Sixteen artists open their studios to the public for one glorious weekend
By David Josselyn
The fourth annual Gilpin Art Studio Tour kicked off Saturday, September 19 for one beautiful fall weekend. Sixteen artists gave the public a chance to view where they create their work and what inspires them. Along with the artists, the Gilpin Clay Studio opened its doors to show works in progress and offer the opportunity for people to sign up for classes. The Tour spanned the County from Highway 72 near Pinecliffe to Virginia Canyon Road and Russell Gulch which gave folks taking the self-guided tour an amazing trip full of color and mountainous views.
Retired art teacher and pastel artist Virginia Unseld, along with Commissioner Gail Watson, founded the Tour four years ago to shine some light on the quality and quantity of artists that reside along the Peak to Peak Highway, and perhaps to inspire others to express themselves through different mediums for the first time. Each year, new artists are added to the event while others, for one reason or another, choose not to participate, which is indicative of the number of people that have chosen the solace of our County for their inspiration.
Participating artists
Violet Aandres – watercolors
Gabrielle Gewirtz – ceramics
David Serrano – oils
Julie Ikler – mosaics
Mimi Ritter – wool
Bambi Hansen – candles
Walter Perryman – sculptures
Virginia Unseld – pastels
Les Barstow – photography
Donna Miller – watercolors
Tom Cowherd – Nature’s Elementals (lapidary and metalwork)
Mary Bell – glassworks
Willy and Roger Lickey – woodwork
Gary Kragenbrink – metalwork
Forrest Anderson – pottery
Representing the Gilpin Clay Studio – Carry Berry
Looking forward
The Gilpin Art Studio Tour is a successful event that will continue as long as there are people willing to keep it going, so look for it each year. The Tour is intentionally timed as close to prime fall color viewing as can be predicted. Look for it again the around the third week of September 2016.