Behind the scenes: Local artists open for September studio tours

By Brenna Wiegand

Silverton’s art scene has gained sufficient momentum to be included in this year’s Visual Artist Studio Tour (VAST).

This self-guided glimpse into the private studios and methods of local artists is a project of Artists in

Action (AiA) and has been going on in other towns – primarily Salem – for 17 years.

Though it was somewhat short notice, Silverton artists and sponsoring local businesses came together to get Silverton on the VAST map – with participation from rivaling Salem.

Eleven Silverton artists and Lunaria Gallery plus 14 Salem artists and Red Raven Gallery will be receiving callers over the two-weekend event, Sept. 15-16 in Salem and Sept. 22-23 in Silverton.

The $10 admission includes both weekends during which visitors enjoy an array of artwork and talk to the individual artists who will demonstrate their techniques. Much of the work is for sale.

The Silverton artists participating in the VAST tour include: Julie Huisman, ceramics practical for everyday use; Barbara Bassett, an impressionist oil painter; Lori Bedard, who works in art glass; Jane Castelan Buccola, oils and pastels; Linda Jacobson, mixed media and textile collage; Kayla Kennington, silk clothing; Shari Lord, pastels, acrylics and oil paint; Nashaba, beads, leather and mixed metal; Emily Start, jewelry; Ann Altman, acrylic paintings, other media; Lori Webb, acrylics, watercolors, oils, pastels and clay and Lunaria Gallery.

“This is my first year with the studio tour and I am very excited to be doing it,” Julie Huisman said. “I have been a ceramic artist for about 20 years and have always enjoyed sharing my art with others. I plan to show all phases of the process with the exception of firing in the two days.”

When people visit Ann Altman’s studio, some, at least, have been impressed by the evidence of the seriousness with which she approaches the making of art.

Altman said the tools and materials and the sources of inspiration are all there and being able to see them adds to one’s ability to understand the spirit behind the creation of the art.

“I like the name of the VAST tour, in spite of the fact that it is almost the opposite of vast,” Altman said. “Rather, it provides a unique opportunity to experience the private spaces of our community of artists, rarely, if ever, open to the public.”

“I feel excited about the VAST tour,” said Jane Castelan Buccola. “It offers artists, as individuals, exposure to people who love and/or are interested in art and how it is created. Likewise, it offers the public a chance to see artists at work in their own studios. It will bring people from Salem and surrounding areas to Silverton to see the wonderful art and artists we have in this community. I hope visitors will come away with a better understanding of the many techniques and materials used to create art and what an active arts community we have here in Silverton.”

“I feel doubly blessed to have my personal show scheduled at Lunaria during the VAST weekend,” said

Delana Bettoli, a painter and illustrator whose retrospective ‘Angst to Zen: The Strange Range of D. Bettoli’s work is featured at Lunaria Sept. 5-30.

“Personally, it’s all a rich coming-out party for our town’s artists – and I happily find myself within its energy orbit. Our visitors will find the downtown VAST venues filled with superb art by serious but very approachable artists, all with our town‘s unique charm as the backdrop.”

With some 100-150 visitors expected through each venue over a weekend, sponsors benefit from advertising and promotion on tour brochures and posters, on web sites and through social media.

Our Town Monthly is one of the event’s sponsors.

“Bringing artists and patrons together in a studio environment is a great way to build and strengthen community,” said Paula Mabry, editor and publisher of Our Town. “VAST is a terrific opportunity to meet local artists and learn about their work. Our Town is delighted there is a Silverton portion of the tour this year.”