Steve Harrington knows beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

The Loomis resident is one of 77 artists to open their studio for the annual Autumn Art Studios Tour this weekend.

Thrilled to share his craft, he’s been working in metallic media for the last seven years, and can’t wait for tour visitors to behold his whimsical wares on display.

“The Preacher,” a commanding piece that stands as tall as Harrington himself, is a central figure in his repository of wrought items.

An iconic figure, crafted from exhaust pipes, chain, hinges and the like, “The Preacher” stands guard in the center of Harrington’s yard, cross and Bible (made of melded-together pieces of a metal filing box) in hand, waiting to greet anyone who comes within just-saying-hi distance.

“People like to call it garden art,” Harrington said. “But I like to think the figures would work well inside the home, too.”

He originally steered toward the representational, but is headed down a path to more asymmetrical figures — figures that look off balance, in recent months.

“I deal with the more absurd,” Harrington admitted. “It appeals to me, trying different stuff. I’m into welding, but I’m trying to incorporate materials that aren’t purely metal in the work.”

Harrington loves to capture his audience, and does so by creating the fun and fantastical – birds mounted atop wheels, elongated alligators welded with repeat-patterned round metal gadgets, and tends toward animal themes, which people love.

“I show a lot of my work at the Flower Farm Nursery. I sell a lot more there than I ever have in any gallery,” he said.

Harrington is quite a character himself, and admits he loves it when people take a look at his work and laugh.

“Some people have come just to look and laugh, because I make crazy stuff,” he said. “They’re up front about it, and I think it’s great. It’s a great compliment.”

Of course, the Autumn Art Studios Tour offers visitors a peek at 76 additional artists work and lives, so, art enthusiasts are sure to find several studios that will amaze and inspire.

“It gives people in the area the opportunity to really see and appreciate what artists in the area are doing,” said Rosie Stillwell, studio tour coordinator for PlacerArts.

“People get to talk with the artists about the process and see demonstrations – painters, jewelry making – there are a lot of different mediums that can be demonstrated.”

Stillwell, a patron of the arts, though not an artist herself, is thrilled to be involved with the tour.

“I’ve always been a patron of the arts, and I really believe in Placer Arts,” she said.

Stillwell knows how important the art tour is to the community.

“Youngsters aren’t getting the opportunity to see and take part in art in schools, like in years past,” she said, stating admission is free for youngsters up to age 18.

“Last year’s event was successful in many ways. By success, I don’t just measure it in how many people we sold tickets to, or how much money was raised. It’s more about exposure (for the artists). Some artists received commissions, some sold work, some had people approach them to teach classes.”

In challenging financial times, though, money is important too. Funds raised from the tour will go to the PlacerArts budget, which will help fulfill the mission of the arts council.

“Just look on the Web site, there are so many things PlacerArts offers,” Stillwell said.

Art enthusiasts can pick up tour maps at various locations, and visit as few or as many studios as they wish.

“Many artists will have light refreshments, and some restaurant sponsors will offer discounts to studio attendees,” Stillwell said. “It’s a lovely time of year, with the fall colors. We always seem to get perfect weather.”

16TH ANNUAL AUTUMN ART TOUR

When:10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday thru Sunday, Nov. 13-15

Where: Various locations throughout Placer County

Cost: $10 adults, free for 18 and under.

Purchase tickets and pick up maps at PlacerArts, 808 Lincoln Way in Auburn