Tahoe/Truckee ARTour is ready to launch, July 12-15

ARTour is an open studio event featuring artists from the Truckee Tahoe region. In its 19th year, ARTour 2012 will feature 28 new and returning artists. The genres and mediums of artists’ work include watercolors, pastels, oils and acrylics, glass art and woodworking, custom jewelry, photography, printmaking, ceramics and mixed media.

Open studios will be spread throughout the region, from Truckee to Incline Village, Kings Beach, Tahoe City and the West Shore. ARTour attendees are encouraged to pick up the ARTour brochure, which features artist bios, samples of their artwork, maps and directions to the studios. The brochure is your guide to ARTour — plan a day of touring Lake Tahoe and Truckee, while enjoying great regional art.

The brochures will be available in June and can be picked up at North Tahoe Arts Artisan Shop in Tahoe City, and from partnering businesses throughout the region. All artists will have their work for sale and many, but not all, are able to accept credit and debit cards.

What’s new for 2012:

ARTour 2012 will feature a mix of ARTour veterans such as Cathy McClelland, Don Eagling, Sue Gross, Jenny Antonucci, Carol Sesko and Andy Skaff, plus an exciting mix of new artists.

Brad Lee Henry is new to ARTour, and North Tahoe Arts is excited about his unique and inspiring pottery. His wheel thrown and slab constructed stoneware pottery is high fired in a gas reduction environment. Brad’s pieces are filled with colorful swirls and other contemporary patterns.

Some pieces have Asian inspired whimsical scenes of nature. “I enjoy the usefulness of the ceramic object; pieces that work well in our hands and in our kitchens,” Henry said. “Pieces should be fun to use and fun to look at and proud to give.” Brad’s studio is in Truckee.

Toni Rockwell is another new artist to ARTour this year, whose work was chosen for the cover of the 2012 ARTour brochure. Toni is a longtime West Shore resident, retired elementary school teacher and fused glass artist.

Toni’s fused glass work reflects her love of people and life. Her glass is infused with a variety of colors, shapes and textures that reflect joy and peace. Toni’s work includes many items — jewelry, plates, table and wall art. Her studio is on the West Shore.

Six Incline Village artists will open their studios during the tour: William Cooper and JoAnn Lippert, Jan Foss, Donald R. Britton, Joyce Major and Robert Mimiaga.

In Truckee, Eva Stramer-Nicols, Pam Sutton, Loreen Thomas, Sue Gross and Tom Beebe have joined efforts and will feature all their works at at Tom’s studio at 10434 River Park Place, Building 2, Suite 3.

For information, visit www.northtahoearts.com, call 530-581-2787 or stop by at North Tahoe Arts Center at 380 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City.