Every Studio Tour stop this year enjoyed stories of pleasure from past buyers, wondrous conversations and purchases and participation in the artsy activities offered.
Melissa Lettick was stationed at the Shenandoah Planing Mill where she had lots of space (see photo.) She “set up 5'x7' paper pinned to polyfoam boards and supplied high-quality tempera paints along with brushes and water for visitors to do whatever they wanted, whether it was something that they were moved to paint on their own -- maybe a simple colorful brushstroke or a blob of color or an image of some sort, or maybe something inspired by a previous painter's work. So the painting grew in a very beautiful way.”
Lettick was particularly moved by a woman who painted quickly, and left with her eyes shining, telling me "I had to paint this -- 2 gold stars for my son." Two tiny unassuming gold stars appear on the left side of the painting. “These little stars have so much power. They meant so much to her, and she shared this powerful feeling with the world through paint” Lettick explains.
Basketmaker Anne Bowers shares this wonderful story. “Doug and Kristin, regularly bring their friends and daughter...their daughter played with our grandchildren when they were all younger. This year Doug went around their home the day before the tour listing all of the items they have over the years. He had a list of 96 - yes, 96 works purchased from all of those on the tour in the past 30 some years. Talk about loyalty!” And might I add, discerning taste.
From Shepherdstown Graphic Artist Danielle Corsetto had a “really wonderful weekend. My enormous black cat, Pip, was remarkably sociable all day Saturday, and was happy to greet people when they came in. Probably the most memorable moments for me were both kids: my friends Pang & Shane's 4-year-old daughter Mazzy came over and chose three yoga cat stickers, immediately took off the backing, and positioned them on her polka-dot dress so that they looked like they were interacting with the dots in creative ways. My friends Eliza and Joe's 9-year-old niece Izzy told me I was her favorite artist, after just meeting me that day! Getting a little extra time with Potter Esther Murphy when the crowd dies down on Sunday is always a treat, too.”
Visitors often rue purchases unmade. This anecdote from Esther Murphy – “I had a customer who liked my marbled bowls from last year and purchased all I had this year. Love the positive feedback!” Artists love hearing from collectors of their work. Weaver Diane Meyers heard from a client about the collection of neck warmers that she wears and displays. From Diane – “I am honored.”
And speaking for all 21 artist members of the Over the Mountain Studio Tour, we are honored that you support us, encourage us, challenge us and come back year after year on that special second weekend of November. Thank you.
Love to read these stories.