November, 2007 Springs Magazine

Artists' Studio Tour and Sale

The fifth annual Artists' Studio Tour and Sale Is a special invitation to visit 12 studios of 18 different professional artists living in the Pikes Peak region. The event will be held Saturday, November 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, November 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a rare opportunity to meet the artists in their creative places, learn about them and their art, and then purchase art at quite affordable prices. There is no admission fee.

When artists talk about a work they created, how it came into being, you end up looking at the work differently, and the next thing you know you've fallen in love with it. Then you have to have it, which is great since prices are so reasonable because you're buying directly from the artist. You can shop for unusual holiday gifts, but be warned — you might just end up falling in love with the art yourself and feel that you can't bear to part with it. Who says you can't give a gift to yourself?

"Artists fall in love with their work, too, so it can be hard for them to let it go," said Lori DiPasquale, one of the artists in this year's Tour and Sale. "It's easier for us to let our art go when we know it's going to someone who loves it, too. What I like about this studio tour and sale is the personal element. It's not the business trans­action we spend weeks and months preparing for. We artists are solitary workers, and we get a buzz from being around people, having people come to our studios, having the chance to talk about our art, and sharing it with the community."

Artists participating this year are: Maria Battista, Michael Baum, Kay Beaubien, Petra Bigger, Jeannie Breeding, Lori DiPasquale, Jeremiah Houk, L. Brooke Johnson, Deb Komitor, Chuck Mardosz, Rob Morlan, Eric Murphy, Ken and Tina Riesterer, Jane and Keith Roberts, Kathy Wallace, and Mariya Zvonkovich. Some artists will give demonstrations at various times during the tour.

Their art includes fine jewelry, prints, bronze sculptures, oil and watercolor paintings, drawings, pastels, ceramics, porcelain, pottery, photographic images, textiles, handpainted panels, furniture, metal

and clay sculpture, mixed media, and much more.

For information about the participat­ing artists and a map of the studio tour, visit www.PikesPeakStudioTour.com or call (719) 685-1828.