Rock River Artists’ 25th Annual Open Studio Tour Slated for July 15 and 16

Rock River Artists’ 25th Annual Open Studio Tour Slated for July 15 and 16SOUTH NEWFANE – Rock River Artists (RRA) 25th Annual Open Studio Tour is slated for Saturday and Sunday, July 15 and 16 from 10-6 each day. The event offers a chance for an up-close look at some of Southern Vermont’s most renowned artists. As widely-acclaimed thread on fabric artist Deidre Scherer says, “I’m tempted not to clean my studio but to just let visitors see exactly how I work. They’d need to navigate around my projects on the floor! Most of all, I enjoy the responses, questions and exchanges with people, the sense of having ‘other eyes’ on my work.

RRA’s Open Studio Tour allows visitors to get a behind-the-scenes look into the unique locations where each artist works.

Fine woodworker Dan Dewalt adds, “Twenty five years ago I wouldn’t recognize as mine the work I produce today. While artists always evolve, develop and push boundaries, I am grateful for the inspiration and criticism of my fellow Rock River Artists that has kept me exploring and growing.”

Caryn King reflects: “Painting is quiet work done in solitude and my studio becomes quite a mess. After many months of quiet painting I clean my studio, fill the walls up with animal paintings and weed the gardens. Talking with studio visitors on the tour weekend is the icing on the cake.”.

Rock River Artists’ 25th Annual Open Studio Tour Slated for July 15 and 16Newly listed RRA artists Steven Meyer adds: “I feel honored to now be a member of a talented group of creative artists I have long admired. My art and my spirit have received a lift because this group of professionals has validated my work. I am thankful for their recognition. The Rock River Artists is a tribe I am happy to shoot the river rapids with.”

Visitors are encouraged to start their RRA Open Studio Tour at the Old Schoolhouse in South Newfane village where participating artists present a group show. A classic 19th-century structure which formerly housed the village one-room school, the Schoolhouse itself is well worth the visit.

There one can pick up a map of artists’ locations and begin a self-guided tour of the studios, all within short driving distance. Admission is free all weekend.

Artists on the 2017 tour include Rob Cartelli, functional pottery; Ellen Darrow, pottery; Dan Dewalt, custom furniture; Chris Ericsson, furniture and jewelry; Georgie, oil painting; Richard Foye, raku pottery; Richard Gillis, wrought iron work; Caryn King, painting; Steven Meyer, painting; Leonard Ragouzeos, painting and drawing; Lauri Richardson, mosaics; Roger Sandes, painting and prints; Deidre Scherer, thread on fabric; Matthew Tell, pottery; Christine Triebert, photography and Mary Welsh, collage.

Tito’s Taqueria of Brattleboro will be serving food in front of the Schoolhouse both days.

For more information, visit rockriverartists.com