For the Tomahawk Leader
NORTHERN WISCONSIN – Autumn colors have arrived Up North, and it’s time for the 24th annual fall Northwoods Art Tour.
The tour is slated for Friday, Oct. 6 through Sunday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Some of the Northwoods’ finest artists and artist-owned galleries are allowing visitors a behind-the-scenes view of how their work is created.
“Don’t miss this rare opportunity to discover where many Northwoods artists live and work and view their processes and inspirations,” a release said. “Visitors also have the unique opportunity to make purchases directly from them. Follow the tour map and view the autumn foliage as you take a drive through some of the prettiest back roads of Northern Wisconsin.”
At the southern tip of the tour are artists in the Tomahawk area. There you will find one of the tour’s new artists, Linda DeBroux, who owns the Chapel Art Gallery in Irma and works with pottery and mixed media. The Fifth Element Gallery is also new, owned by Shayna Kelley, who is a teacher and a contemporary artist.
Over in Lake Tomahawk is Pigeon Road Pottery. Owner Amy Higgason’s pottery is a marriage of function and expression, with a nod to the natural world.
In Eagle River are Sarah and Janice Zindel. Sarah creates jewelry using natural stones, glass and beads, while Janice is a fiber artist who creates handwovens inspired by her Norwegian heritage.
In Hazelhurst, see Jenny Gibson’s 100-year-old sock machine. Down the road, David Barnhill reveals nature’s art through his photography, while his wife Phyllis Schuit displays exquisite, quilted wall hangings with hand embroidery. Both are award-winning artists.
In the Lac du Flambeau area is La De Da Gourds, where Karen Caldwell sells hard-shell gourds.
“If you come to my studio, my gourds will make you smile,” Caldwell said.
Lisa Opfer is a new member and creates whimsical pottery. One of her customers said, “I’ve never seen such unique pottery.”
Bob Kovar is a wildlife and landscape photographer.
“My photography is a heart-felt creative process,” Kovar stated.
In Boulder Junction, Sara Muender, owner of Moondeer Gallery, is a multimedia artist.
“I like to play,” she said. “My work is normally very whimsical in a variety of styles.”
Mary Burns of the Manitowish River Studio weaves on a unique hand-jacquard loom. Sandy Cashman of Manitowish Waters is an award-winning oil painter whose paintings show the magic of the Northwoods.
Out in Mercer, the Odonata Art Gallery has been in business for 24 years and has the artwork of around 80 artists. Owners Mitch and Laureen Myers display their own pottery, painting and photography.
And don’t forget Steve Klemann’s spectacular handcrafted furniture. He is worth the drive to the Land O’ Lakes area.
“My furniture is both functional and beautiful,” Klemann stated. The Northwoods Art Tour is free to all. Brochures with studio descriptions, driving directions, and a map are available at area businesses, chambers of commerce and online at www.northwoodsarttour.com.