Park County Studio Tour: From barns to lofts to workshops

Published: August 31, 2010

Twenty-five artists from Park County, Mont., will open their studios this fall as part of the second annual Park County Studio Tour, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 18.  

Spearheaded by the Park County Friends of the Arts/Danforth Gallery in Livingston, the self-guided tour offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative workspace of area artists, who will be on hand to visit and answer questions. An array of original artwork will be available for purchase during the tour and there will be refreshments provided at many of the studios.

Event coordinators Brad Bunkers and Traci Isaly say the event was a huge success last year, and they are preparing for an even bigger turn-out for the 2010 tour.

While the number of artists participating in this year's tour is relatively the same, several of the artists are new. "Every year will be different,” says Isaly, dirctor of the Danforth Gallery. “We have such an incredible pool of artists representing all of Park County, every year the tour will generate a unique mix of individuals."

Again this year, the response from artists has been strong, ranging from barn studios in Paradise Valley to lofts in downtown Livingston and workshops outside Wilsall. “We have an impressive lineup of the area's best artists working in a variety of mediums," says Bunkers, a longtime Livingston artist.

Participating artists include: Bonnie Allchin, the Artemis Institute, Karen Arrasmith, Linda Barnsley, James Bechtel, Kristian Brunsdale Studio, Brad Bunkers, Edd Enders, Fleshman Creek Designs, Shirl Ireland, Audrey Hall, Suzanne Hoefler, Carol Newbury Howe, Gary Kerby, Reed Lehman, Jo Newhall, Rob Park, Christina Perry, Tandy Riddle, Aaron Schuerr, Robert Spannring, John Stacey, Susan Tirrell, Laurie Yarnell, and Geyser Glass.

Passes for the tour, which cost $20-$25, are available at the Danforth Gallery in Livingston or by calling 406-222-6510. For more information, visit www.pcfadanforth.org.