24th annual Northwoods Art Tour set for July 28-30

Some of the Northwoods’ finest artists and artist-owned galleries are allowing visitors a behind-the-scenes view of how their work is created. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to discover where many Northwoods artists live and work, view their processes and inspirations, and have the unique opportunity to make purchases directly from them, art tour organizers said in a press release.

 Follow the tour map and take a drive through some of the prettiest back roads of Northern Wisconsin. At the southern tip of the tour are artists in the Tomahawk area. There you will find one of the tour’s new artists, Linda DeBroux, who owns the Chapel Art Gallery and works with pottery and mixed media. The Fifth Element Gallery is also new, owned by Shayna Kelley, who is a teacher and a contemporary artist. Plus there are the returning artists: Lisa Krueger, a painter and Andrea Fenner, a pastel artist.

As you travel north, stop in Rhinelander and look at Betty Christian’s unique jewelry designs in silver, copper and gold. Heading north on Hwy. 17, check out Eagle River, where there is a cluster of five artists. Wendy Ahnen is an art quilter and her husband makes unique wood-turned pieces. Donna Welhoefer creates sterling silver jewelry. 

“I create because it is in my blood,” she says.

On Hwy. 70, going west, there are several more artists in St. Germain. Tamara Lauder is a potter and printmaker, who creates because it is within her. She sees art in everything. Sheri Smith is a hand weaver, who designs one-of-a-kind scarves, shawls, ponchos and vests. Continue west to Hwy. 51 and take a detour south and then west at Hazelhurst to see Jenny Gibson’s 100-year-old sock machine. Phyllis Schuit displays exquisite, quilted wall-hangings with hand embroidery, while her husband David Barnhill reveals nature’s art through his photography.

Over in the Lac du Flambeau area, stop to see Christine Alfery’s contemporary fine art. Alfery says that creating has been a spiritual calling for her. 

At La De Da Gourds, Karen Caldwell sells hard-shell gourds. “If you come to my studio, my gourds will make you smile,” she said.

 Lisa Opfer is a new member and creates whimsical pottery. One of her customers said, “I’ve never seen such unique pottery.” 

Jillayne and Jeff Waite create unique garden art and unusual indoor sculptures. One customer said “Your work is so different and unusual – creative.” Jack Stayer of Sand Lake Trading Co. creates stained & fused art glass. His pieces are one-of-a-kind art glass rarely seen by the public. Bob Kovar is wildlife and landscape photographer. “My photography is a heart-felt creative process,” he said.

In Boulder Junction, Sara Muender, owner of Moondeer Gallery, is a multimedia artist. “I like to play; my work is normally very whimsical in a variety of styles,” she said. Mary Burns of the Manitowish River Studio weaves on a unique hand-jacquard loom. She has a new exhibit “Women and Water: Woven Portraits from around the World.” And don’t forget Steve Klemann’s spectacular handcrafted furniture. He is worth the drive to the Land O’ Lakes area. “My furniture is both functional and beautiful,” he said.

The Northwoods Art Tour is free to all on July 28, 29 and 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 

Brochures with studio descriptions, driving directions, and a map are available at area businesses, chambers of commerce, and online at northwoodsarttour.com. 

There is an autumn tour Oct. 6-8.