Monthly Archives: October 2012

A Kiln Collaboration

There’s a Christmas-like atmosphere about once a month out at the old Halling kiln.  We opened the cooled kiln yesterday to finally view our transformed pots.  Five days ago we put in our bisqued pots, which were covered in various glazes. Then, a few days later, after a day of turning that brick box into a veritable inferno, we open it up to find, voila — our finished, gleaming, colorful pots! This October three local women potters collaborated on the filling and firing of the kiln: Barbara Zaveruha (functional stoneware), Juliane Shibata (sculptural and functional porcelain) and newcomer, Glynnis Lessing … Continue reading →

Cannon Falls Charm

Tucked away in the hills of Sogn Valley is the studio of pastel painter and educator Becky Jokela (stop #13). Her intimately detailed landscapes capture the idyllic countryside surrounding her home and studio. Visiting artist Julie Arthur weaves graceful textiles (scarves, shawls, runners, rugs) using her own hand-spun yarns. Visit Becky and Julie on the Studio ArTour this Saturday and Sunday.

Widely Different Artists Share Space on the Studio ArTour

Take the road to Faribault to see a number of artists including this duo who will display in Julie Fakler’s studio. (stop #10) Deborah Johnson transforms beautiful kimono silk remnants into colorful table runners. Her craft is Rozome or Japanese batik, which lends itself to a painterly style using brushes instead of the traditional tools associated with the process. In 2008 she traveled to Japan on a textile tour led by Betsy Sterling Benjamin, artist and author of the World of Rozome – Wax Resist Textiles of Japan. Inspired by Japanese Rozome artists she developed her own style and methods … Continue reading →

Metal, Fibers, Clay and Jewelry at Studio #2

The artists all be at work at Studio #2. You can watch and maybe even try your hand. Ian Baldry is bringing her knitting machine so you can see how she gets those delicate patterns in the wristlets and the complex three dimensional stitching in her scarves. Emily Haskell works in clay using the slab technique to build funky little houses and masks. She will also be demonstrating and might let you get your hands dirty. We have a restroom so you can clean up afterwards.   Heather Lawrenz will undoubtedly be making earrings and trying to keep up with … Continue reading →

Studio Artour Friday Preview

If you want to see the original work of the artists on the Studio Artour but are short on time… Six studios will be open Friday October 19th from 4-8pm and will be featuring the work of 16 artists. They are… #4 Holmquist Pottery, Northfield, featuring the work of potters Chris and Sue Holmquist, painter Marsha Kitchel, and glass artist Lucky Rimpila. #5 Jody Hanscom Studio, Faribault, featuring the murals of Jody Hanscom. #7 Sunset Studios, Northfield, featuring the work of potters Tom Willis and DeAnn Engval, jewelry and textiles by Judy Saye-Willis, photography and books by Patsy Dew, weavings … Continue reading →

Sue Hammes-Knopf: As Joyful as her Jewelry

By Elizabeth Child Sue Hammes-Knopf’s warm, welcoming smile belies what fellow artists say about her. She’s the den mother of the McClaughry Building in Northfield. With artist’s studios nearing double digits, the McClaughry Building at 101 East 5th Street is Northfield’s version of Minneapolis’ Northrup King building. The scale may be smaller, but the quality of the artists is at least as high. Every artist in the building is opening up his or her studio for the Studio ArTour this year—a feat no less than getting every last voter on your block to vote. Last week, Hammes-Knopf invited me to … Continue reading →

Studio ArTour Artist Profile: Fred Somers

The eighth annual Studio ArTour is coming up in Cannon Falls, Northfield and Faribault in just 10 days. I want to share about some of the fabulous artists you can meet October 20 and 21 (Saturday and Sunday) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. as the 10-day countdown begins. Pastel Painter Fred Somers Fred Somers is a force in the world of pastel painting—not just here in flatland—but nationwide. He was the first place winner in the Landscape Division of the American Artists’ Magazine Best Art of 2011, published in their January 2011 issue. Just last month he received the … Continue reading →