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10th Annual Rural Artist Studio Tour, May 4th

Visit area artists at their studios and host businesses during a casual self guided tour on Saturday, May 4th from 10am-6pm. The FIRST “Rural Studio Tour” was held in May 2010. It was such a hit with both the artists and the people who attended that we are now gearing up for our 10th annual event! We’ve added some artists, plus a few scenic stops along the way.

Viewing an artists work, visiting with them and seeing where they create the work is unique experience. The majority of the artists on the tour are full time artists, who show at art fairs and galleries around the country. Some also teach and host workshops. For most of us, May 4 will be the only day of the entire year when we invite the public in. The rest of the time, our studios are simply a place to create.

Adding to the enjoyment of the day, several of the studios will have demos and interactive art projects. Sue Davis and Steve Vachon will be doing “raku” firing demonstrations from 1-3pm, as long as the weather permits. Raku is a technique for firing pottery, in which the glowing orange pieces are taken out of the kiln at around 1800 degrees, then put in a reducing chamber to cool. Sue Davis will be painting 10:30-11:30 and 4-5pm. At Kristy Jo Beber’s pottery studio, demonstrations on the potters wheel will be happening most of the day. If you’ve never seen a pot made on the wheel, it can seem almost surreal how that lump of clay quickly transforms into a recognizable vessel form. At Diane Schafer-King’s studio, watch & learn about the ancient art of marbling! She will be demonstrating throughout the day….and you can even try it yourself for a small materials fee! At Natalie Drummond’s studio, watch & learn about weaving as select members of the Fort Wayne Weavers Guild demonstrate on weaving on floor and table looms. And, new this year, 20 members of the Fort Wayne Artist Guild will be showing at Riverview Native Nursery and will be painting throughout the day.

This event is a great chance to support local artists…some of the artists might even be your neighbors! Each studio will be open 10am-6pm on Saturday, May 4. It will be casual & self-guided…meaning people can visit as many studios & in any order as they wish & on their own time. It’s an amazing way to spend a day with your family or get a carload of friends together, have fun & be inspired.

We have a fan page where anyone interested can get updates & a map:http://www.facebook.com/ArtStudioTour. Printed maps are available at several local businesses, including The Orchard Gallery, Artlink & Firefly in Fort Wayne, Catalpa Tree Shoppes in Grabill & Abode in Leo.

Artists are located on the north side Fort Wayne, Leo and Spencerville, Indiana. Riverview Native Nursery & Beside Still Waters Greenhouse are both hosting artists and you can shop for your Spring plants while visiting! And a bonus for the foodies out there: Head 2 Hock Food Truck will be serving over the lunch hour at The Art Farm!

2019 participating artists: Sue Davis, Steve Vachon, Diane Schafer-King, Kristy Jo Beber, Greg & BJ Jordan, Natalie Drummond (hosting select members of the Weaver’s Guild), Lisa Vetter & Paul Siefert, plus 20 select members of the Fort Wayne Artist Guild.

DeAnna Su Studios
7354 Wolfsboro Lane, Fort Wayne IN 46835
http://www.deannasustudios.com & Facebook.com/deannasustudios Diane Schafer-King specializes in the art of marbling on paper & silk. She is one of only a few practicing artists who generously shares this ancient art form with the public. Visit Diane’s studio to see a variety of new hand marbled silk and paper art pieces. Watch a demonstration & try it yourself!

Steve Vachon & Sue Davis
227 West Wallen Road, Fort Wayne IN 46825
http://www.VachonArts.com & Facebook.com/DavisVachon Visit Sue & Steve’s clay studio and witness a raku firing between 1-3pm! If weather does not allow the outdoor firing, Steve will demonstrate his hand-building clay techniques. Sue’s painting & jewelry studio will also be open for you. Painting demos 10:30-11:30 and 4-5pm! (260) 489-9160

NatalieWoven
10826 Ashton Dr. in Cedar Glens. Fort Wayne IN 46845
Natalie Drummond and select members of the Fort Wayne Weavers’ Guild will demonstrate weaving throughout the day. New work includes a variety of bags or totes as well as needlefelts. See or purchase variety of handwoven products for home or personal use including towels, shawls, scarves and more!

Kristy Jo Beber Stoneware Pottery
9719 Hosler Road, Leo IN 46765
http://www.kristyjobeber.com & Facebook.com/KJBpottery
Explore the pottery studio & browse Kristy Jo’s newest creations. Pottery demos throughout the day!

Jordan Fine Art Jewelry
Guest Artist at Beside Still Waters Greenhouse
18017 Devall Rd. Spencerville IN 46788
Hand built mixed metal jewelry inspired by the natural world around us. Wearable art.

The Art Farm: Lisa Vetter & Paul Siefert
17612 N County Line Road E, Spencerville IN 46788
http://www.artfarmindiana.com & Facebook.com/TheArtFarm (260) 740-8725
Lisa & Paul’s philosophy that life IS art translates in the functional found object assemblage pieces and jewelry that they create for both love and money. Explore their restored 1860 farmstead studio, barn, gardens, and prairie.
The Fort Wayne Artists Guild presents a Pop Up exhibit featuring original art by 20 artists. Various media and styles represented, all framed and ready to hang. Artists will be creating new works of art throughout the day. http://www.fortwayneartistsguild.org