For over twenty years the Blue Coast Artists have been delighting and educating the public with their annual Fall Tour of Studios. Viewers are invited once again to experience the creative process in action on Saturday & Sunday, October 2^nd and 3^rd.

See a piece of pottery form, watch glass beads take shape in the torch, a tree come alive through brushstrokes, a piece of pottery become engulfed in flames during a Raku firing or watch colors come alive with felted wool. These are just a few of the demonstrations that art lovers of all ages are sure to enjoy during the 21st Annual Blue Coast Artists Fall Tour of Studios. This annual West Michigan autumn event runs from 10AM-6PM both days and is free of charge.

Over the past twenty-one years the tour has continued to be an educational and interesting experience for all, by offering a behind-the-scenes look into the studios of working artists.

The 2010 tour includes seven working artists' studios located between South Haven and Saugatuck. Each site features demonstrations, original artwork, refreshments and more. Hands-on art making projects, unique art abodes, a haunted garden and fall color makes this creative experience fun for the whole family. The tour can be completed in one day and a tour map is available at each site or on the web at: www.bluecoastartists.com

The 2010 Blue Coast Artists Fall Tour includes:

1) Lattner Studio (319 Blue Star Hwy., South Haven) The studio of Suzi Lattner Zwissler features her original paintings and drawings in a variety of media. The gardens and woodland that surround her home inspire Suzi. She will be on hand demonstrating pastel drawing techniques.

2) Blue Star Pottery (337 Blue Star Hwy., South Haven) The studio of Mark Williams features handmade stoneware. Bowls, pitchers, casseroles, teapots and platters are embossed with Mark’s elegant textured designs, which he creates by uniquely combining the pottery techniques of textured slab and throwing on the pottery wheel. Come see his newly built salt kiln. Mark will open a new kiln load of his work daily on tour weekend.

3) Khnemu Studio LLC (6322 113th Ave., Fennville) Enjoy the fall harvest at this 1890's farm estate, complete with a restored barn which houses a unique contemporary fine art and craft gallery featuring over 20 Michigan Artists and the working studio of ceramic artist Dawn Soltysiak. Dawn will have wheel throwing, Raku pottery firing and also a "make & take" art opportunity for kids of all ages.  Come and see the newly built down-draft car kiln in an old silo. Farm fresh pumpkins and popcorn are also available.

4) Blue Roan Studio (6301 122nd Ave., Fennville) This stop features the flame worked glass bead and wire sculptures of artist Jessica Bohus and an exhibition entitled "Dog Show” featuring Chihuahuas and many other breeds.  Jessica will have a wide array of jewelry made with glass beads, silver & copper. The studio is in an1890’s schoolhouse with many original features including a swing set and blackboards and will Jessica will offer flameworked glass bead making demonstrations on both days.

5) Lakeshore Textiles (2750 60^th St, Fennville) A textile artist for over 30 years Suzie Jenkins’ home and fiber studio is situated on a wooded tranquil setting overlooking a ravine  Suzie’s “sheep to shawl” method uses naturally prepared raw wool, spun on a spinning wheel, and then woven on the hand loom.  She uses sustainable materials as much as possible, and utilizes green techniques in her studio.  Suzie will be honoring National Felt Day by offering felting demonstrations daily.

6) Lake Effect Pottery (2139 66th St., Fennville) Surrounded by vegetable and herb gardens, with her horses and chickens nearby, an antique turkey barn is the workplace for potter Lee Mckee. Lee makes oil lamps, French butter keepers and other affordable functional pottery.   Lee will demonstrate pottery making techniques during Fall Tour.

7) Green Fire Studios (2181 Blue Star Hwy, Fennville) Artist Damian Koorey has transformed the former Ganges Town Hall into a multi-media studio and gallery. Damian’s artwork consists of photography, portrait & figure studies, sculpture and jewelry design.  Damian will be demonstrating how he carves sculpture and uses the lost wax casting process to create bronze sculpture and fine jewelry.