I reached out to hear the stories from November’s Studio Tour and they were many and varied. Here’s what happened at Bridget Brown’s Summit Point stop…in her own words.
“No Studio Tour at Head Spring Farm is complete without our infamous charred hot dogs on our fire pit, and this year we were concerned about dry drought conditions and a fire ban. But luckily, we had an agent from the Department of Forestry actually come out to our farm to issue us a permit allowing us once again to serve up our fine cuisine!
“And of course, no studio tour is complete without some kind of sheep caper. Saturday afternoon when we were at our busiest, I glanced out the door of the wool shop and saw a large group of my sheep out in the front yard, ready to check out the condiments from the hot dog buffet! I jumped up and saw the gate had been left open. I ran out screeching, and by coincidence, one of my mill customers (who is also a shepherd) was there dropping off fleeces. She came to my rescue and we were able to quickly herd the flock back through the gate. Whew! I’m sure our visitors were so impressed that they were able to actually mingle among the sheep!”
In Charles Town, Liz Goins had set up her studio as a working art space where people could experience making paper. “The moment that stands out the most for me is when a mom and daughter who have been tour goers since her daughter was a baby entered the studio. Mom walked her 4 year old around the gallery, talked about the art with her and then went to the working studio where her daughter age 4 made paper. What a delight it was to see her eyes light up (see picture) realizing she had created paper out of watery stuff. I’m so happy that she had this opportunity to realize she can make art and paper no less!!!"
Artists told of many exciting reunions with past visitors. Anne Rule Thompson reports her surprise when “a long time friend showed up at my studio. She pops up every few years and when I see her I’m so happy I tear up. What a pleasure!” Artist Rod Glover was surprised when ”a visitor got my attention to say that she would buy a large piece that she had seen last year. She was so happy that I had hung it again this year (and that it hadn't sold). She was thrilled she could relieve her buyer's remorse and finally get it home and place it where she had imagined hanging it for the past year.”
And there were welcomed tour alums including Pam Parziale, Sheila Brannon, Tara Bell and Carrie Singer were welcomed with hugs all around. More happy happenings from the Tour in our next blog.
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