Comments Off on Always Evolving, the Portsmouth Holiday Arts Tour Happens Nov. 22-24
It’s a relic that continues to evolve, and always remains relevant. The Portsmouth Holiday Arts Tour (PHAT) is the region’s grandmother of home-based studios. Since 2001 artists have furiously cleaned their studios and thrown open their doors inviting the public to learn, unearth hidden treasures, and buy direct from the maker.
“Nineteen years ago we decided to invite people into our home studios to show collectors what it is we really do, and where we do it,” says Maureen Mills, one of the founders. “Today the tour is part of the season’s tradition for artist and visitor.”
It’s a party with benefits. For the artist, it’s a chance to experience the public’s reaction to the work, and to get to know them. For the buyer/viewer it’s a way to be more informed about the art and its maker.
“It’s a celebration of sorts,” Mills says. “It’s friends with mutual interests sharing an experience.”
PHAT underscores the best in the represented fields. Its artists, selected for skill and variety, range from masters of their fields to emerging artists. Its roster boasts some of the best in their chosen medium.
The upcoming event features nine studios, with 18 artists. There are two Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant recipients, and nine League of NH Craftsman among them. The majority have exhibited nationally. Seven have shown, taught and or demonstrated internationally, among them Kristina Logan, Maureen Mills and Victoria and Lawrence Elbroch, Lisa Grey, and Peter Happny.
“I think one of the reasons people enjoy it so much, and come back year after year, is they’ll see familiar artists, but always a few new faces,” Lisa Grey, print and textile collage artist says. “I also think the variety of medium, style and price range has kept people interested, that and the fact it’s a low-key event, perfect to take in with friends.”
This year’s art includes stoneware and porcelain wares, monoprints, mixed media collage, printmaking and drawing, photography, carved and illustrated ceramics, jewelry (glass beads and fused, metal and porcelain), felt scarves and wall art, hand-cut designs, cabinetry, blacksmithing/metalwork, illustration, woodwork and acrylic and encaustic paintings.
“It’s surprising what’s tucked away in these nine locations, Mills says. “It’s also surprising who is there.”
The tour also features Karen Orsillo, Nancy Kanner, Emma Ashby, Diane Stradling, Tess Feltes, Lucinda Clarke, Bill Clarke, Dyanna Smith, and three generations of women artists, Kristina Logan, Reg Logan, Sophia Logan- Barré.
As always, many of the artists will demonstrate their processes periodically throughout the tour.
PHAT’s FREE Studio Checkpoint Pass and Raffle is also back. Visit all nine studios over the course of the weekend, get your passport marked at each one, and be eligible to win one of a number of original works by participating artists.
A free passport and information on how it works is available at each studio.
There are numerous reasons people come and return year after year, not the least being gift-giving.
Art is a special, thoughtful, quality gift for any holiday or celebration. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, always comes with a story, and is heirloom quality, a gift that can be handed down from generation to generation. Open studio visits afford time to discuss a gift with an artist who can help you make the right choice for its recipient.
For information on the artists, tour times, and the raffle, download the Portsmouth Holiday Arts Tour brochure, or visit us on Facebook and Instagram!
“We’ve always thought of this as ‘an occasion.’ It’s a way to meet face-to-face, and, we trust, for our guests it’s an intriguing and entertaining event,” Grey says. “So once again, the doors are open, studios tidied, and our best work (and deals) are on display.”
Stop by, Nov. 22 5 to 8 p.m.; Nov. 23 and 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.