For the Tomahawk Leader
NORTHERN WISCONSIN – Nearly 40 members of the Northwoods Art Tour will welcome guests to their individual studios and galleries for the 21st annual Summer Tour, slated for Friday, July 23, through Sunday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Brochures and with descriptions of individual studios are available at area chambers of commerce and information kiosks, as well as for printing on the tour’s website: www.northwoodsarttour.com.
The tour is organized into 38 unique studios located along the beautiful backroads of Iron, Vilas, Oneida and Lincoln counties. The tour offers guests a chance to travel through charming small communities and visit the seldom open to the public private workspaces of artists. It provides a unique opportunity to experience where and why artists create. You can delight in original 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 unique media.
Two new members have been welcomed to the group this year: LemonDog Art and Pat Garske.
Rod and Judi Linder of LemonDog Art create three-dimensional folk art fish using wood metal and acrylic paint. Each piece is a collaborative effort, with Rod doing the carving and metal work and Judi doing the painting.
Judi explains their inspiration: “Choosing folk art fish and fishing was a very organic process related to the integral role of fish, and fishing, in the Northwoods culture and life. We are also both experienced divers and have immensely enjoyed observing fish in their natural environment in a multitude of settings. Our chosen subject and medium allow us to combine our inspiration and skills to create art that would be individually unattainable.”
LemonDog art will be a guest artist at Bear Paw Pottery in St. German.
Minocqua quilter Pat Garske works in a variety of styles and techniques to create her original designs and personal takes on traditional patterns.
The artist explains, “Sometimes I follow the ‘rules’ of quilting, and sometimes I don’t. I may start with a project that seems very straightforward, but along the way I find myself tweaking it a little. Other times I start with the end vision and try to work backwards to try to create my quilt. Sometimes I follow the pattern, and sometimes I make it up as I go along. I like a variety of styles: scrappy, modern, embroidered, vintage and more.”
Each artist on the tour will be demonstrating aspects of their working process, what materials they use and how they approach the creative process. Artworks will be available for purchase. You may find yourself inspired to forgo the mass-produced and collect the one-of-a-kind to enrich your home or give as a special gift.
Individual studios have made their own decisions regarding masking and other precautions. Visitors can contact individual studios for more information. Contact information is available in the brochure and on the tour website www.northwoodsarttour.com.