Visitors enjoyed the art, and artists enjoyed the visitors at the fourth annual Miles of Art tour held throughout Shawano County on Saturday and Sunday.
The event was co-founded by the late David Rand and his wife, Kazuko, to showcase a variety of visual and performing arts in area artists’ studios and homes, and to bring visitors to an area commonly known for its agriculture. David Rand passed away in February.
Patti Peterson, tourism manager with the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce, said the event drew people in from as far away as Chicago. She was pleased with the turnout despite the weather conditions on the first day.
“Despite the cold and rainy weather on Saturday, the visitor traffic was considerably heavier than Sunday,” she said.
Mandi Kieler, of Seymour, visited the tour for the second time.
“I really loved it last year so we came back this year,” Kieler said. “I have a new appreciation for the local artists and their work.”
Kieler watched artist David Bartels, of Cecil, transform a wooden log into an eagle at the David Rand Memorial site in the town of Richmond.
“I just really came to see them do the work,” she said. “It is hard to imagine how they do that, so it is better to watch them create it.”
Jewelry artist Michael LaRonge said he enjoys seeing people such as Kieler watch and learn.
“It is nice to talk to people,” he said. “People are very interested in what you’re doing, so you can talk about your technique.”
Linda Kunda and her husband, Ron, displayed their stained glass artwork for tour guests. Like LaRonge, they were recruited to the tour by the Rands, and they appreciate what it has become.
“It’s got a good spirit and it brings the community together,” Kunda said. “The people are so kind and are very generous with their compliments, and every once in awhile, we actually make a sale.”
The Kundas generally just display their art, which is stored in their Bowler home.
“We don’t really sell them. We just bring them to the art shows and put them out for the day,” Kunda said. “We were quite surprised the first year; we sold a few pieces that were tucked away in a corner somewhere. So it is nice to bring them out.”
Nine artists displayed their work at the College of Menominee Nation Cultural Center.
Joanne Wirtz, of Green Bay, visited for the second year to support the local artists and to learn more about pottery. Before visiting CMN, she stopped at Mill Creek Pottery in Gresham.
“I came for the local artists and to see what they create with their hands,” she said. “I loved the art studios and where their artists make their crafts. Particularly I love to walk into the large kiln along the tour.”
Virginia Crow demonstrated Native American beadwork for the third year.
Crow, of Middle Village on the Menominee Reservation, said she enjoys the camaraderie among the artists.
“I love getting to see the other talents people have and meeting new people,” she said.
Other stops along the tour were the Old Feed Mill on Pleasant Street in Gresham, Yoga Room and Art Gallery in Gresham, David Aschenbrener gallery in Gresham, WOWSpace in Wittenberg and Woodlands Studio in Shawano.
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