Bluff Country Studio Art Tour

Artists Stop #7

2012-02-19T13:05:00.000-08:00

Artists Stop #7 of the 2012 Bluff Country Studio Art Tour is Bluff Country Artists Gallery. Showcasing the works of more than 50 talented artists of the bluff country region the gallery can be found at 111 West Main, Spring Grove, Minnesota. The juried fine art featured at the gallery provides a diverse art experience.

Please visit the gallery to see the many beautiful works they offer.

Artist Stop #6

2012-02-12T16:13:00.000-08:00

Artists Stop #6 of the 2012 Bluff Country Studio Art Tour is Vicky Kurk of Clover Hill Studio. You can find Vicky at 13604 Duck Creek Drive, Spring Grove, Minnesota. Vicky creates gorgeous, colorful leaded stained glass pieces with fired paint accents and details.

Stop and see Vicky during the tour to see more of her beautiful glass works of art.

Artist Stop #5

2012-02-08T17:02:00.000-08:00

At Artist Stop #5 , you'll find a couple of the Bluff Country Studio Art Tour's founding artists, Jill and Michael Stephenson of Waterloo Workshop (369 Waterloo Creek Dr, Dorchester, Iowa). Visit the couple's non-electric log cabin home/workshop to see their handwoven functional reed baskets, wooden furniture, treenware and wood chip carvings.

Artists Stop #3 and #4

2012-02-03T11:00:00.000-08:00

Artist stops #3 and #4 (2856 Blair Rd, New Albin, IA) of this years tour is where you will find the very talented Nate and Hallie Evans. Together they operate Allamakee Wood-Fired Pottery creating beautiful functional wood-fired stoneware. Friday and Saturday during the tour, Nate and Hallie will be firing their kiln so visitors can see how their pottery is made and fired. Saturday when the kiln is nearing it's top temperature is a fascinating sight if you've never seen a wood-fired kiln in action.

In addition to being a very talented potter, Nate Evans operates Red Hawk Glassworks where he creates stunning fused and slumped glass pieces with sandblasted surface decoration.

And if the opportunity to see their gorgeous art and their amazing kiln in action isn't enough, Nate and Hallie will be serving homemade soup and bread from noon until close each day. Stop in, visit, browse, learn about their processes and eat well.

Artist Stop #2

2012-01-30T18:34:00.000-08:00

At Bluff Country Studio Art Tour stop #2 (3175 Middle Sattre Rd, Decorah, Iowa) is where you'll find Darla Ellickson. Darla makes Earloops (no hole earrings) and stunning custom silver and 14 kt gold jewelry.

Please stop during the April 27 - 29, 2012 Bluff Country Studio Art Tour to see Darla's wonderful works of art.

Artists Stop #1

2012-01-26T17:06:00.000-08:00

The artists of SE Minnesota and NE Iowa's Bluff Country are getting ready for the 2012 Bluff Country Studio Art Tour. Over the next few months, we'll give you a little introduction to some of the fabulous artists participating this year and a little taste of the things you will see as you visit their studios, galleries and group displays.

Artist Stop #1 (1546 Salem Lane Rd, Decorah, Iowa) is where you'll find George Lowe and Martha Monson Lowe.

George creates gorgeous wheel-thrown functional stoneware and Martha's woven rattan baskets are reminiscent of ancient vessels emphasizing form and texture.

Please stop during the April 27 - 29, 2012 Bluff Country Studio Art Tour to see their wonderful works of art.

Changes

2011-08-10T19:03:00.000-07:00

The Bluff Country Studio Art Tour is pleased to announce we have selected a new fiscal agent for the 2012 tour. Many thanks to the Winona Community Foundation for agreeing to be our fiscal agent.

Mosaic Demo

2011-04-24T14:00:00.000-07:00

Bluff Country artists Barbara Benson Keith is one of several artists participating in the 2011 Bluff Country Studio Art Tour hosted at the Lanesboro Community Center site. Barbara will be working on one of there mosaics during the tour.

Barbara is a very talent glass artists from the Lanesboro area. In the past year she has worked on many commissioned pieces for children's hospitals, clinics and even the Bemidji airport. Recently, Barb took on a new project... she's the host of KSMQ's (public television serving Austin, Albert Lea, Rochester, Owatonna, Winona, Mankato, Faribault, Mason City and surrounding areas in Southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa) program Off 90. She's an artist of very diverse talents.

Barb and the other artists hosted at the Lanesboro Community Center can be found at stops #16-20 on the Bluff Country Studio Art Tour map.

