Applications now available for NE Iowa Artist Studio Tour; Deadline March 13

The 8th annual Northeast Iowa Artists' Studio Tour (NIAST) applications to exhibit are now available to area artists, as a pdf by email or mailed USPS. To receive one or for more information, contact NIAST Co-directors Darla or Glen Ellickson: tour@iowaarttour.com or 563-382-2295.

The 2005 Tour takes place September 30 through October 2. Studios are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Media considered is limited to Fine Art and Fine Craft. Items include: Painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, clay/ceramics, wood, glass, metal, printmaking, mixed media, handmade paper, fiber, etc. as appropriate at Fine Art Fairs.

All works must be original in concept and design and must have been executed by the applicant: works from molds or kits, commercial or manufactured items, and buy/sell are not permitted. Tour exhibitors qualify as "fine artists," meaning, notes Darla.

Artist's applications for tour entry are juried, and participants are selected for their work's technique, quality, and vision. Postmark deadline for submitting an application is March 13.

The self-guided Tour is specially timed to enjoy the fall color, and travels along winding gravel roads, for a behind-the-scenes view into the artists' personal work space, all stops are located within 35 miles of Decorah, in Iowa. The 2004 Tour featured 48 artists at 35 locations. An estimated 2000 visitors from as many as 15 states and two countries have been reported as attendees.

The event is self-supporting, funded entirely by artist entry fees and sponsors. Anyone interested in supporting area Tourism and the Arts by becoming a sponsor or advertiser, contact Glen Ellickson. 2005 brochures will be available in mid-May. To obtain a 2004 brochure with the Tour map or for other area Tourism information, call Winneshiek County Convention and Visitors Bureau at: 563-382-3990 or 1-800-463-4692 or email: tour@iowaarttour.com. For more complete information about the artists and ongoing events, view the official Tour website: www.iowaarttour.com.