it's Just Around the Corner
Hello, friends!
We’re just two weeks away from the Over the Mountain Studio Tour and I’m in high gear getting ready. If you’ve visited in years past, you know what’s happening around here: I’m framing, preparing my studio, and setting up my worktable for encaustic demonstrations. Lot’s to do…
If you’ve never made the trip to Jefferson County for the tour, here’s the scoop: We are a family of nineteen artists, and ten of us will open our studios while hosting a guest artist for the weekend. You can drive between studios at your own pace, stopping wherever curiosity takes you. Our studios are tucked into homes and farms and town spaces, each with its own character and creative atmosphere.
Along the way, you can sip cider, nibble on goodies, see where the work is made, and shop for meaningful gifts or treasures. Some studios are on farms with forges, sheep, and other surprises. You’ll find artists working in all kinds of mediums, including glass, weaving, painting, photography and metal smithing—to list a few.
And this fall is shaping up to be a beautiful one. The leaves are putting on a lovely display, and we may still catch a little fall color when tour weekend arrives. So, take your time, and make a day—or a whole weekend—of exploring.
Inside my studio
So here I am, counting down the days and getting everything ready, and I realized that I’ve never taken a moment to explain what makes this weekend so special to me. One of the best parts of the tour is sharing my process with you. Making art can be a solitary life: many hours spent in the studio, thinking, experimenting, and working through the all the small decisions that add up to a finished piece.
The tour is a chance to share it all in person. Rather than seeing the work only in a gallery, You can visit the space where it comes together. I’ll be ready to talk, answer questions, and demonstrate encaustic for curious visitors. There’s something special about sharing not just the finished pieces, but also the ideas, materials, and hands-on work behind them.
This year Rose Mendez (Even Rose Love) will be joining me again with her beautifully crafted botanical inspired jewlery. I always look forward to spending the weekend with her. We share ideas, talk about what inspires us, and enjoy the creative energy of working together. Rose and I have been friends for many years, and I've always loved our collaborations!
Plan your tour trip
You can find maps, planning information, and more details on the tour website in the link below.. The site also has a blog that’s been growing for several years, with interesting stories about the artists, the area, ant the tour itself. It’s a great way to get a feel for the weekend before you set out. The studio tour is designed for wandering. You don’t need to visit every studio or follow a strict schedule. Choose a starting point, and let the day unfold. You might discover a new favorite place along the way.
Here are a some tips for the weekend:
Check the tour website before you leave for the latest maps and planning details. You might want to print a map in case you find spotty service areas. We also have studio tour signs with arrows to help you along.
Wear comfortable shoes—some studios are on farms, so the ground may be uneven.
Give yourself time to explore. There’s a lot to see, and each stop has its own personality.
Bring a friend. Art is even more fun when you can share what catches your eye.
Most of all, come as you are. Whether you’re an art lover, a or simply in the mood for a beautiful fall outing, you’ll be warmly welcomed. We’re excited to show you what we’ve been working on and to share a little of the place and process behind it.
Many of you have made this visit a tradition, and I’m grateful for every one of you. You know who you are! I look forward to catching up, hearing what you’ve been doing, and welcoming familiar faces back into the studio. And if this will be your first visit, I hope you’ll come say hello.
I can’t wait to see you on the 14th and 15th.
Anne
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