Spokane, Washington – The Little Spokane River Artist Studios Tour is a Spokane fall institution that provides not only an intimate visit to five working artist studios, but also an opportunity to meet some of the artists, and perhaps make a few purchases.
The tour takes place on Saturday September 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and its free to go. There are five studios on the tour, and they are located nearby one another making the tour an easy outing. If you go, you will see many kinds of art spanning from ceramics, over paintings to sculptures and jewelry.
Denise Steen Studio will be showing her own expressive jewelry, as well as metal sculptures by Rick Davis and pastel and acrylic animal paintings by Debbie Hughbanks, alongside hand carved walking staffs by Hank Chiappetta, and other artists.
Victoria Brace Studio features her own paintings which often have layers of images, as well as Japanese paper sculptural dolls by Patti Osebold and hand stitched leather items by Dan Sterrett.
Ceramist Gina Freuen’s studio features Freuen’s own ceramic pieces, which are often built around vessels such as teapots and vases, as well as the work of 12 other artists showing everything from garments to paintings.
At Jill Smith Studio you will find Smith’s raku fired nature inspired pottery, as well as jewelry, wooden spoons and paintings by 11 other artists including landscape artist LR Montgomery.
Collista K Studio shows her own ceramic sculptures as well as photos by Ira Gardner and jewelry and paintings by five other local artists.
The best way to do the tour is to visit the website at littespokanestudios.com and read about the many different artists. The site also has a great map and easy to follow driving instructions.
Spokane loves its crafts shows and fairs, and they provide a great way to do some holiday shopping from local artists and crafters. Because of COVID uncertainty it’s a good idea to check in with your favorite show, just in case it gets canceled, and also to keep up to date on potential vaccination requirements.
Here is a short list of some of the local craft fairs: Custer’s Annual Christmas Arts and Crafts Show at the Spokane Interstate Fair and Expo Center on November 19 - 22. The Shadle Park Boosters Craft Show runs at Shadle Park High School on November 6 and November 7. The Woman’s Club of Spokane is hosting an artisans and crafters show on November 12 - 14 and Central Valley High School hosts its annual craft show on November 6 and November 7.