Painting Demo

2011-04-23T07:29:00.001-07:00

Many of the Bluff Country artists will be doing demonstrations at their studios during the upcoming Bluff Country Studio Art Tour next weekend (for more info click here). We've had a series of posts this past week and will continue to post this week about some of these artists.

During this year's tour, Joan Finnegan will be working on her current work-in-progress oil painting at her studio on Fillmore Country Rd 12 east of Preston and south of Lanesboro. You can find Joan and her beautiful works at stop #21 on the tour map.

Pilot Mound Design

2011-04-20T18:39:00.000-07:00

Today we'd like to tell you about another artist who will be demonstrating their talents during the Bluff Country Studio Art Tour.

Karl Unnasch of Pilot Mound Design near Chatfield will be working on a glass panel during the tour. A former mercantile in the small hamlet of Pilot Mound has been transformed into Karl's studio. Visit Karl and watch as he works using recycled and re-purposed materials to create a beautiful and unique stained glass collage.

A Week Away

2011-04-19T18:24:00.000-07:00

With the Bluff Country Studio Art Tour just a little over a week away, we wanted to let you know a little information about some of the artists who will be demonstrating their talents during the upcoming tour.

Nate & Hallie Evans of Allamakee Wood-Fired Pottery will be firing their kiln on Friday and Saturday (April 29 & 30) during the tour. Witnessing the hard work needed to get a kiln this size to it's top temperature of over 2300 degrees F is amazing and definitely gives you an even greater appreciation of Nate and Hallie's beautiful pots.

Joan Finnegan

2011-03-14T19:00:00.000-07:00

Name: Joan Finnegan

Website: http://www.jonifinnegan.com/

Email: finnridge@hotmail.com

What kind of art do you make? I make representational oil and watercolor paintings of nature.

When did you start creating art? At a very young age- pre school, I began with drawing on every scrap of paper I could find. My older siblings had paper routes in the days when the stacks arrived with a blank newspaper on the top and the bottom. Those blank newspapers were my daily tablet, I didn't stop until they were filled up. I drew everything, but especially liked people, and nature. I quickly moved into colors and had my first set of stick paints at the age of 8.

How did you get started? Art has always been a part of my life in some form or another, it has evolved thru the years to reflect my life path in numerous ways. From painting store front window and wall murals, to decorative painting on walls and any non moving surface, and canvas. When I married and raised my two incredible daughters my creativity was directed in other ways leaning toward the crafts world, with a few paintings here and there, continuing thru 18 years of owning a gallery with prints and framing. Through all those years I kept telling myself someday I was going to be a "real artist" no longer setting aside the creative voice inside for other life events. In 2005 I found the courage to say this is it, now is my time, no more excuses. All those years of pent up inspiration began pouring out on canvas, I quickly realized the journey and my experiences of those previous years is an important part of my art today.

What inspires you? So many things inspire me, a special moment, the way the light falls on an object, the great artists who walked this earth before me. Other artwork and artists I know and respect, and nature's gift of this beautiful world we have the privilege to live.

How did you develop your style? It has evolved thru the years by trying different techniques, lots of trial and error, and listening to my inner voice.

How did you learn? Drawing, painting, and drawing, painting,,,,,

Lots of trial and error, studying the works of the masters, trying new techniques, and taking numerous workshops and classes from artists who's work I admire and respect. And from teaching others how to paint and draw. I think we learn from all of life's lessons.

How do you work best? On my own, with fresh air flowing thru my studio or in the fresh outdoor air. I prefer to stand at the easel.

How do you approach a new piece? I look at the abstract shapes involved with the composition. I do a miniature sketch or two to get the right composition and see values.

What have you learned? to trust my inner instincts, and that not every painting is "the one"

How do you fit art into your personal/family life? My best art happens when I am happy. It is certainly easier with an empty nest. In these years I've finally found a balance that works for me.

I love to garden and cook, and my family is clearly my highest priority. I realize that I draw inspiration from the things that sometimes take me away from my art. My family knows that if I am pulled away from my art for too long I get uneasy and maybe just a little crabby. Instead of looking at each day for time to create, I look at the entire week for my balance, sometimes I get 2 or 3 days of pure painting time.

Where do you work? Mostly in my studio, located in the lower walk out level of my home. I have my own oasis down there, a great couch for napping even! I do paint outdoors en plein air quite a bit, that takes me all over the area, state, and country.

