ARTrails of Southwest Washington: An Art Studio Tour You Don’t Want to Miss

arttrails southwest washington
Driving the ARTrails studio tour, you will enjoy taking in all the beautiful landscapes and views, such as this one outside an artists’ studio.
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By Gale Hemmann

lucky eagleOil paintings. Collage. Sculpture. Wood carving. No matter what type of art you like, there is sure to be plenty to catch your eye at the upcoming ARTrails of Southwest Washington Open Studio Tour. This is one of my favorite local arts events. The third and fourth weekend of September, you can go on a free, self-guided tour of 26 local artists’ studios (showing the work of 45 artists) in south Thurston and Lewis counties. This year’s tour happens the weekends of September 20-21 and September 27-28, 2014. ARTrails is a great way to take in lots of local art while cruising the pretty back roads and rural areas of Southwest Washington on a fall day.

arttrails southwest washington
Driving the ARTrails studio tour, you will enjoy taking in all the beautiful landscapes and views, such as this one outside an artists’ studio.

I have gone to ARTrails the past several years, and eagerly put it on my calendar for this autumn.  I love that you get to visit so many diverse artists in their work environments. From home studios to group exhibits, fiber arts to watercolor, all the artists are very gracious and happy to talk to you about their art. You get to see them at work and learn more about their techniques. For anyone who enjoys the arts, seeing how the artists set up their studios and go about their work is inspiring. The artists’ studios reflect their creativity, and you get to see a wide variety of spaces (including a caboose and an historic schoolhouse).

ARTrails is also a great way to spend time with friends and family who enjoy art. The tour is family-friendly, and older school-age kids would probably enjoy seeing all the different places along the way. You can also customize the tour to the spots that most interest you.

ARTrails of Southwest Washington was started in 2003 by a group of local artists. Their goal in establishing the tour was to bring local artists and the public together, and to showcase the strong artistic talent in Lewis County and the surrounding area. With local support, they got ARTrails up and going, and have been offering this yearly gem ever since (last year’s event drew over 3,500 people).

ARTrails 2014: Planning Your Trip

I definitely recommend planning ahead. Pick up an ARTrails Guide at locations around town or view the online Studio Guide here (tip: be sure to print out a copy of the map to bring with you). The guide includes information about all of the artists and a handy map to plan your route. ARTrails also offers some handy planning tips here to help you get the most out of your day. Bring friends and carpool to save on gas.

I always start out early, with a travel mug of good coffee, a guide book, and an adventurous spirit. While I aim to see as much of the “art trail” as possible, I have my favorite spots I definitely make a point of coming back to each year.

artrails of southwest washington
The Historic Galvin Shoolhouse is a must-see stop on the studio tour. It houses several different artists’ work, from fiber arts to ceramics, in a great atmosphere.

As a veteran ARTrails attendee, I put together a preview of can’t-miss highlights on my schedule for this year.

  • The Historic Train Depot: You’ll definitely want to start your ARTrails visit at the Exhibition Hall at the Historic Train Depot in Centralia. You can pick up a guide book here if needed, ask any questions, and view art from each of the artists on the tour. This is a great place to meet up with your ARTrails companions. You’ll also enjoy the vintage charm of the train depot –it was built in 1912 and has been fully restored.
  • HUBBUB: A unique art, clothing and gift boutique, HUBBUB in downtown Centralia will be showcasing the colorful painted furniture art of Rebecca Staebler. HUBBUB is a locally-owned store and you can browse their unique wares while taking in the art.
  • Stillwater Estates: This idyllic senior community in Centralia is always a fun stop. They are hosting multiple artists, including bright acrylic paintings by Scott McCrae and enchanting quilling by Heidi Bishop. I first fell in love with quilling (a folk art made of curled paper strips) when I saw Bishop’s work here several years ago.
  • The Historic Galvin Schoolhouse: The old school house in Galvin is definitely worth a visit. Home of Verdant Fire Studio, you’ll find several artists exhibiting their works. Check out the ceramics, jewelry, photography and woodcarving artists. You’ll also enjoy taking in the old-fashioned charm of the environment.
  • Carriage House at Mima Mounds: I love stopping by the studio of Bertha Kloonz. Kloonz works out of the Carriage House Studio on a charming rural property in the heart of the Mima Mounds. Her studio is a spacious carriage house-style space, where she teaches art lessons. You can view several other artists’ work on display here as well. Bertha is a retired school teacher and a warm hostess. Grab a cookie or cup of cider, chat with Bertha and the other artists, visit the wonderful rescued miniature pony and friendly dogs outside, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the rolling prairies.
  • Colwell’s Caboose: This stop is definitely unique. This artist, J. Krogh Colwell, works in a converted caboose car just outside of Littlerock. You can visit her charming studio and view her intriguing “fluid painting” pieces inside.
  • Grab a Bite: While you’re out on the art trail, stop somewhere new for lunch. I always take the opportunity to grab a bit at Boccata, a Mediterranean bistro in downtown Centralia, to enjoy their amazing fresh pita bread sandwiches. I like to take a peek in the Central Glass Works blown glass studio down the street, too, before resuming my way on the trail. There are lots of little restaurants and cafes along the trail that will appreciate your business and keep you fueled for more art-viewing.
artrails southwest washington
Part of the fun of ARTrails is enjoying all the different scenery along the way. Here, a rescued miniature pony greets visitors at Bertha Kloontz’ carriage house studio in the Mima Mounds.

These spots are just a sampling of what ARTrails has to offer. There’s truly something for everyone, and each year brings new and undiscovered delights.

Another fun option is to attend the 2014 Gala Opening Reception on Friday, September 19 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Historic Train Depot. Free and open to everyone, the gala offers a chance to preview some of the art, meet the artists, and kick off ARTrails with complimentary appetizers donated by local restaurants.

People come from all over for ARTrails – last year’s event included visitors from ten states and 86 different cities, as well as a few international visitors. Both locals and tourists often choose to make a longer trip and stay overnight or for the whole weekend because there is so much to see.

I excitedly await ARTrails every year. If you like art, and are looking for something fun and different to do, it’s just the ticket. All of the art is indoors, so it’s a hit rain or shine. You’ll discover new and interesting parts of our area, and find some new favorite artists – and maybe a new piece of art or two. ARTrails is the perfect way to celebrate fall and the rich artistic culture of southwest Washington. I’ll see you there.

For more information about ARTrails of Southwest Washington, visit their website. You can also “like” them on Facebook.

ARTrails of Southwest Washington Studio Tour

Weekends of September 20 – 21 and 27 – 28, 2014

At locations throughout Lewis and Thurston counties

 

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