Back Roads of Brown County Studio Tour

Everything from stone carvings to stitched paper will be showcased in the 2017 Back Roads of Brown County Studio Tour, as an expanded tour of 18 studios featuring 27 local artists gets under way in October.

The free, self-guided tour occurs every day during the month. Most studios are open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. The T.C. Steele State Historic Site, which preserves the famed artist’s home, gardens, and studio, is again a part of the tour, offering a discount for Back Roads tour participants.

Three new studios and one new guest artist are participating in this year’s tour. Many artists will be giving demonstrations of their craft during tour hours in studios filled with their handmade items.

Monique Cagle has completed her studio, converted from an old grain bin on her farm property. Sleepy Cat Studio is located at 4687 Yellowwood Road. She has been a guest artist on the tour in past years.

Also new to this year’s tour is The Wood Frog, the studio of Scott and Jill Stowers at 1294 McLary Road, and Sarabeth Noggle, who has opened a printmaking studio at 3113 Clay Lick Road.

Cindy Steele of Singing Pines Designs is a new guest artist at Chris and Bob Gustin’s Homestead Weaving Studio, 6285 S Hamilton Creek Road.

“It’s a heck of a way to make an excuse for going Christmas shopping or to get a special gift for somebody,” said artist Brad Cox. “And along the way you can get lunch or desserts at historic restaurants, travel across a covered bridge, and see the natural beauty of Brown County.”

Brochures containing a map of all studios, along with hours and other details, are available at many locations around Brown County, and also at <browncountystudiotour.com> and Facebook.

The following artists are part of the tour:

  • Kathy Sparks, The Hand Maiden, handspun yarns and hooked rugs and traditional basket making.
  • Sidney Bolam, Bohemian Hobbit Studio, fine stone carvings and other surprises.
  • Martha Sechler, Lightspinner Studio, watercolor and gourd art. Guest artist Ann Woods, layered paper relief.
  • Scott and Jill Stowers, The Wood Frog, homestead arts, wooden furniture and games, soap, candles, jams.
  • Amanda W. Mathis, acrylic primitive paintings. Guest artists Mindy Weddle, Carmel Ridge Clayworks, and Anne Ryan Miller, stained glass, metal overlay and transformed photography.
  • Monique Cagle, Sleepy Cat Studio, acrylic paintings, fiber art and jewelry.
  • Dixie Ferrer, oil, acrylic and mixed media. Guest artist Joy Sims, glass art.
  • Laura Bulla, Phillorra Studio and Gallery, oil and acrylic paintings.
  • Rosey Bolte, The Uncommon Gourd, mixed media gourd art. Guest artists Amy Greely, metal jewelry, and Brian Newton, Broomcorn Johnny’s, handcrafted brooms.
  • Mary Burkhart, Wallow Hollow Creek Studio, stone carving, calligraphy and jewelry.
  • M.K. Watkins, Haven Hollow Studios, oil, acrylic and watercolors.
  • Sarabeth Noggle, relief prints and letterpress.
  • Sarah Noggle, natural fiber weaving, household items.
  • Michele Heather Pollock, Lost Lake Studio, stitched paper art, paper sculptures, handmade books.
  • Brad Cox, Cox Creek Mill, metalwork.
  • Joe and Peggy Henderson, Hickory Hills Gallery and Studio, hand-dyed silk scarves, gourds, jewelry, sculptural wooden wildlife.
  • Chris and Bob Gustin, Homestead Weaving Studio, handwoven “recycled rugs,” clothing, scarves and looms. Guest artist Cindy Steele, Singing Pines Designs, glass mosaic designs on tables and other items.