Washougal, WA – Explore the world of unique and exquisite holiday gifts by stepping inside the studio workshops of local artists during the annual Washougal Studio Artist Tour Holiday Art Market. This special event is scheduled for Saturday, November 18 and Sunday, November 19, running from 10 am to 4 pm both days.
The idea for this event emerged following the success of their springtime Mother’s Day tour, where customers were captivated by the exceptional artistry they encountered. Event organizer and talented fused glass artist, Shirley Bishop, shared her insight: “Customers at our Mother’s Day tour asked if we held anything like this near the holidays. Customers were impressed with what they saw. They were impressed with the quality and uniqueness of the art. They wanted access to our local artists for their holiday shopping.”
This year’s third annual tour, the Washougal Studio Artist Tour (WSAT) Holiday Art Market, will showcase the creations of sixteen artists at four unique Washougal art studios, most of whom have been part of previous studio tour events, with new ones we are also excited to share! Because this endeavor proved successful, it is sure to continue to be a cherished Washougal holiday tradition.
“The tour provides an opportunity to invite customers into artists’ studios to better understand the process they go through to create these works of art,” explained Bishop. “People love to buy directly from the artist, see their workspace, and learn more about them. The pieces in the tour are exceptional and unique. These artists are not ‘crafters.’ They are truly artists making a living selling their art.”
Some of the artists even offer art classes for the public to learn their techniques.
Participating artists in our 2023 Holiday Tour includes:
- Studio #1: Linda Andrews-Riggs, specializing in watercolors; Sharon Buckmaster who creates wearable art, and Sandy Moore (studio owner) with her creative fiber art.
- Studio #2: Regina Westmoreland, talented mixed media artist, Phyllis Carter, celebrated for her fused glass artistry, Ellen Nordgren also known for her work in mixed media, Deborah Nagano mixed media artistry, Liz Nye specializing in mixed media art, Toni McCarthy with her boho style jewelry, and Tamara Dinius an expert in mixed media artistry and owner of the Adret’ Collective of artists.
- Studio #3: Kathy Marty with her hand-woven rugs and home goods from Pendleton woolen scraps, LesleyAnne Ezelle an alpaca fiber & clay artist, Roxanne Turley works in alcohol ink/mixed media, Shirley Bishop (studio owner) known for her beautiful glass artistry.
- Studio #4: holds David Van Zandt (studio owner) as a bronze sculptor & his oil artistry and Charlene Hale also well known for her unique glass art works.
The event is sponsored in part by a City of Washougal Lodging Tax Fund grant. For event details, artist profiles and contacts, and a map to the studio locations go to https://www.washougalstudioartists.org
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