The 22nd Annual Summer North Woods Art Tour will take place Friday, July 22; Saturday, July 23; and Sunday, July 24, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The free, self-guided tour is organized into 37 unique studios located along the beautiful backroads of Lincoln, Oneida, Iron, and Vilas Counties. Visitors and residents are invited to travel through charming small communities and visit the seldom-open-to-the-public private workspaces of participating artists. The event provides a unique opportunity to experience where, why, and how artists create; ask questions of artists about process and inspirations; and share thoughts and ideas about art.
Artists will demonstrate in their studios, and guests can delight in original works created in many forms: all painting and drawing media, and 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.
The tour is pleased to welcome two new studios this year. Wendy Ahnen of Artwerq Studio and Dave Miess of Natural Spaces Photography, both of Eagle River, have joined the tour.
Ahnen creates original handmade quilts she describes as “improv pieced.” She begins by creating a painting or drawing of what she plans first and then studies it to put fabrics together and hand quilts to represent the painting in an abstract or artful way. Ahnen was a mural artist for over 25 years, Since moving to the north woods, she has found a new medium that forces her to be creative in a new way. ”I live on a river, so naturally my subjects come from my love of the north woods,” Ahnen said.
Miess focuses his camera on the natural beauty of Northern Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, and Lake Superior. He started out as a film photographer in the early 1970’s and still tries to keep the “film sensibility” in the digital world by trying to do most of his work behind the lens rather than on the computer. Miess describes his inspiration: “I grew up and lived in southern Wisconsin up until two years ago. However, I was always up in the North Woods and along Lake Superior shooting. Moving to the North Woods permanently has let me immerse myself in the beauty literally out my back door.”
Locally, artist Louise Schotz said this is her last year on the tour, as she will be moving out of the area soon. She is hoping many visitors will join her at her Outback Studio located in the woods behind her house at W4884 County Rd. J in Irma. Located just across the tracks from the village, her studio will welcome visitors for this year’s Art Tour in July [and then again in Oct.], she said.
“The new barn will be hung with over 50 original quilted pieces along with many textured paintings,” Schotz said. She will also offer jewelry, note cards, bookmarks, and more. And, because this is her last year, she will be giving a 20% discount for all purchases totaling $100 or more, she said.
All the artists on the tour look forward to sharing their new work with visitors, meeting new people, and welcoming back returning friends.
Whether visitors on the tour are looking for a special gift or a new piece for their collection, or are just curious about art and all the different ways of making and seeing, they will be greeted with a welcoming smile, organizers say.
Brochures with a map and driving directions to individual studios are available at local chambers of commerce, visitor centers, local businesses, and online at www.northwoodsarttour.com. Schotz will also have brochures available at her Outback Studio to guide visitors to the other studios on the tour.
Tour information and features about artists can also be found on Facebook. Search for North Woods Art Tours.