What is your favorite thing about creating? It releases a joy inside me. Also, I feel that we are all given gifts, those gifts are best when they are shared. My art is my way of sharing my gifts with the world.

Why do you enjoy the art tour? I get to meet new people, as an artist, we spend a lot of solo time, and I enjoy interfacing with my collectors, getting to know them. After all, without them I couldn't continue to support this habit we call art.

Where are you located? 5 miles south of Lanesboro as the crow flies. I am on county road 12, that small 5 mile section sandwiched between highway 52 south and county 21 south. 3.5 miles from the Preston direction,,, or 1.4 miles driving in from the Lanesboro direction. Our land is located on the north side of 12, we have a long driveway (1/2 mile) drive past the cottage house that sits in the valley floor, continue on up the hill to the house on top.

Supporter: Stone Mill Suites

2011-03-03T05:37:00.000-08:00

Business Name: Stone Mill Suites Historic Inn Hotel

Website: www.stonemillsuites.com

Email: stonemillsuites@hotmail.com

Address and Directions:

100 E Beacon St
Lanesboro, MN 55949
Please see additional information below.

Phone:
Local: 507/467-8663
Toll Free: 866/897-8669

What services does your business provide?

Located at the Lanesboro FEED MILL, Stone Mill Suites Historic Inn Hotel is a unique lodging experience in 1885 limestone building. Within this historic building are 9 suites with themes that depict the history of the building and Lanesboro's irresistible charm. Many of the suites feature double whirlpool baths, lofts, and iron-claw fireplaces.

History of your company?

Stone Mill Suites Historic Inn Hotel opened Friday, July 13^th, 2001. The Lamon - Mortimer family purchased the Building from the Hager Family in 1999, our hope being to restore and preserve much of the building’s history and structure while providing a comfortable, elegant and most importantly a fun lodging experience for our guest. The building was originally built in the 1880’s and was used as a cold storage facility. Freight trains would load directly behind the building and many items from the Lanesboro area were shipped east for commercial purposes. For thirty years the Fosse Chicken and Poultry Processing Plant operated out of this building.

Map and Directions:

Directions to Stone Mill Suites Historic Inn Hotel

NORTH
From Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn.
MN-52 South to Rochester and follow Rochester Directions.

From Rochester, Minn.
MN-52 South to Fountain, County 8 East (left) to Lanesboro. At the stop sign, turn left, go North two blocks and Stone Mill Suites is the limestone building on the right.

SOUTH
From Decorah, Iowa
MN-52 North through Harmony, MN-16 East (right) to Lanesboro. At the intersection of St HWY 16 and St HWY 250 turn left and go North through downtown. Arrive at Stone Mill Suites 100 E Beacon.

EAST
From LaCrosse, Wis.
Interstate 90 West, Take MN-14/61 South at Exit 275 to LaCrescent. MN-14/61 changes into MN-16, MN-16 west to Hokah through Houston, Rushford, and into Lanesboro. At the intersection of St HWY 16 and St HWY 250 turn right and go North through downtown. Arrive at Stone Mill Suites 100 E Beacon.

WEST
From Austin, Minn.
Interstate 90 East, Take MN-16 East at exit 193 toward Preston. Minn. 52/16 East (right) through Preston. MN-16 East (left) at John Deere dealership to Lanesboro. At the intersection of St HWY 16 and St HWY 250 turn left and go North through downtown. Arrive at Stone Mill Suites 100 E Beacon.

Supporter: Commonweal Theatre Company

2011-02-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

Business Name: Commonweal Theatre Company

Website: http://www.commonwealtheatre.org

Email: info@commonwealtheatre.org

Address: 208 Parkway Ave North | Lanesboro, MN 55949

Phone: Box Office - 800.657.7025

What services does your business provide?

We provide professional theatre to southeast Minnesota and surrounding regions. The Commonweal's mission is to enrich the common good through actor-based storytelling, which is both transcendent and relevant.

History of your company?

Since 1989, the professional artists of the Commonweal have brought to life soulful stories told with honesty and creativity. Located in the heart of southeast Minnesota’s bluff country, Lanesboro (pop. 788) is home to the company’s new theatre in its historic downtown.

The heart of the Commonweal’s programming is the main stage season. This balanced, yet challenging repertory is comprised of up to six plays with more than 200 performances, chosen from among the world’s finest classic, contemporary, and emerging playwrights. Because Lanesboro is located amidst a high concentration of Norwegian-American families, the Commonweal produces the works of Henrik Ibsen annually, and remains the only theatre company in North America with such a commitment. The company hosts a new play series which has yielded thirteen world premieres since its inception.

