Island artists open studio doors for holiday shoppers

November 28, 2017 1:30 am
Artwork (clockwise from top right) will include Brent Houston’s etchings at Hinge Gallery, Valerie Wilson’s photography at her studio, knitwear at S.A.W. and Elaine Summers’ mosaics at Fletcher Studio Gang. (Courtesy Photos)
Artwork (clockwise from top right) will include Brent Houston’s etchings at Hinge Gallery, Valerie Wilson’s photography at her studio, knitwear at S.A.W. and Elaine Summers’ mosaics at Fletcher Studio Gang. (Courtesy Photos)

The 2017 Vashon Island Holiday Art Studio Tour will be held this Saturday and Sunday and next weekend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

The free, self-guided tour has become a cherished Vashon tradition since its inception in 1980. This year, the tour will showcase over 100 artists in 32 island studios. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the artists, hear about their creative process and purchase artwork directly from them.

Many art forms will be represented, including jewelry; garden art; glass; pottery; prints; paintings in oil, watercolor and encaustic wax; photographs; tiles; sculpture; fabric art and more.

Waterworks — the Maury Island home studio of Darsie and Chris Beck — will hold its annual Friday night open house and feature work by 26 artists.

Stained glass artist Gail Hapeman will join the Dockton Lurie Pottery Studio, along with Janice Mallman.

Long-time island artist Jacqui Lown will show her soulful watercolors, and Valerie Wilson will exhibit still-life photography. Penny Grist and Larry Muir will show gemstones and mosaics, while Reimnitz Studio will offer paintings and sculptures by three family members.

At Rose Belknap’s studio, paintings from her recent trip to the Southwest will be on display along with Sharon Munger’s functional stoneware pottery.

VCA’s Koch Gallery will hold its annual Miniature Show.

Carol Schwennesen will open her north- end studio, with her trademark abstract oils and works by Kathy Johnson, Ann Nicklason and Elizabeth Conner.

Matsuda Farm Group Show will open as a studio for the first time with Sonja Bergstrom’s SheepPALS — hardwood stools wrapped in sheepskin, Cat McCadden’s sea-inspired jewelry and Kathie Goldsmith’s all-organic body butters. The Land Trust will also share visual information about the ongoing restoration of the farm’s beloved, historic property.

Fletcher Studio Gang, located on Westside Highway, will feature Terri Fletcher’s small assemblages and 2D stitcheries; Elaine Summers’ mosaic-encrusted ukuleles; Stephanie Harlan’s realistic, felted creatures; Jean Emmons’ detailed botanical prints and cards; Joan Fritz’ mini alcohol-ink abstract paintings; Cory Winn’s painted ceramic vessels and Vicki Brown’s hand-made brooms.

Check out Brian Brenno’s blown glass studio for a signature ornament, and visit Kristen Reitz-Green’s Cove Road studio bursting with mosaics, oils and jewelry.

At 3000BC Studio, Anthony Kaufman’s stone sculpture will be on display.

Studio Tour brochures, with colorful guide maps, are available at most island businesses and online at vashonislandartstudiotour.com.