Explore region's creative side during POAC's Artists' Studio Tour

This Labor Day weekend, the Pend Oreille Arts Council invites art lovers, curious explorers and anyone looking for a fun weekend adventure to get off the beaten path and into the studios of local artists during the Artists’ Studio Tour, Sept. 4-6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Featuring 17 local artists at 14 stops throughout Sandpoint, Sagle, Hope and beyond, the Artists’ Studio Tour is a free, self-guided driving tour that lets visitors create their own itinerary and explore the North Idaho art community at their own pace.

Rather than viewing finished artwork only from behind a gallery wall, visitors are invited into the artists’ homes and studios to see where the creative process actually happens. Each stop offers something different: visitors might catch an artist painting, learn about the inspiration behind a body of work, enjoy refreshments, or simply wander through a fascinating creative space. Artists will also have work available for purchase directly from their studios.

“This is one of those events where you really can make it your own,” said Claire Lutz, Arts Coordinator for the Pend Oreille Arts Council. “You can pick a few stops and spend an afternoon exploring or turn it into a full weekend adventure. There’s something special about seeing where an artist works, meeting them in their own creative environment, and getting a glimpse into the ideas and processes behind the artwork.”

New this year, the tour extends into Hope, with artists Maria Larson and Lori Moore welcoming visitors to their studios. The drive to Hope offers a beautiful North Idaho escape, making it easy to turn a studio visit into a day trip. Visitors can even stop along the way for a slice at Ice House Pizza and make a full adventure out of it.

With artists working in painting, photography, jewelry, weaving, woodworking, drawing, metalwork, ceramics, decorative gourds, and fabric, the tour offers a broad look at the many ways artists in the region create.

The Studio Tour kicks off on Friday, September 4, with an evening opening at the POAC Gallery. Following the first day of studio touring, visitors are invited to attend the opening reception for Our Common Ground, POAC’s September group exhibition, from 5–7 p.m. at the POAC Gallery, 313 N. Second Ave., Sandpoint.

Our Common Ground brings together artists exploring the experiences, places, ideas, and connections that unite us across our differences. The exhibition offers a fitting beginning to a weekend centered on discovering the creative voices and shared community that make North Idaho such a special place to live.

"Plan your route, gather some friends, fill up the gas tank, and see where the weekend takes you," Lutz said.

Participating artists are Maria Larson, painting and metal; Lori Moore, painting; Devon Chapman, painting; Dave Gonzo, metal; Barry Burgess, drawing and painting; Ed Robinson, painting; Heather Mehra-Pedersen, painting; Connie Scherr, painting; Larry Clark, ceramics; Lucy West, painting; 

Don Fisher, photography; Daris Judd, painting; Mary Gayle Young, jewelry; Eileen Marcotte, decorative gourds; Linda Gue, weaving; Ronald Gue, woodworking; and Kim Powers, painting and fabric.

Maps for the Artists’ Studio Tour are available at every stop and at the POAC Gallery, 313 N. Second Ave., Sandpoint. Visitors can also use Google Maps links provided on the POAC website to navigate from one studio to the next, artinsandpoint.org/artist-studio-tour.

    Area residents visit the studio of artist Connie Scherr during the 2025 POAC Artists' Studio Tour.