The Commonweal boasts a rare organizational model, with resident company members (who have come from all over the country to make their home in the Lanesboro area) fulfilling the day-to-day artistic and operational needs of the company as artist/administrators.

Any other info that might be of interest to visitors of the art tour? Although our main mission is to provide live, professional theatre for our community, we are also home to a unique and permanent art installation with our new building: Commonweal Stash. Artist Karl Unnasch has enhanced our lobby as a tribute to the the region and our theatre's history. Additionally, we occasionally feature artists on our walls to complement the onstage stories and provide depth to those themes.

Barbara Benson Keith

2011-01-21T09:11:00.000-08:00

Name: Barbara Benson Keith

Website: www.barbarakeithdesigns.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/barbarakeithdesigns

Blog: barbarakeithdesigns.blogspot.com

Email: bkeithdesigns@yahoo.com

What kind of mosaics do you make? Stained glass mosaics

When did you start making mosaics? 2004

How did you get into mosaics? I took a community education class about stained glass windows. I had a pile of scrap glass, so a few years later, I decided one day to make a mosaic. I didn’t know how, and didn’t even consult a book, I just did what felt right.

What inspires you? Nature, people, animals, the work of other artists

How did you develop your style? I’m self taught, and I resist taking classes so what I do is really mine.

How did you learn to make mosaics? Guessed.

How do you work best? During the day, listening to an audio book.

How do you approach a mosaic? For me the hardest part is deciding what to do. Once I have that figured out, I get to it. I am very focused while I work and I don’t really take breaks or get distracted unless it’s lunch time!

What do you do with your mosaics once you finish? Sell them, hopefully!

What have you learned? I’ve learned things about myself, like I’m a jumper. Even if I don’t know how to do something, I’ll say yes and jump in and figure out how to do it after that.

How do you fit mosaics into your personal/family life? I’ve got a wonderfully supportive hubby! This is my job and I feel very lucky.

Where do you work? I have a studio in the basement with a nice big southern exposure window. In the summer it’s cool down there and in the winter it’s warm.

What is your favorite thing about working as an artist? The freedom! I used to teach elementary school, which was very rewarding but demanding and stressful. I was always sick with colds and strep and had to drive to work in the cold and dark and snow… You know how it is! Now I can sleep in or take a day off. I set my schedule and get the work done when I want to do it. My commute is about 10 seconds. I love that!

Have you ever done public art, community art, worked with children, etc…? Doing public art is my passion! Over the years, I’ve been doing more and more public art and I love it! I love the challenges, and I love knowing that lots of people will see my work. This year I’ve done a lot of work for clinics and hospitals. I recently finished a big project up in Bemidji. I designed the 15,000 sf terrazzo floor for the new convention center/hockey arena.

Supporter: RiverStar

2010-12-19T07:46:00.000-08:00

Business Name: RiverStar, Inc.

Website: www.riverstarinc.com

Email: cbraun@riverstarinc.com

Address and Directions: 1705 Wilkie Dr. Winona, MN

Hours: 7:30 am – 5pm

Phone: (507) 452-5109

What services does your business provide? Contract Order Fulfillment, Distribution, Vendor Managed Inventory, Repair & Reconditioning, Logistics Expertise, Warehousing

History of your company? Established in 1995

Sue Pariseau

2010-11-03T08:33:00.000-07:00

What kind of art do you make? I’m a studio potter making functional stoneware.

When did you start creating art? I’ve made some type of art since I can remember, but about ten years ago I started working with clay and have been addicted ever since.

How did you get started? It all started with a Community Education class. My sister and I had always wanted to try working with clay and the time was right in our lives to do it. We took a local Community Education class and both knew we wanted to continue. From there we began taking classes at the Edina Art Center. My sister’s life has taken her in a different direction, but I’ve been fortunate enough to continue on my path at my home studio.

What inspires you? I love nature and textures. Better yet are the textures in nature. I try to bring some of those textures to my pottery pieces. Sometimes adding a little texture to the outside of a bowl or mug can create a natural earthy piece that is pleasing visually and tactilely.

How did you develop your style? At this point I don’t really consider my style developed and I’m also not so sure it ever will be. I try making lots of different shapes and sizes of things until I find one that feels good to me both as the maker and user. Lots of times pots look nice but you don’t really know how it works until you’ve used it and held it in your hands.

