(Some of the artists from The Fall Art Tour 2021. Photos: by Andy Goodwin Photography)

28 years ago a group of artists got together with the goal of giving the public something more than just an art fair. The artists wanted to curate an event with a little more personal touch, a focus on demonstrations, a behind the scenes look at how art was created. They wanted to open their studios up to visitors, educate the public and create a greater connection with the community. In essence that was how the first Fall Art Tour was born, according to Claire Johnston of Brewery Pottery. "It was a way for folks to see work being created before their eyes, ask questions," says Johnston. Brewery Pottery in Mineral Point is one of 41 studios spread out across Baraboo, Mineral Point and Spring Green participating in this year's Fall Art Tour.. That artist/visitor connection fostered by the tour makes bringing home a handmade work all the more personal and cherished..

The Fall Art Tour highlight is being able to move freely about the artist's studios see the creative process up close and ask questions. The pandemic has not only changed how we do business but how we conduct our daily lives. Art has like so many things since COVID-19 reset people's thinking. The pandemic has connected us and helped us appreciate being close to our loved ones, and appreciating our basic needs, "back to family time," as Johnston put it. She's saw  more families doing things in their yards like planting gardens, and being at home more customers are buying pottery items to match those needs. "We are a pottery studio and gallery, we've noticed that pottery is very popular, there is the online store, but people coming in are buying practical items, they're dining at home more," says Johnston.

Looking for a fun Fall alternative to weekend crowds at corn mazes and apple picking?

The Fall Art Fair has been very popular with families according to Johnston. "It's a really a fun way for people to connect with the artists and their art and see where it's get made. It's a really personal tour. When you take home a piece of pottery, or painting there's a story behind that," says Claire Johnson.

And lastly, the Fall Art Tour is about the beauty of the season. It is no accident that route of the tour takes visitors through some of the prettiest regions in our state, the Driftless Area. 

(Photo courtesy of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve)

IF YOU GO

Ample rainfall Wisconsin has been spotty at best this September but it seems the leaves are finally turning colors across the region now. The Fall Art Tour takes place among the wooded hill country of the "Driftless Region:" Baraboo, Mineral Point, and Dodgeville/Spring Green from 10 a m to 6 pm, Friday the 18th through Sunday the 20th.  Find a complimentary Fall Art Tour Map here.