Northwoods Art Tour to offer opportunity to visit local studios, witness creative processes

For the Tomahawk Leader

NORTHERN WISCONSIN – The air is getting crisp. The leaves are starting to turn. Fall is arriving in all its colorful grandeur. It is the perfect time for a road trip. 38 member artists of the Northwoods Art Tour are offering the unique opportunity to make that road trip an extra special art adventure.

Visitors and residents are invited explore one-of-a-kind creations and witness the creative process by visiting the private studios of artists on Friday, Oct. 8; Saturday, Oct. 9; and Sunday, Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

“Curiosity – White Tail Deer,” pastel on suede matboard, 10″ x 10.” By Andrea Fenner, Swallow Haven Studio, Irma. Photos submitted by Ann Waisbrot.

“Warm Fall Day,” watercolor, 8″ x 10.” By Lisa Kruger, Oak View Studio, Tomahawk.

“Lamp and Mug,” hand thrown pottery glazed using the same technique and black glaze which shows off the bright red. By Johanna Buwalda, Johanna B Ceramics, Eagle River.

“Primordial,” hand-embroidered and quilted wall hanging, 45″ x 33.” By Phyllis Schuit, Textured Elegance, Hazelhurst.

“Autumn Blaze,” kiln-fired fused glass with sculpted solder. The colors in this treasure box will shift with the lighting. Five 12-hour kiln firings were required to create the fused glass lid design. Multiple layers of hand-sculpted glass powders were used the create the island shore lines and details in the skyline. The solder, which frames the work, is all hand-sculpted by the artist, Jack Stayer, Sand Lake Trading Company.

The free tour is organized into 36 unique studios featuring original work by 38 artists. Located along the beautiful backroads Lincoln, Oneida, Vilas, and Iron counties, the tour provides a unique opportunity to experience where and why artists create. Guests can design their own custom experience by choosing which and how many studios to visit. They are invited to elude the ordinary and embrace the original as they encounter works created in all painting and drawing media, functional and decorative works in fiber, clay, wood, glass and natural materials. Explore collections of creative photography, designer jewelry in precious metals and other mixed media.

All artists will be demonstrating aspects of their working processes, materials they use and approaches to making art. They are anxious to share their inspirations, ideas and stories and hear visitors’ reactions and stories.

Pamela Johnson Howe, potter, echoes the sentiments of many artists.

“My favorite part of the tour is meeting people,” she said. “I work alone, and the opportunity to speak with people who are genuinely interested in not just the finished work, but in the process, is good for the soul. It always surprises me when I see my work through the eyes of a visitor and see things I’ve never noticed.”

“One of the main focuses of the tour is the artist demonstrations,” stated Mary Burns, weaver and fiber artist. “This is the part of the tour I really love. Most people have not seen how a loom works and absolutely haven’t seen a jacquard loom. Visitors are usually amazed by the process.”

Jack Stayer of Sand Lake Trading Company creates unique art glass. He also keeps track of comments from visitors.

”The best part is the interaction with the artist,” Stayer said. “We learn about your background and what brought you to your passion. Learning some of the steps you go through to get to the finished product was most interesting.”

All the artists are looking forward to greeting visitors and sharing their new work.

Brochures and with descriptions of individual studios are available at area chambers of commerce, information kiosks and for printing on the tour’s website at www.northwoodsarttour.com.

Individual studios have made their own decisions regarding masking and other precautions. Visitors can contact individual studios with questions or concerns. Contact information is available in the brochure and on the tour website.