There is no better time for a drive through the scenic northwoods than in autumn when Mother Nature dons her most colorful coat. Providing interesting stops along the way, are the 32 selected studios and galleries of some of the area’s finest artists. The artists are opening their private spaces to visitors during the 17th annual Northwoods Fall Art Tour, Friday, Oct 7, Saturday, Oct. 8 and Sunday, Oct. 9, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. Visitors can design their own experience by choosing from the 32 locations that ramble through Iron, Vilas, Oneida, Langlade and Lincoln Counties. A map and detailed information about each artist and location is available at area Chambers of Commerce, many local businesses and on the tour website at www.northwoodsarttour.com.
Artists will be demonstrating their techniques at their studios and discussing their creative process with visitors. The tour provides an unique opportunity to see where and why artists create, how ideas are formed and how the inspirations and concepts are transformed into a one of a kind works of art. There is always something new to experience on the tour. Seven new studios have been accepted this year and returning members are always exploring new processes and ideas. Work is available for purchase at all locations.
Among the artists on the tour, Louise Schotz will be sharing both original art quilts and jewelry at her Outback Studio in Irma. After her retirement as a Merrill High School Chemistry teacher, Schotz signed up for classes to learn how to use her experience in traditional quilt making to create original art using the quilt format. Adding embellishments such as embroidery and beading to the fiber art led to an interest in jewelry and working with metals. With studios that feature painting in watercolor, pastel, oil, acrylic and mixed media, weaving, fiber arts, original printmaking, photography, woodworks, glass, pottery, jewelry and more, there is something to interest everyone. Northwoods Art Tour artists provide a friendly casual atmosphere to learn about, experience and shop for art. The Northwoods Art Tour is free to the public. No tickets or reservations are needed.