Back Roads of Brown County Tour

During the entire month of October, 16 artist studios will be open to the public for the Back Roads of Brown County Studio Tour. It is a free self-guided tour through the scenic hills and valleys that drew the early impressionist artists to the county in the 1900s. You can meet 20 Brown County artists and craftsmen at the studio locations, watch them work, and explore the spaces that inspire them. And since it’s fall, getting there is half the fun—most of the studios are tucked into the woods along picturesque, winding country roads ablaze with fall color.

There’s a little something for everyone.
Those looking for pottery will find plenty to choose from. At Faerie Hollow Studio, Cheri Platter creates both sculptures and jewelry from clay, often using lampwork beads created by her husband Dallas. At Oak Grove Pottery, Judy and Tom Prichard make functional and decorative pottery in a variety of glazes. Greg Shatz offers wood-fired and gas-fired pottery pieces. Larry Spears creates unusual teapots and other functional and decorative pottery. And at Carmel Ridge Clayworks, Mindy Weddle features stoneware and porcelain ceramics.

There are two weavers. At Homestead Weaving Studio, Chris Gustin creates rugs from reclaimed fibers as well as throws, scarves, and clothing. Sarah Noggle weaves with natural fibers.

Anne Ryan Miller and Sandy Taylor both work in stained glass, but in very different styles. Ms. Miller features unique stained glass with metal overlays, while Ms. Taylor features both stained glass pieces and photography.

Kyle Spears also offers black and white and color photography at Spears Gallery.
Furniture designer R. Thomas Tedrowe offers fine wood furniture and decorative objects from wood. Joe Henderson, at Hickory Hill Studio, features hardwood clocks, furniture and accessory, while his wife Peggy creates baskets, jewelry, and gourd art.

Rose Bolte also uses gourds in her art, but offers mixed media and other 3D pieces as well. At Lost Lake Studio, Michele Heather Pollock works in 2D and 3D contemporary mixed media and hand bookbinding.

For those looking for paintings, Amanda Mathis works in acrylics to create Americana and folk art. Painter

Charlene Marsh will be the artist in residence at T.C. Steele State Historic Site. And Monique Cagle, at Sleepy Cat Studio, works in acrylics on both canvas as well as a variety of functional pieces. In addition, Ms. Cagle also offers crocheted items and hand crafted jewelry.

The holidays are just around the corner, and many of the artists are already gearing up for them, with great one-of-a-kind gift ideas.

A well-drawn map and road signs will guide you from studio to studio. More information and pictures of each artist’s work can be found at <www.BrownCountyStudioTour.com>.

Maps are available at various area businesses, participating studios, the Brown County Visitor Center, and at the studio tour website.