Driving the back roads of the north is a favorite activity for visitors and residents alike. Some of the Northwoods’ finest artists and galleries are adding a special dimension to the sightseeing excursions during the Northwoods Summer Art Tour July 27-29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The Northwoods Art Tour invites visitors to home studios that are rarely open to the public.There will be on-site artist demonstrations and original regional art available for purchase at galleries and studios.

The 30 sites on the tour stretch from Presque Isle and Land ‘O Lakes in the north, to as far south as Irma and Elcho, encompassing Vilas, Oneida, Iron, Langlade and Lincoln Counties. Visitors may enjoy a self-guided drive and visit as many or as few studios as their time and interest allows. A diverse variety of quality original work is on display to enjoy and purchase directly from regional painters, photographers, potters, furniture makers, wood carvers, jewelers and fiber artists.

Many of the artists have chosen to live and work in the Northwoods, and find it a constant inspiration in their work. St Germain woodworker Dan Benecke explains.

“I have lived here twenty years. Originally from suburban Chicago area, I moved here because of my love of all things natural. The connect between the Northwoods and my art is the constant inspiration that the natural beauty provides.”

Award winning weaver Mary Burns expresses her love of northern woodlands and waters in her weavings and writings. In her Manitowish River Studio, the artist employs several types of looms to express her ideas and weave custom designed wall pieces and rugs. She also creates tapestries and felted works. Mary notes: “I am influenced greatly by the world around me, from the many shades of green of northern forests, to the blue of Lake Superior, to the pristine Manitowish River that meanders outside my door.”

Entering an artist’s private working space gives visitors an opportunity to learn more about art, artists and art processes. Mixed media painter, Barbara McFarland enjoys the interchange of ideas with visitors. “Each year I see more and more familiar faces on the tours so I know that participants are returning because they enjoy the uniqueness that each artist contributes to the tour, not only with their individual techniques, but also with what they have learned over the previous year to share in the new year. Creativity is never stagnant and I feel that we, as artists, are obligated to pass on what we have imagined and learned.”

Watercolorist Audrey Hood Hampton enjoys the visitors to her Elcho home and studio. She finds them “very interested in the boxes of reference photos, the research collection of newspaper and magazine clippings, demonstrations of technique especially in specific areas such as painting rocks.” Many of her visitors are learning artists.

Tour visitors are sure to find something unique, something creative and someone who enjoys sharing ideas and information at each tour location. Browsers, buyers and students are all welcomed with a smile.

Color brochures and maps are available at local businesses, area galleries and chambers of commerce or can be downloaded at northwoodsarttour.com.