state representatives and organizations was impressive. Some degree of success was inevitable; however, it exceeded even our hopeful expectations. Thanks go out to all our supporters and affiliates who helped realize this dream. In view of the success of the first event, a second annual event will be planned for 2009. It is expected to cover the tri-county area. Additional committee members will be recruited from throughout the tri-county area. A final critique is being made by the committee which will include individual comments received from all the artists. A glimpse at the information indicates that the entire event from workshop to completion of the tour weekend went very well. Any suggestions and all possibilities for improvement will be considered by the new committee. Participating artists from this year are encouraged to begin talking with other artists in their geographic area with the hope that we can do “clusters” of artisans next year.