Miles of Art Tour canceled again
For the second year in a row, the Shawano-Menominee Miles of Art Tour has been canceled.
“This year’s Miles of Art event is canceled due to concerns regarding COVID-19’s increasing spread in our community,” said Miles of Art Chair Megan Dorsch.
Members of the Miles of Art Tour board, as well as studio sites, voiced their concern of COVID-19, Dorsch said.
“We had 50% of our studio sites wish to drop out of this year’s event due to the area’s COVID-19 status,” she said.
Dorsch said that the board discussed different viewpoints, ideas and risk management strategies when they were deciding whether to hold the event.
“We talked, at length, about COVID mitigation measures being taken by our communities and about some of our sites’ understandable reticence to be involved during the pandemic,” said Dorsch. “We did not want to be in the same position we were at this time last year, but the reality of it is that we are.”
She added that visitors to the event have been mostly supportive of the board’s decision.
“The vast majority of our followers and attendees have been very supportive and understanding, if disappointed, about this year’s cancellation,” said Dorsch. “We appreciate you all.”
Dorsch said that if anyone is interested in purchasing art from local artists and artisans, they should contact the artists and artisans directly. There is also a Facebook page (@smartwisconsin) that Dorsch urges community members to look at for information on the event, art and artists.
“We will continue to showcase our artists’ work throughout the upcoming fall and holiday seasons,” said Dorsch. “We sincerely hope that our community works together in regards to COVID numbers and mitigation in the upcoming months. We hope that 2022 will bring a safer environment for all.”
The Shawano-Menominee Miles of Art is an art studio tour event that showcases art created by members of the Shawano-Menominee region. Visitors are invited into designated artists’ studios to observe the art.
“This event allows the community and visitors to the area a unique experience by inviting people right into artists’ spaces and letting them see and learn more about each artist’s process,” Dorsch said. “Each studio site also has great artists from around our region, displaying work. Much of the art is available for purchase at the event.”
With 2022 closely approaching, Dorsch said that she and the rest of the board will begin meeting to plan next year’s event.
“Our board will begin meeting to discuss plans for 2022’s Miles of Art, starting in November,” said Dorsch. “We will talk over contingency planning for the coming year and may consider options like virtual art shopping for the 2022 event as a possible added feature.”