June 4 and 5 is the Winding Roads Art Tour

After being canceled the past two years because of Covid, the Winding Roads Art Tour is finally going ahead.

It will be my first time participating in the tour (2020 was supposed to be my first).

I don’t normally do art fairs and I don’t have a studio that would work for visitors, but this is a special event and I won’t be set up in my studio. Instead, I’ll be one of two guest artists at Kathleen Aaker’s Riverweave Studio.

The tour consists of 31 artists at 14 stops (plus Viva Gallery) in and around Viroqua, Wisconsin.

If you’re local, you know how beautiful this part of the Driftless Region is. If you’re not (and aren’t too far away), I hope you’ll come for the tour. On the morning of the first day, you can also visit the farmer’s market. There’s lots of good food around, too. Take a look at the guide for more information.

Doing something like this is a bit out of my comfort zone, but I’m getting very excited. Many of you wonder how to get the word out about your work without social media. Connecting with people in person is a beautiful alternative. I’m fortunate to live in an area rich with art and artists. They have been so kind and welcoming to me. I know that’s not always the case, but don’t be quick to discount your own neighborhood.

Artists give me hope for our world. Although the news is full of ugliness, artists work to offset that. They bring beauty and joy and love to our world. I know we can’t fix the problems with art, but it’s sorely needed.

Stop number 10, Riverweave Studio, is Kathleen Aaker's creative hideaway.

Kathy Aaker modeling one of her woven pieces

Kathleen Aaker not only weaves beautiful fabrics, but also designs and creates unique garments with it.

Kathy Aaker at the loom

I am in awe of the complexity of setting up a loom. It is so intricate and beautiful.

weaving in process by Kathy Aaker

Kathy finds inspiration everywhere and enjoys mixing up fibers and playing with colors.

two woven pieces by Kathy Aaker

I don’t know her well but the times I’ve met her, she’s been so gracious. I’m grateful to have her as a host for the tour.

Deborah Conlon is the other guest artist at Riverweave Studio.

Deb Conlon painting in the snow

Deb is an intrepid plein air oil painter who found inspiration closer to home during the pandemic, discovering that “the elements of a good painting can be found almost anywhere.”

Deb Conlon’s indoor studio

For Deb, “it’s all about being in the moment”. Her paintings celebrate light, color and mood.

oil paintings by Deb Conlon

Her art is luminous.

As a late-blooming artist myself, I love that she didn’t come to painting until her mid-50s and that she finds so much joy in it.

I’m looking forward to spending the tour with Kathy and Deb and getting to know them better. Be sure to check out more of their work here and here.

The last few weeks as I’ve been creating my display and preparing for the tour it’s reminded me how much I love my art. I have to pinch myself that this is my life now; how much has changed in the past 12 years!

Friends, keep dreaming your dreams. Keep working toward your dreams. They’re important. The world needs them. It needs you to show up in your own beautiful, unique way.

Looking at my art again and watching my garden start growing again, I’m feeling energized. I can’t wait to get back into my studio and paint!

I know many of you live too far to enjoy the tour, but if you’re nearby I hope to see you.

Because I’ll be busy with the tour, I’ll be taking next Saturday off from my blog, but maybe I’ll see you in person. Take good care, my friends.

in addition to Anne’s art, photos in this post are ©Kathleen Aaker, Deb Conlon and Winding Roads Art