Every fall, on the last full weekend in October, when the colors are breathtaking and there is a crispness in the air, the artists of the Off the Beaten
Path Tour in DeKalb and Cannon Counties of Middle Tennessee open their studios to the public for a free, three day event. The event starts today, Friday October 24 and continues through Sunday, October 26.
Celebrating it’s 15th anniversary, the tour has grown to include 14 stops with 25 participating artists.
Visitors can download a map detailing directions to each studio as they make their way through the countryside while also following the bright yellow signs posted along the way.
Visitors will find artists demonstrating their craft as they welcome you to their studios and you will have the unique shopping opportunity of buying hand-crafted work directly from the artist.
The Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour had it’s beginnings 15 years ago when Louis and Christine Columbarini, potters and owners of Stella Luna Gallery, hatched a plan to bring together artists in DeKalb and Cannon Counties and to invite the public to their studios for demonstrates, sales and a get to know you kind of experience. From that first small handful of innovative artists the tour has grown from a two-day event into a much loved and anticipated three-day long autumn weekend.
At each stop along the tour visitors will find beautifully made contemporary and traditional fine crafts, many made by award-winning artists. Look for wood fired and rake pottery, shaker boxes, hand-blown glass, functional and sculptural ceramics, handmade paper, handbound books, reclaimed jewelry, custom designed jewelry in semi-precious stones and sterling silver, woven wearables, custom designed handbags, stained glass, furniture, large scale pulp-painted canvases, ethnic inspired dolls, artist boxes inspired by original stories, traditional face jugs, large scale one-of-a-kind wood sculpture, original paintings and more.
The Studio Tour attracts local and regional visitors each year as well as Cultural Heritage travelers and many guests from around the country who plan vacations to the area during the Tour.
Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a family outing, the tour offers something for everyone. Pack a picnic lunch, get a map and enjoy this once a year event!
For more details about the artists at each of the 14 stops and to download your map of the tour, visit www.offthebeatenpathtour.com and see you in October!
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