Area artists open doors for annual studio tour
CAROLINE LOBSINGER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 months, 2 weeks AGO
POAC arts coordinator Claire Christy and Amber Brown are pictured during a stop at a past Artists' Studio Tour. The tour, which is hosted by the Pend Oreille Arts Council, takes place this weekend, Aug. 29-31.
Photo courtesy PEND OREILLE ARTS COUNCIL
Area residents explore the studio of artist Barry Burgess during a past Artists' Studio Tour.
I grew up in the Tri-Cities, Wash., and have always loved to write. I attended the University of Washington, where I earned a double major in journalism and political science, with an area of emphasis in history. I am the fifth out of six kids — don't believe any of the stories that my siblings tell. To be able to tell others stories and take photos for a living is a dream come true — and I considered myself blessed to be a community journalist. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, hiking and spending time outdoors, genealogy, reading, and watching the UW Huskies and the Seattle Seahawks. I am a servant to my cat, Frankie, who yes, will eat anything and everything in sight … even wedding cookies. | August 27, 2025 1:00 AM
In one studio, an artist may be sculpting. Down the road or across the Long Bridge, another might be laying down the lines for what will become a large-scale oil painting.
That diverse variety will take center stage this weekend as the 2025 Artists' Studio Tour comes to town. The self-guided driving tour takes place Friday through Sunday, Aug. 29–31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and is free of charge.
Hosted by the Pend Oreille Arts Council, POAC arts coordinator Claire Christy said the tour is a chance to both enjoy summer and discover your next favorite artwork.
“The Artists’ Studio Tour is a great way to connect with artists and their work,” said Christy. “When a viewer can see where the artist works, it gives insight that you can’t achieve in a gallery setting. It allows the viewer to step into the atmosphere where creativity blooms.”
The tour features 20 artists at 16 studio stops, where visitors can explore the working spaces of painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelers, and more. Some studios host multiple artists, offering even more opportunities to experience creativity firsthand.
This year’s featured artists include: Jenni Barry, Molly Gentry, Lynn Gardner, Devon Chapman, Alison Barrows-Young, Barry Burgess, Ed Robinson, Lucy West, Connie Scherr, Larry Clark, Don Fisher, Susan Gallo, Lori Salisbury, Daris Judd, Jessie Watt, Eileen Marcotte, Mary Gayle Young, Linda Gue, Ronald Gue, and Kim Powers.
In addition to being able to explore the studios that interest them the most, residents can start and end the tour as desired, deciding which studio to visit first and on which day.
"Participants can set their own schedule and enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Pend Oreille and the surrounding mountains as they travel between studios," Christy said.
After all, she noted, along the tour's route are the towns of Westmond, Sagle, Sandpoint, Ponderay, and Kootenai — all of which provide convenient stops for dining, shopping, and exploring.
Maps are available at the POAC Gallery, 313 N. Second Ave., from participating artists, or online at artinsandpoint.org/artist-studio-tour. Visitors are encouraged to pick up a brochure and start their journey at any stop.
For more information, contact the Pend Oreille Arts Council at 208-263-6139 or visit www.artinsandpoint.org.
Area residents explore the studio of artist Barry Burgess during a past Artists' Studio Tour.ARTICLES BY CAROLINE LOBSINGER
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