(Clockwise from left) Matt and Christine Jones, artists; Kelly Prestwood and Sarah Neal, artists; Mood of the Onion. Catherine Twomey, artist; Janet Helm, artist
By Hannah Van Vlack
The Come to Leicester Studio Tour is returning for its 19th year on Saturday, August 17, and Sunday, August 18. Community artists are opening their studios for the weekend, and guests can take a self-guided tour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, choosing their stops and viewing a wide variety of art.
During the studio tour weekend, visitors are taken through the scenic countryside of Western North Carolina. Completely self-paced, stops on the tour include numerous independent artist studios, and the Leicester Community Center, Sandy Mush Community Center, Addison Farms Vineyard and Olivette Farm where artists will be gathered. Handmade brooms, pottery, stained glass, paintings, ironwork, wood, jewelry, fiber and mixed media works will be on display. Some of the participating artists only open their personal studios for this weekend, making the tour a unique experience for people to explore the rich artistic scene of Leicester.
There are also food stops along the tour from local sponsors, including Grateful Roots Market & Deli, Gossett Grocery, Salty Goat Grill and Jessi Cake Bakeshop. Addison Farms Vineyard, along with providing an artist hub, will offer wine tastings, a popular stop for guests on the tour.
Tour coordinator and ceramicist Janet Helm is one of many artists featuring her work. “The work of other artists from ancient to contemporary inspires me,” she says. “I utilize shared technical knowledge and the interplay of other art forms such as dance, music, theater and language. I have always been moved by the beauty of nature and the power of human emotion.” After living all across the country, she settled in Leicester three years ago. By participating in the tour, Helm was able to build community, meeting new people and developing a wealth of relationships.
“The purpose of the Come to Leicester Tour is to provide value for artists, sponsors and the community,” Helm says. “As a child, I was treated to live performances and visits to art museums. This enriched my life and widened my thinking and dreaming. Looking at a wide variety of art opens the mental window to the imagination, and I hope many people will accept this invitation to wonder at the mystery of life through the eyes of artists.”
The Come to Leicester Studio Tour continues to be a staple of the area, shining light on the small but immensely creative community of artists in this small mountain region.
The Come to Leicester Studio Tour will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, and Sunday, August 18. The tour’s primary route is along the New Leicester Highway with signs indicating individual stops. For more information and to access the tour map, visit ComeToLeicester.org.
