The Garrett County Arts Council invites residents and visitors to explore the 2026 Artist Studio Tour on Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26 from 11am to 5pm each day. This free, self-guided tour offers a rare opportunity to step inside working studios, meet local artists, learn about their creative processes, and discover the incredible artistic talent that flourishes throughout Garrett County and the surrounding region.
Whether you’re interested in painting, pottery, photography, quilting, stained glass, jewelry, sculpture, fiber arts, woodworking, or mixed media, this year’s tour offers something for everyone. Visitors are encouraged to spend the weekend exploring scenic back roads, meeting artists face-to-face, and following the signature yellow signs that mark each stop along the route.
The western portion of the tour begins in Grantsville at The Gallery Shop, Too, where resident studio artist Maureen Sheaffer of Pocket Garden Blooms showcases pressed flower artwork, paper weaving, and embroidery alongside stained glass artist Bud Precht of Vitraux Glass. Nearby, visitors can explore the watercolor, pen-and-ink, and pencil works of Susan S. Johnston before continuing to Accident to visit oil painter Robert Caron of Equidel Art. At The Loft Shop, Sue Arnson presents watercolor and alcohol ink paintings alongside guest artists Bobby Croft Studios with functional ceramics, Evitts Creek Arts with silversmithing jewelry, and woodworker Reid Cross. Just down the road, ABPH Art welcomes visitors into the mixed media world of Annie Simcoe, joined by Macee Mare of Meadowbrook Arts and painter Jesse Cloud.
In the McHenry area, Bella Kuper opens Bella Art Mosaics, featuring her vibrant mixed-media glass mosaics. Quilts and More showcases the work of Joan Chaney alongside jewelry artist Barb’s Baubles and photographer Bill Hentosh. At Deep Creek Pottery, visitors can meet Lorie and Ron Skidmore and browse handmade pottery while also enjoying the fiber arts and marbling of Crimson Shamrock Fibers and the jewelry and metalwork of Wirestorm Creations.
South of the lake, Hawk’s Flight Studio features the nature and landscape photography of Caroline Blizzard alongside Neal Blizzard of Ruddy Duck Studios and the artists of Four Storm Artists Gallery. Nearby, Catherine Gnatowski of Gracie Mae Company presents acrylic, oil, and watercolor paintings. Saturday visitors can also stop by Gisele’s Art Glass Creations to
experience the colorful world of stained glass and mosaics created by Gisele Mohler.
Other Oakland-area stops include Upcycled Lamps by Steve Imes and Choo Choo Rooster Crafting, featuring sculpture and paper crafting, as well as Creativearts by Lyn and Ed, where Marilyn and Ed Remley offer mixed-media artwork, coloring pages, handcrafted soaps, hand creams, and seeds. The Gallery Shop in downtown Oakland will be open throughout the weekend and features work by dozens of regional artists, artist ambassador Emily Elmlinger of Dissent Decals, and the special Small Works 5×7 Community Exhibit.
The tour also extends into neighboring West Virginia with stops at Alpine Lake Lodge, featuring wildlife photographer Ron Miller, the artists of Icon Apprentice, and photographer John Wiltison. Visitors can also explore the sculptural works of Dan Quinn in nearby Terra Alta. Throughout the weekend, visitors can collect stamps for the Garrett Arts Passport Program at participating locations, making the Artist Studio Tour a perfect opportunity to continue exploring Garrett County’s arts and cultural heritage while working toward this year’s commemorative patch.
Every studio tells a story, every artist offers a unique perspective, and every stop reveals something new about the creative spirit of our mountain community. Admission is free, and all are welcome. Grab a map, gather some friends, and follow the yellow signs to discover art around every corner.
The Garrett County Arts Council is proud to support artists, arts organizations, and creative experiences throughout our region. Programs like the Artist Studio Tour are made possible through the support of the Garrett County Board of County Commissioners, Appalachian Regional Commission, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Business Development, Maryland Citizens for the Arts, Maryland Department of Commerce, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Maryland Heritage Area Authority, Rural Maryland Council, Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area, the Towns of Grantsville and Oakland, as well as our artist members, donors, and community supporters.
Written by Garrett County Arts Council.