How did you learn? Through lots of trial and error! Testing, testing and re-testing. And I love to attend workshops as I believe participation gets you thinking about using techniques and skills you may not have considered without the peer interaction.

How do you work best? I work best alone and under pressure. I’m always running the kiln just a few days before a show or event to have what feels like a suitable amount of inventory for the show. I’m not sure if I’m a procrastinator or just have unrealistic expectations of my workload.

How do you approach a new piece? I like to let the idea roll around in my head for a while. Think about it, think some more and then let it percolate. At some point I’ll try a new piece, discovered the flaws of my original plan and begin to formulate a new plan. I keep that cycle going until I come up with a design that works both aesthetically and functionally.

What have you learned? I’ve learned that science still isn’t one of my strong subjects. The “how” and “why” things work the way they do in pottery isn’t as interesting to me. There is lots of science that goes into creating certain reactions between glaze and clays to make a piece wonderful or just so-so. I prefer to think of the things that work out as happy coincidence and then try to recreate the components. What can I say, that’s just the way my brain works.

How do you fit art into your personal/family life? I work fulltime as a project manager for a utility so art mostly fits into my evenings and weekends. My kids are grown and busy with lives of their own so other demands on me are pretty minimal. Being a creative person though, does enhance my problem solving skills on the job so I guess I just practice a different kind of art there. Occasionally, I do find my mind toying with a new pottery project while looking over a set of roadway construction plans, but don’t tell my employer!!

Where do you work? I am fortunate enough to have two studio spaces to work in. One is at our house in Farmington and the other is at our farm near Lanesboro. Each space has benefits, but my favorite by far is the farm studio. The location is peaceful and the area is very beautiful. The plants and textures of the area give me lots of ideas for designs on pots.

What is your favorite thing about creating? I love to make large bowls. There is just something about the full robust shape of a large bowl that I can’t resist making them.

Do you offer classes? I don’t offer classes. I’ve considered it occasionally, but in the end neither of my studio spaces are that large and they’re hard to share. Maybe sometime in the future, but right now I kind of like the solitude of my studio time.

Why do you enjoy the art tour? The people. You get one on one time with just about everybody who stops. I like hearing their stories and finding out about them. By the time the tour is over, I’ve collected nearly as many business cards as I’ve given out. My second favorite part – during the tour, I have an arrangement with the Highland Store to make our breakfast and lunch as well as provide treats for those visiting. Their Blueberry Pancakes are to die for!! During the tour I get to have delicious meals and snacks and don’t have to make any of them. It’s a perfect arrangement.

Supporter: The Highland Store & Cafe

2010-10-05T13:13:00.000-07:00

Business Name: The Highland Store and Cafe

Website: http://www.highlandstore.net/

Email: awaytoiowa@yahoo.com

Address: 22485 391st Avenue, Lanesboro, MN 55949 - see website for directions

Hours: Sunday 8am - 3pm, Mon - Fri 7am - 3pm, Closed Saturday

What services does your business provide?
The Highland Store is a charming gem off the beaten path. A beautiful drive on Fillmore County Road 10 will lead you to a 116 year old general store converted into a cozy cafe. Sit at colorful 1950s dinettes while you enjoy breakfast all day (featuring multi grain breads, pancakes and waffles, omelets, fresh fruit, etc.) or try some of the daily homemade specials like BBQ chicken or meatloaf with REAL mashed potatoes and gravy - nothing from a box! There are wonderful vegetarian dishes, fabulous salads with many organic ingredients, fruit smoothies and fresh baked pies and desserts.

History of your company:
The Highland Store was established in 1894. For many years it served as a local grocery, gas station, hardware store and veterinary supply store as well as providing postal service and an eight line phone switchboard for the community. Its role in the community has evolved - now it is a relaxing place to gather, visit and enjoy a delicious, healthful meal.

Any other info that might be of interest to visitors of the art tour?
Visitors can enjoy our "work in progress" garden area. A limestone dry stacked garden wall and pathway have been started in an ever evolving perennial garden. We also offer special event catering here at the store.

Nate and Hallie Evans - Wood Fired Pottery

2010-09-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

What kind of art do you make? Wood fired pottery

When did you start creating art? Nate-in high school, Hallie-in college

How did you get started? Apprenticeship from 1997-99 with Mark Hewitt in Pittsboro, NC

What inspires you? Traditional pots from around the world, living in a beautiful spot

How did you develop your style? Our style has evolved over years of making pots, looking at and using other pots every day.

