News & Events

The 25th annual Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour (NIAST Inc.) applications to exhibit are now available to area artists. Open link for a 2022 application PDF or go to www.iowaarttour.com click on the events/news tab or contact Darla Ellickson at darla@earloops.com or 563-382-2295. The 2022 Tour takes place September 30, October 1 & 2. Studios are open 10 to 5 daily.

Media considered is limited to Fine Art and Fine Craft. Items include: Painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, clay/ceramics, wood, glass, metal, printmaking, mixed media, handmade paper, fiber, etc. as appropriate at Fine Art Fairs. All works must be original in concept and design and must have been executed by the applicant: works from molds or kits, commercial or manufactured items, and buy/sell are not permitted. Tour exhibitors qualify as “fine artists,” meaning, “They possess the skill to expand and adapt even a high-end craft with individual vision.” Artist’s applications for tour entry are juried, and participants are selected for their work’s technique, quality, and vision, and their studios must reside within 40 miles of Decorah, in Iowa. Postmark deadline for submitting an application is April 1, 2022.

The self-guided Tour is specially timed to enjoy the fall color and travels in scenic northeast Iowa, for a behind-the-scenes view into the Artists’ personal workspace.

Participating in this event features inclusion of color photos of your artwork and contact information in top quality 15,000-20,000 brochures, complete with detailed map with GPS to studio locations. These brochures are distributed in many ways, including: being personally handed-out by the touring Artists throughout the country; through a bulk-mailing of over 9,000 brochures to the pre-qualified mailing lists of the Artists; to special requests to area Tourism venues; and from the tour drawing cards requesting information.
 
2021 Tour was made possible by Sponsors: Darla and Glen Ellickson of Ellickson Jewelry Studio & Gallery, New Albin Savings Bank, Dave and Brenda Carlson, Decorah Bank and Trust, Viking State Bank/Waukon State Bank, Inspire(d) Media, KCZQ Radio, Pulpit Rock Brewing Co., and Wennes Communications. Friends of the Arts included: Douglas Cole – Art Pottery, Paul Corbin – Pottery, Elea Jourdan – Fiber/Santas, and Citizens Savings Bank – Spillville/Fort Atkinson/Protivin. Businesses for the Arts: A&J Petersburg Agency. In-kind Tour sponsors: Winneshiek County Development and Tourism, and Julie Strom Photography, plus ad support from area hotels, cabins, B & B’s and restaurants. Brochures are distributed through area businesses, participating artists’ client mailing lists and at art shows.
 
If you are interested in supporting area Tourism and the Arts by becoming a Sponsor, Advertiser, Friend, or Art Supporter, contact Glen Ellickson at 563-419-6963. 2022 brochures will be available in July.

The 24th annual Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour (NIAST Inc.) applications to exhibit are now available to area artists. Open link for a 2021 application PDF or go to www.iowaarttour.com click on the events/news tab or contact Darla Ellickson at darla@earloops.com or 563-382-2295. The 2021 Tour takes place October 8, 9 & 10, 2021. Studios are open 10 to 5 daily.

Media considered is limited to Fine Art and Fine Craft. Items include: Painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, clay/ceramics, wood, glass, metal, printmaking, mixed media, handmade paper, fiber, etc. as appropriate at Fine Art Fairs. All works must be original in concept and design and must have been executed by the applicant: works from molds or kits, commercial or manufactured items, and buy/sell are not permitted. Tour exhibitors qualify as “fine artists,” meaning, “They possess the skill to expand and adapt even a high-end craft with individual vision.” Artist’s applications for tour entry are juried, and participants are selected for their work’s technique, quality, and vision, and their studios must reside within 40 miles of Decorah, in Iowa. Postmark deadline for submitting an application is April 1, 2021.

The self-guided Tour is specially timed to enjoy the fall color and travels in scenic northeast Iowa, for a behind-the-scenes view into the Artists’ personal workspace.
Participating in this event features inclusion of color photos of your artwork and contact information in top quality 20,000-25,000 brochures, complete with detailed map with GPS to studio locations. These brochures are distributed in many ways, including: being personally handed-out by the touring Artists throughout the country; through a bulk-mailing of over 9,000 brochures to the pre-qualified mailing lists of the Artists; to special requests to area Tourism venues; and from the tour drawing cards requesting information.
 
