Valerie Berlage, artist
What began as a handful of Leicester artists inviting the public to their studios is now in its 13th year as the Come to Leicester studio tour. Twenty-five artists in a variety of mediums will participate on Saturday and Sunday, August 18–19, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Throughout July, the Leicester Public Library, at 1561 Alexander Road, will exhibit some of the artists as a tour preview.
“These mountains birth creativity and beauty,” says artist Nirado, who has fiber, clay and jewelry studios. “The artists in Leicester have joined together to create an artist community that we are all proud of.” Those taking the self-guided tour will meet artists with a variety of fine arts and fine crafts. “Our artists make everything from rustic, live-edge furniture to fine, hand-painted silk scarves to whimsical bird paintings,” says Nirado. “Everything our artists create is unique, unusual and fantastic.”
Cat Jarosz has participated every year since the tour began, although not always in her own home studio. She now has a colorful, customized shed at her home studio to display her “playful, functional” pottery that includes vases, utensil holders and teapots. “This is a happy place and I love watching the smiles and happy faces when they see my work and where I work,” she says. “It’s art that you can put your lips on and use every day. Pots that make your food taste better.”
Food is available at several restaurants that sponsor the tour and libations may be enjoyed at Noble Cider Brewery and Addison Farms Vineyard.
For more information and a tour map, visit cometoleicester.org. Brochures are available at artist and sponsor stops, galleries, hotels and restaurants in WNC.