How did you learn? Classes in high school, Luther College and our apprenticeship

How do you work best? Doing different things each day; spending some time in the shop with the pots, some time outside doing the more physical work, like moving wood, cleaning kiln shelves, etc.

How do you approach a new piece? It's always fun to make a new shape. Often we start something new, but don't get what we are thinking of for a few cycles of making that particular shape

What have you learned? Even though it can be incredibly hard to make a living as an artist, there is nothing else we'd like to do

How do you fit art into your personal/family life? It is linked to family in every way-we both work together, our son plays around in the shop while we work.

Where do you work? Our workshop in NE Iowa

What is your favorite thing about creating? It's rewarding to see something functional coming from a simple material like clay.

Why do you enjoy the art tour? It brings people to our shop/kiln/home that wouldn't otherwise be able to find us, at the end of a dead end road. We love to be able to share how and where we work with people, and seeing our kiln really helps to get a connection to the pots--why they look the way they do, and where they come from. We fire our kiln over the tour weekend, so that's always an exciting thing for people to see.

Location- 2856 Blair Rd, New Albin, IA 52160

From Hwy 76, 2 miles south of Eitzen, MN, turn Left onto Church Rd. Go about 2 miles, Left on Golden Ridge. About 2 miles, Left on Sleepy Hollow. Go about 1 mile, Left on Blair Rd. 1/2 mile down Blair, left over cement culverts, then an immediate right onto private driveway. We are about 20 miles from Lansing, IA; Waukon, IA; Spring Grove, MN; Caledonia, MN.

Supporter: The Inn at Sacred Clay Farm B & B

2010-08-28T13:08:00.000-07:00

Business Name: The Inn at Sacred Clay Farm B&B

Website: sacredclayfarmbandb.com

Email: sacredclayfarm@acegroup.cc

Address and Directions: 23234 Grosbeak Rd. Lanesboro, MN 55949

Take Hwy. 16 west (from Spring Grove). Go past the BP station and the Chat and Chew in Lanesboro, out of town toward the west, about 1 mile. Turn left at the sign for the DNR State Fish Hatchery - Grosbeak Rd. You'll be on pavement for 1/4 mile, then take a sharp left on the gravel road. We are 1 mile down on the left.

Hours: We are open all year round. Check our availability on our website!

Phone: 507-467-9600; or 1-866-326-8618 toll-free

What services does your business provide? We are a full service bed and breakfast, serving gourmet breakfasts complete with organic coffees and teas. The Inn has 5 guests rooms, with a variety of amenities and many beautiful common spaces, both inside and out. We have 2 1/2 miles of groomed hiking trails on the property, in addition to a formal garden and a trout stream. It's a peaceful and relaxing get-away as we don't have televisions or computer hook-ups in the guest rooms.

History of your company? We opened in the winter of 2005. The Inn is a large post-and-beam structure - lots of exposed wood and windows to let in natural light!

Any other info that might be of interest to visitors of the art tour? We have many accessories and pieces of art that were purchased fair trade, from other countries, in addition to locally-made pieces. We also have a gift cart for our guests, stocked with locally made articles.

Roger Meyer - Wood

2010-08-03T11:40:00.000-07:00

Name: Roger L. Meyer

Website: www.turnedtowood.com

Email: ttwmeyer@acegroup.cc

What kind of art do you make? functional turned wood

When did you start creating art? approximately 6 years ago - 2004

How did you get started? I have a background in building construction and have always had a passion for wood.

What inspires you? Figured woods and unusual shapes/designs

How did you develop your style? Trial and error - where there is a need, thre must be a solution.

How did you learn? By always looking for something different.

How do you work best? By working on many pieces at the same time.

How do you approach a new piece? How best to not disturb but rather save and accent the natural beauty and shape of the tree.

What have you learned? That wood is a medium which is always different, always changing and totally unpredictable.

How do you fit art into your personal/family life? My wife assists me by doing all the marketing and necessary documentation.

Where do you work? I have a workshop in a separate building close to our residence.

What is your favorite thing about creating? Solving the mysteries of wood - cutting into a new log.

Why do you enjoy the art tour? Talking to people who enjoy my artwork - even if they don't buy anything.

Where are you located? My home/workshop is located at 8458 Union Ridge Drive in rural Hokah, MN. We're very easy to find - out in the country 3 & 1/2 miles off Hwy 44 between Hokah and Caledonia. During the tour, we are at the Lanesboro Community Center.

