Adding to the vibrancy of the arts community in the St. Croix Valley, the annual ArtOPENer Pottery Tour will be going strong in its second decade of operation, encouraging guests of this self-guided tour to “see where art happens, from the gallery to the backyard” and give people a glimpse into the world of each artist.
More than a decade ago, Ruth Misenko, along with Anne Swanson and Carl Erickson (who passed away in 2011), decided to collaborate, with the mission of spotlighting studios in the area and to help establish the Valley as an arts destination, “connecting the beauty of our area to the beauty of our work,” Misenko says.
It gives people a way to see what inspires artists and what their current work looks like, she adds: “It’s a way to interact with the artist and invite those conversations.” There are nine host sites this year, with each hosting a guest or two. Look for fiber and ceramic demonstrations, as well as a variety of other offerings from the event sponsors.
The diversity of what guests will see and interact with is distinct. “It is that wonderful connection between the artist and the admirer,” Misenko says. “It deepens that appreciation.”
The brochure and tour guides are available on the website, as are artist and sponsor information, making this as an easy and accessible way to get a behind-the-scenes look at the artistic process.
ArtOPENer pottery tour
4–8 p.m. April 28,
10 a.m.–5 p.m. April 30–May 1
