Tour of the Arts returns to the Seeley-Swan and Blackfoot Valleys

Alpine Artisans' exciting Tour of the Arts returns for its 19th year on October 8-9, once again offering a feast for the eyes. Driving this free, self-guided tour takes you through miles of Tamaracks in full color to enjoy the latest work created by local artists in the Seeley-Swan and Blackfoot Valleys., If you've been on the Tour of the Arts in prior years, you know that there is always new work to enjoy. New sites this year include Obsession Pottery in Seeley Lake, four artists in residence at the Seeley Lake Community Foundation Building, and 406 MT Mercantile in Lincoln.

Driving the Tour

You can begin the tour at the Swan Valley Historical Museum in Condon which features three artists: Sheri Burden, Littlebird Kinzfogl and Sharon Lamar. Sheri Burden enjoys incorporating her client's personal treasurers into her stained glass designs. Sharon Lamar's watercolors reflect local landscapes and Littlebird Kinzfogl shows her remarkable jewelry. Driving south, you'll find Roger Watson firing up his stove for live demonstrations of copper bowl creation at Swan Valley Copper. At Swan Valley Images, John Mercer discusses his photography displayed in several ranch buildings which offer their own panoramic views of the Mission and Swan range.

In Seeley Lake, The Grizzly Claw Trading Company in Seeley Lake is a unique trading post featuring the work of many local artists plus clothing, handmade furniture, western artifacts, espresso and pastries. In a new location at the Seeley Lake Community Foundation Building, four artists – Brandy Green, Kris Gullikson, Peggy Shepherd and Shellie Mundy - will be showing watercolor and acrylics paintings and handmade rock lamps. Carrie Darrah's Obsession Pottery studio in Seeley Lake will feature live demonstrations of her ceramic pottery.

Leaving the alpine environment of the Seeley-Swan, you'll drive through ranch land and sagebrush to Swanwoods studio where Jerry and Martha Swanson demonstrate their unique approach to creating wooden bowls. Three Blackfoot Valley artists are at the Brand Bar Museum in Ovando. Angela Williams creates one-of-a-kind handcrafted jewelry from copper, hardware and leather. Diane Whitehead's oil paintings have been featured in the CM Russell Exhibition and Sale in Great Falls and Dona Aitken's lamps, vases, boxes and marquetry trays are created from local woods, both practical and beautiful. Four artists are featured at Annie Allen Art Studio east of Lincoln, where Annie will be painting on a large canvas, Lisa Gibson will be showing her paintings, Trudy Skari will exhibit her fanciful animal sculptures and Sally Bogaert will offer her exquisite jewelery. A large selection of Montana art and other goods are available at the new 406 MT Mercantile gallery on the western end of Lincoln. Finally, the Tour includes the incredible Blackfoot Pathways International Sculpture Garden just east of Lincoln on Highway 200. More information at http://www.alpineartisans.org.