In 2020, due to health concerns of covid-19 the Tour was “Reimagined” and went totally online, made possible by a grant from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, awarded to Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D). The grant provided assistance with updating the website, adding virtual appointments and online shopping options, printing 20,000 and mailing 9,000+ postcards, and creating process videos for each of the artists. Winneshiek County Development and Tourism coordinated with the project by videotaping process videos of each artist, plus organizing a downtown Decorah Artwalk.
 
More Sponsors in 2020: Major Studio Tour sponsor was Wennes Communications. Sponsors: Darla and Glen Ellickson of Ellickson Jewelry Studio & Gallery, and KCZQ Radio FM 102.3. Friends of the Arts include: Douglas Cole – Art Pottery and Paul Corbin – Pottery.
 
If you are interested in supporting area Tourism and the Arts by becoming a Sponsor, Advertiser, Friend, or Art Supporter, contact Glen Ellickson at 563-419-6963. 2021 brochures will be available in July.
 

Wonderful news! The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs Awards Art Project Grant to Northeast Iowa RC&D to Help Make the Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour Virtual in 2020.

Mark your calendars to “Do the Tour” Virtually!

The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs notified Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) this week that their project Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour Reimagined was awarded IDCA Art Project Funding. Through the project, the RC&D will provide direct technical assistance to the Northeast Iowa Artist Studio Tour (NIAST) Board, NIAST Director, and artist members to turn the October 2020 Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour into a virtual tour.

The Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour has been organizing and implementing a driving tour for over twenty years with as many as 50 artists participating. It traditionally draws thousands of visitors to the region to visit art studios where the artists showcase and sell their art, teach different techniques, and answer questions about their media, their art, and their tools. NIAST Director, Darla Ellickson, noted that it has traditionally been a very personal experience. “Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic made opening studios to the public not only a risky endeavor but nearly impossible. Nearly 80% of the artists are considered “at-risk”. We want to protect them and the public but we also know that these artists rely on their NIAST sales. For some of the artists, the NIAST is the only event they participate in all year.”

Amanda Streeper, Associate Director at the RC&D said the RC&D has helped NIAST in the past with mapping and signage and were eager to help out this year with the virtual tour. “We have the technical experts who can help NIAST convert their site so it can include videos and on-line sales, as well as equipment, and experienced videographers and video editors who can help the artists with other very specific tasks to make this a great virtual tour.” In addition to technical assistance, the grant will also help NIAST pay to print and mail postcards to past tour participants across the United States.

Winneshiek County Development and Tourism (WCDT) is also helping with the project. WCDT Project Coordinator, Lora Friest said, “I knew the RC&D could help with this project so, after I spoke with the NIAST Board about developing a virtual tour, the RC&D was my next call. We know that some of these artist’s businesses have been hit extremely hard by the pandemic and we want to help them recover. The vast majority didn’t qualify for the Paycheck Protection Program and many of the events and galleries where they usually sell their art are cancelled or closed.” Friest will be helping artists film videos to use on the new website. The videos will introduce the artists to the visitor and then provide an opportunity for each artist to showcase their studio, techniques, and, in some cases, show the artist creating a specific piece of art.

Although the tour will not be a driving tour, Ellickson noted, “The enhanced virtual tour will reach more people and keep both the artists and visitors safe. The grant and the new partnerships with the RC&D and WCDT provide an opportunity for us to share our tools, techniques, and processes in a new way. Sometimes spending one-on-one time with the tour participants during the tour has been difficult when our studios are so busy. Therefore, the videos will be something we can use in 2020 and far into the future.”

Since receiving the award, the RC&D has been contacted by local school teachers, who have expressed interest in the project, noting that the on-line artist videos might be a great way to incorporate new content into art classes.

For more information, contact Amanda Streeper at Northeast Iowa RC&D 563-864-7112. Artists should contact Darla Ellickson at darla@earloops.com.

The 23rd annual Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour (NIAST Inc.) applications to exhibit are now available to area artists. For an 2020 application PDF or more information go to www.iowaarttour.com click on the events/news tab or contact Darla Ellickson at darla@earloops.com or 563-382-2295. The 2020 Tour takes place October 2, 3 & 4, 2020. Studios are open 10 to 5 daily.

