Step inside the studios of talented local artists to see where it all happens! Local artists, in conjunction with Garrett County Arts Council, invite the public to visit their working artists’ studios on Saturday and Sunday, July 27th and 28th.
This year’s tour will kick-off with a Preview Party on Friday, July 26, from 5:30 to 7pm at The Gallery Shop in Oakland. Samples of the participating artist’s work will be on display and select items will be offered in a silent auction. The Preview Party is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
On the tour, artists from the local region will discuss and demonstrate their craft, answer questions about their artistic process, and display their hand-crafted artwork that will be for sale. The artists’ working studios will be open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm both days. The self-guided tour is free and will include more than 20 artists at 8 separate studio locations, as well as the Arts Council’s storefront, The Gallery Shop, in Oakland. The Artist Studio Tour is a great opportunity to learn about the artists’ creative process, the tools and materials they use, and the path they followed to become an artist.
The tour will feature a broad variety of original art work, including photography, mixed media and monoprinting as well as paintings in acrylic, oil and watercolor; fused art glass; quilting; woodcrafts and turnings; and a broad spectrum of jewelry, and pottery styles.
Schoolhouse Earth in Friendsville will host scenic watercolor painter Susan Johnston. Susan specializes in natural scenery and plein air paintings. Schoolhouse Earth offers an eclectic collection of home and garden products as well as jewelry, children’s gifts, books, and more.
In an idyllic corner of Bittinger, the Loft Shop, hosted by Alan and Sue Arnson, will present woodcrafts by Alan, and watercolors and monoprints by Sue. Also featured will be wire-wrapped jewelry with precious stones, gold, and silver of jeweler Kitty Lynch and the oil and acrylic paintings of TJ Jenkins.
On North Ridge Road in McHenry, fabric artist Joan Chaney will showcase her beautiful, one-of-a-kind hand-crafted quilts, wall hangings and table runners. She will be hosting artist Rebecca Diller with her nature-inspired jewelry and photography.
Nearby on Laurel Ridge Road, you will find Deep Creek Pottery with a wide range of functional pottery and ceramic art by hosts Ron and Lorie Skidmore. You can also find mosaic stepping stones by Derek and Lindsey Skidmore. This year Deep Creek Pottery is hosting Wirestorm Creations’ Connie Pardini who will have a collection of jewelry, decorative items, ornaments, trees made with sterling, copper, recycled flatware, and metal.
Nestled in the Sky Valley area of Swanton is Snowbird Creations Glass Studio, home to glass artist Julie Turrentine. Her creations include fused glass, mounted glass birds, chimes, garden art, sculpture, jewelry, bowls, and more. Snowbird Creations Glass Studio will be hosting Fine Art Photographer Penny Knobel-Besa from Sanctuary Studio in Flintstone. She will have a collection of her photography for sale, including works on canvas.
On Turkey Neck Road in Swanton, you will find Appalachian Studio, home of impressionistic watercolor and mixed media artist Robert Yonke. His subjects include sailing, the mountains, local wildlife and landscapes. His paintings on both paper and canvas will be available.
In Oakland, participating locations include The Gallery Shop located on Second Street and Smoke N’ Mirrors on Third Street. The Gallery Shop is run by The Garrett County Arts Council and showcases a variety of work from juried local artists and artisans. Smoke N’ Mirrors is owned by photographer Dave Bruffy who specializes in landscapes, cityscapes, and wildlife photography. Guest artists at this location include Brenda Caldwell of Aunt B’s Place with her Steampunk & industrial art and Wendy Rippeon of Warm & Cozy Quilts with her quilting which includes quilts, wall hangings, and table décor.
Four Storm Artists Gallery near Swallow Falls State Park, will feature the perceptive nature and landscape photography of Caroline Blizzard from Hawks Flight Studio, the luminous outdoor and nature photography of Neal Blizzard from Ruddy Duck Studio, and original jewelry designs in sterling silver and natural gemstones from Karina Stonesifer’s studio — Bird Dog Jewelry. This gallery also represents the works of more than 20 artists from around the county.
The Artist Studio Tour is free. The 2019 Studio Tour booklet and map is available at The Gallery Shop located at 108 South Second Street, at the county visitors’ center, and at various locations around the area. It can also be downloaded from https://garrettarts.org/artist-studio-tour/ .
There will also be yellow directional signage along the tour route to guide drivers to the sites. Visitors can start anywhere on the tour and follow the route in any order.
Pick up the Studio Tour booklet now, and mark your calendar. Enjoy a scenic drive around the county and discover a special piece of handcrafted art to take home with you! For more information or to learn more about supporting the arts throughout Garrett County, visit www.garrettarts.org or contact the Garrett County Arts Council by phone at 301-334-6580.