Revisit the Studio Tour: It’s Well Worth the Journey

The Chestertown RiverArts Studio Tour is now in its 15th year and there are many reasons to take this free journey once more even if you have taken it in the past. Sixty artists and artisans will open their studio doors October 25-26 and November 1-2, from 10am – 5pm, rain or shine.

Tranquil Way to Spend a Weekend with Family and Friends in a Beautiful Part of the Country.

Kent Sky and Soybean Field by Linda Hall

Whether you are an art and/or nature enthusiast, looking for a fun weekend outing or just curious, fall is the most beautiful time of year to visit the Eastern Shore with its foliage in bloom. Studios are located in the countryside of both Kent and Queen Anne’s Counties, many have beautiful water views, and others are found in small quaint town’s with a lot of history such as Chestertown, Rock Hall, Betterton, and Still Pond. Especially beautiful is the ride out to the Arts At Still Pond Station which is an old Coast Guard building that houses RiverArts Clay Workshop and seven individual studios.

See Beautiful Art, How it is Made and Meet the Artist

There is a full range of arts and crafts including paintings, photographs, prints, pottery, sculpture, jewelry, textiles, metal, glass, wood art and fine furniture. This year Chestertown RiverArts will have sample work from each artist at the Gallery opening on First Friday, October 3, which provides each visitor with the opportunity to plan an itinerary that matches one’s interests. Though many of the artists have been on the tour before, there is always something new to see. For Example, Cindy Fulton varies her exhibit annually; she has a large selection of paintings including seascapes, skyscapes, and nudescapes in addition to her copper garden sculpture. And there are ten new artists exhibiting this year.

Many artists will be giving demonstrations throughout the day. See how to work with a lathe, how to create functional and sculptural kiln-formed art glass , how to use the potter’s wheel or get to see and understand raku pottery. A wonderful range of furniture awaits you and, of course, it is interesting to see artists work in different painting media. Best of all is there is original art for sale at studio prices and the chance to meet the artists and understand their varied creative processes.

Maybe You are Looking for a Class and Want to See the Work of the Instructors

Swan creek grasses by Mary Pritchard

Many artists offer classes and workshops throughout the year. Some are geared to individuals with no art background at all while others are targeted to advanced artists. Most of the classes are offered through RiverArts by such instructors as master knitter, Sue Wright, pastel classes with Marty Ptitchard, Polymer Clay Jewelry with JoLecia Crowe and work with potter, Doug Sassi

Bob Ortiz offers independent courses in his Chestertown workshop. He describes his work as a fusion of Shaker and Japanese function and aesthetics. His designs show a respect for the materials and an eye for detail that imbues each piece with a presence that is richer than the sum of its parts. Bob will be offering an extensive workshop this winter during which the student will go away having made a table that Bob has designed himself. Bob is also very generous with his time and periodically takes on apprentices one of which is now a part-time employee who does most of the finishing work.

For more information on the tour, call 410-778-6300, email [email protected]. To see sample artwork drop in at the RiverArts Galleries, 315 High Street, Suite 106, in Chestertown during the month of October. Brochures are available there and at businesses throughout the county which include brief descriptions of the artists and detailed directions to their studios. You may also go to our website www.chestertownriverarts.org.