Supporter: Ace Communications Group

2010-07-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

Ace Communications Group

Website: www.acegroup.cc

Email: info@acegroup.cc

Address and Directions: 207 East Cedar Street, Houston, MN 55943 (large, gray building on Cedar Street which is Hwy 16)

Hours: 8 am to 5:30 pm

Phone: 888.404.4940

What services does your business provide? Ace Communications Group provides local and long distance telephone service, high-speed Internet access, digital TV service, and is an authorized retailer for Verizon Wireless service.

History of your company? Ace Communications Group is a member-owned cooperative serving 19 communities in southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa since 1950. Ace also operates wholly-owned subsidiaries in Mesick, Michigan; Allendale, Michigan; and Caledonia, Minnesota. The company was formed after World War II when telephone service in rural, southeast Minnesota was very inadequate. At that time, most of the telephone lines in operation were owned and operated by groups of farmers. I

n 1949, a group of farmers representing many small telephone companies met to discuss improving rural telephone service. This meeting led to the formation of the Fillmore County Telephone Cooperative in 1950. Beginning in July 1951, the company made its first acquisition of 104 customers in Ostrander. It continued to grow through acquisitions and now serves customers in southeast Minnesota, northeast Iowa, and western Michigan. The company changed its name to Ace Telephone Association in 1956. And, it began doing business as Ace Communications Group in 1999 to better reflect the

full range of communications services offered.

Any other info that might be of interest to visitors of the art tour? Ace is dedicated to the residents and businesses it serves and is proud to give back to these communities. In 2000, the Ace Scholarship Fund was established to award a

$1,000 scholarship to 15 deserving high school seniors in our serving areas. To date, Ace has given $165,000 in scholarships. Ace also makes donations to area schools and organizations; benefits; and community events. Ace employees also volunteer their time and talents in many of these communities.

Call for Artists

2010-07-01T05:34:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Bluff Country Studio Art Tour was a great success. But we're not resting on our laurels... we're getting ready for next year! If you are an area artist or gallery please consider applying to be part of the 2011 Tour.

Download the letter & application (pdf). Deadline is August 6, 2010.

Mike Knox - Potter

2010-06-21T09:39:00.000-07:00

Name: Mike Knox Knox Studios 2, Strawberry Point , Iowa

Website: www.mikeknoxstudio.com

Email: studio2@mikeknoxstudio.com

What kind of art do you make? Woodfired ceramics

When did you start creating art? As a child

How did you get started? Received my MFA in 2001

What inspires you? British sculptors, antiques, and traditional pots

How did you develop your style? Hard work

How did you learn? BFA from Kent State , MFA from UW-Madison

How do you work best? Making a lot of work, drawing, sculpture, pots, etc

How do you approach a new piece? With zeal

What have you learned? Get into the studio everyday regardless if you make something or not

How do you fit art into your personal/family life? Art is my personal life and encompasses my family on every level

Where do you work? My studio along with teaching at the university part-time

What is your favorite thing about creating? It fills an instinctive need

Do you offer classes? We offer drawing classes, paper making classes, and ceramic workshops…go to our website and subscribe to our BLOG for updates www.mikenoxstudio.com

Why do you enjoy the art tour? I like to reach out to people and share the wonderful communication of the arts

Supporter: Country Trails Inn and Suites

2010-06-07T12:32:00.000-07:00

In addition to featuring our artists, we'd like to highlight our business sponsors. Thank you so much to all of our friends and supporters including...

www.countrytrailsinn.com

countrytrailsinn@rconnect.com

Country Trails Inn and Suites, 809 Highway 52 North, Preston , MN 55965, just west of intersection of hwy 52 and 17….and about a ½ mile east of hwy 52 & 16

We are open 24 hours, 365 days a year. We have 40 rooms, continental breakfast, pool & spa….includes 6 whirlpool suites. Hotel was est. 8/26/1996…..we are a non-smoking facility

Kevin Zuck  Manager  Country Trails Inn & Suites  809 Highway 52 North  Preston, MN. 55965  (507) 765-2533 FAX (507) 765-4450   Toll Free (888) 378-2896  

Mary Singer

2010-05-31T05:01:00.000-07:00

Name: Mary Singer
Website: www.msingerart.com
Email: msingart@hbci.com

What kind of art do you make? paintings and prints
When did you start creating art? 30 years ago
How did you get started? doing commissions
What inspires you? life
How did you develop your style? by trying everything
How did you learn? by doing
How do you work best? in my studio on a commission or a subject that inspires me
How do you approach a new piece? Depends
What have you learned? lots, that I can do more with a positive attitude
How do you fit art into your personal/family life? Art is what I AM not what I do
Where do you work? in my studio
What is your favorite thing about creating? Seeing the finished product and liking it
Have you ever done public art, community art, worked with children, etc…? yes
Do you offer classes? yes
Why do you enjoy the art tour? meeting the p[eople
Art Tour location: Corner of Third and North Baker St. 125 North Baker St. People who are downtown can just go West on Third till they come to my corner.

