DawsonTimes.com

More than 100 northeast Georgia artists will emerge from their studios and workshops to meet the public and to showcase their work in the making during the fifth annual Northeast Georgia Arts Tour June 19-21 in Habersham, Rabun, White and Stephens Counties in Georgia. 

Artists will be demonstrating during the Open House Weekend: Friday from 1pm – 5pm, Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 1pm – 5pm at over 35 premier shops, galleries and artist studios.  Other art-related special events are also planned for the weekend.

Art has always been a part of the culture in the northeast Georgia Mountains.  The natural splendor of the surroundings has long inspired and attracted artists as diverse as the art offered there.  Painters, potters, glass makers, wood carvers, weavers, metal artists and jewelry makers are just a small sampling of the depth and breadth of artistic talent in the region. 

The Arts Tour is free of charge, and both visitors and artists alike look forward to this annual event. Visitors get a rare glimpse of the creative process and at select locations will have the opportunity to try their hand at creating art as well. Artists enjoy interacting with the public while sharing stories of artistic inspiration and insights into their techniques.

The Northeast Georgia Arts Tour takes the visitor through some of North Georgia’s most spectacular scenery, including the Tallulah Gorge and surrounding lakes, Scenic 197, and the Sautee Nacoochee valley.  Plot your own course and set your own pace as you journey down familiar roads or discover new routes.  There is much to see, so prepare to stay overnight in a cozy mountain getaway, dine at local eateries, then head out for another full day with many miles of creative ground to cover.

Detailed Tour information is available at www.ArtsTour.org.  The site has an email address for specific questions regarding your interests or other inquiries.  Most venues are open year round, and the web site enables visitors to plot a self-driving tour to suit a day trip or weekend escape at any time of year.  Restaurants, lodging and local wineries are also listed on the site.  A printed tour map brochure is available at participating locations and at visitor centers in northeast Georgia. 

Site Classifieds: art, artists