Lewes Artists Studio Tour returns Sept. 16

A group of regionally known artists and artisans will display their work during the Lewes Artists Studio Tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 16.

Free of charge, the daylong tour offers a unique opportunity to visit numerous artists in their studios and see their works; each artist will have a selection available for purchase. The studios are all within a short radius of downtown Lewes.

Several of the artists on the tour will host one or more guest artists. There will be free raffles at each artist’s venue, and drawings will be held at the end of the day at each studio.

Participating artists are: Mary Louise Lauffer with sterling silver jewelry and mixed media; Joan Fabbri, watercolors; Betsey Von Dreele, fiber collages; Jean Doran, oil and acrylic; Jenn Wagner, jewelry, sculpture and fine metalwork; Bonnie White, acrylics and watercolor; Nina Mickelsen, acrylic, mixed-media printmaking; Leslie McDonald, watercolor; Lois and Bob Schlowsky, illustrated pottery; Fred Dylla, white-line woodcut prints; Caryl Williams, illustration, trompe l’oeil and acrylics; Jeff Watson, pottery; Sarah Pavlik, art quilts and mixed media; Marilyn Nugent, lampwork glass beads; Steve Rogers, oil and acrylic; and Ruth Ann Kaufman, water media.

New to the tour this year are Lois and Bob Schlowsky, who create beautifully crafted, illustrated pottery; and Jenn Wagner, who makes bronze cast sculpture and fine metal work as well as unique jewelry. Wagner enjoys exploring the juxtaposition of an ancient art form with modern technology. 

Returning to the tour is Caryl Williams, author of illustrated children’s books and an acrylic painter. Her wonderful life-size poseable portraits are a unique addition to any space. 

Returning artist Jeff Watson often utilizes a salt-firing process to create his uniquely glazed pots. 

Ruth Ann Kaufman’s love of color is obvious in her award-winning watercolor paintings, which have been juried into several Delaware Watercolor Society exhibitions.   

Seeing the unique fiber art scenes Betsey Von Dreele creates with bits of fabric is fascinating. Jean Doran’s love of nature and small-town life is often displayed in her acrylic paintings.   

Contemporary artist Nina Mickelson’s studio is an amazing space laid out with areas for each part of her art process. Visitors get to see the inner workings of Mickelson’s artistry that one misses in a gallery exhibition.

Best known for his maritime-themed and landscape paintings, Steve Rogers’ art reflects his lifelong love of everything about the working boats found along the Mid-Atlantic. 

A physicist by training, Fred Dylla combines a lifelong love of woodworking with his interest in watercolor painting. Finding the white-line woodcut medium is a perfect blend of his two artful passions. 

A member of the Philadelphia Watercolor Society, Bonnie White captures the memory of the moment in a flowing, contemporary way. Many of her works are now in corporate and private collections. 

Sarah Pavlik’s studio located beyond her garden is where she creates big, bold contemporary quilts as well as mixed-media pieces. 

Mary Louise Lauffer’s love for the sea and history has inspired her to create beautiful jewelry with sea glass while incorporating historic glass into stained-glass work. 

Joan Fabbri has developed a watercolor painting technique in her own style that is heavy on color and detail. 

Leslie McDonald, also a watercolorist, enjoys painting her natural surroundings inspired by the Lewes area. 

Marilyn Nugent creates one-of-a-kind wearable art jewelry. Her glass beads are made with unique color combinations and incorporated into bracelets, necklaces and pendants, as well as serving utensils.

Patrons return each year to check out new works by some of their favorite artists and artisans, and meet new ones. They enjoy talking with the artists, learning about their process and what inspires them in their creations. Being allowed into an artist’s studio is a unique experience that can be shared.

Brochures with artist locator maps are available at many galleries and the Lewes Chamber of Commerce. 

For a printable brochure and map, go to lewesartistsstudiotour.com.