My work involves many subjects and various media. I work primarily in oil on canvas and
board but I also work in acrlylic, mixed media, watercolor, pencil, pastels, colored pencil and pen and ink. I enjoy capturing the spirit of the subject. Portraying people, especially when that entails working from old photos, is a challenge that I always welcome. Pets are a favorite subject because I have always had a heart for them. Equine portraiture is a first love for me. Nature , scenic, flower trees and wildlife stirs my soul. Whether I am portraying a person , home or nature I am always driven to put ‘life’ into it.

My methods involve intense study of the subject. Ideally , I go to the client and observe, sketch and take my own photos. Observing the subject and doing life sketches ia always my first choice. I always do value sketches , working with the client to involve them in the process to assure satisfaction. I reach a point where I leave it alone for a while then go back to it with a “ fresh eye “ .

My work is primarily realistic but I employ impressionistic methods too. Mixing media is also enjoyable and allows me to add another dimension to the panting.. The area I live in is all the motivation I need. I take many of my photos of the Upper Mississippi River and the surrounding area. Many of my scenic paintings are area streams and backwaters.
Water is a theme that appears repeatedly in my work. My faith as a Christian is reflected in the constant use of and appreciation for nature. The Upper Midwest is one of the most
Beautiful anywhere.

I have a studio at my home and sell my work at galleries and gift shops, art shows and the Internet. Minnesota artists at mnartists.org and wildlifeartlink.com are just a couple of the links that I am associated with. I have fine art prints of animals in limited and open editions. My designs are being reproduced on etched mirrors by Master Visions of Minneapolis,MN, www.mastervisions.com , clothing and various other products. I have work at Wildes Art Gallery in Tomah, WI, Picadilly Gallery and Frame , Minn.City, MN among others. Please call, write or e-mail me for further information or you may order direct from my web site.

Lanesboro Art Center

2010-05-23T05:05:00.000-07:00

Name: Lanesboro Arts Center

Website: www.lanesboroarts.org

Email: gallery@lanesboroarts.org

What kind of art do you sell? We represent over 80 local and regional artists who create work out of wood, paintings, fiber, jewelry, metal, ceramics, stone, photography, glass, etc

When were you founded? We are a non profit art center started 1993

How did you get started? A group of artists got together and decided the area needed an art center

Robbie Brokken manages the gallery. Robbie, what inspires you about LAC? Teaching the community about the arts, and helping artists sell their work.

What have you learned? We’ve learned that people from all walks of life appreciate hand made work and want to enjoy the artwork in their personal surroundings as well as viewing it in a public venue.

How do you fit art into your personal/family life? Those of us that work at the Lanesboro Arts Center have a passion for our work. It has always been and always will be our life style.

Where are you located? We are located in Lanesboro, MN, 103 Parkway Avenue North, Lanesboro, MN 55949, (507) 467-2446

Have you ever done public art, community art, worked with children, etc…? We have programs working with local school children, adult classes, artist residencies, public art projects and programming dance, theater, documentary film, music and local community theater and school events.

Do you offer classes? Periodically we offer adult art classes. Please check our website for information

Why do you enjoy the art tour? We love the art tour. It’s a very pleasant weekend filled with people loving art and having fun.

Bluff Country Art Tour 2010 a success!

2010-05-22T06:53:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for coming out to the Bluff Country Studio Art tour this year! It was nice to see so many people! We are starting this new blog for you, the visitors. Here you will find artist interviews, news about our supporters and more! Thanks for stopping by, and we hope to see you again at this blog!

2010-05-01T15:33:00.000-07:00

Thank you for joining the Bluff Country Studio Art Tour mailing list.

The mailing list and email information you share with us will be used to send announcements to you regarding the annual Bluff Country Studio Art Tour, and will be retained from year to year. We will not sell, lend or transfer any information to anyone else.

Click here to return to the blog's main page.