Media considered is limited to Fine Art and Fine Craft. Items include: Painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, clay/ceramics, wood, glass, metal, printmaking, mixed media, handmade paper, fiber, etc. as appropriate at Fine Art Fairs. All works must be original in concept and design and must have been executed by the applicant: works from molds or kits, commercial or manufactured items, and buy/sell are not permitted. Tour exhibitors qualify as “fine artists,” meaning, “They possess the skill to expand and adapt even a high-end craft with individual vision.” Artist’s applications for tour entry are juried, and participants are selected for their work’s technique, quality, and vision, and their studios must reside within 40 miles of Decorah, in Iowa. Postmark deadline for submitting an application is March 16, 2020.

The self-guided Tour is specially timed to enjoy the fall color and travels along winding gravel roads, for a behind-the-scenes view into the Artists’ personal workspace.

Participating in this event features inclusion of color photos of your artwork and contact information in top quality full-color posters and 20-30,000 brochures, complete with detailed map with GPS to studio locations. These brochures are distributed in many ways, including: being personally handed-out by the touring Artists throughout the country; through a bulk-mailing of nearly 9,000 brochures to the pre-qualified mailing lists of the Artists; to special requests to area Tourism venues; and from the tour drawing cards requesting information.

Sponsors in 2019 included: The Major Studio Tour sponsors were KDEC Radio FM 100.5/AM 1240 and Wennes Communications KVIK/KNEI/KDHK/KRMV. Sponsors: Darla and Glen Ellickson of Ellickson Jewelry Studio & Gallery, New Albin Savings Bank, Dave and Brenda Carlson, Decorah Bank and Trust, Bank of the West of Decorah, Viking State Bank/Waukon State Bank, Inspire(d) Media, Pulpit Rock Brewing Company, and KCZQ Radio FM 102.3. Friends of the Arts on the Tour include: Douglas Cole – Art Pottery, Paul Corbin – Pottery, and Citizens Savings Bank of Spillville, Fort Atkinson and Protivin. Businesses for the Arts: Magpie Cafe and Coffeehouse, A&J Petersburg Agency, and Nate and Hallie Evans of Allamakee Wood-fired Pottery. The Preview show by Art Haus, located at Impact Coffee in downtown Decorah, was sponsored by Cardboard Robot. In-kind Tour sponsors: Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce, Trevor Huinker Solutions, and Julie Strom Photography, plus ad support from area hotels, cabins, B & B’s and restaurants. 23,500 brochures are distributed through area businesses, participating artists’ client mailing lists and at art shows on a national level.

If you are interested in supporting area Tourism and the Arts by becoming a sponsor or advertiser, or a “Friend or Business for the Arts”, contact Glen Ellickson at 563-419-6963. 2020 brochures will be available in May.

One of the most fun events of the year is almost here – the much anticipated 22nd Annual NE IA Artist’s Studio Tour 2019 – happens in a week! Artist’s are busy creating, dusting, straightening and just all around getting ready to welcome all the “TOUR”ists into our studios!

NOW AVAILABLE! Updated 10.4.2019. The detailed directions are now updated and available as downloads here and on our Maps page.

The Artist order is designed to provide the least amount of congestion as you travel.

Print the following PDF’s to help find your way as GPS and cell phones do not work in many of our beautiful back-road locations. Verizon and US Cellular work best but in some areas there is no coverage.The map in the brochure is also accurate and drawn to scale, though the map does omit some roads, due to space constraints.

For 2019.10.4 Route Directions in route order in PDF form – with estimated travel time between locations.

Or feel free to strike out on your own art adventure!
For 2019.10.4 Artist’s Directions – from the nearest major intersection – in PDF form. 

The brochure is also available at Maps, Brochure and Directions and print or pick one up at your first stop!
And remember – fill up your gas tanks before you leave town. Have FUN! 🙂

The new brochures are now available! Feel free to pick one up at an Artist’s studio or one of our very many, greatly appreciated Sponsors, and Advertisers.

For those on our mailing list, your brochure will arrive directly to you shortly. You can also view, download and print from right here, on our website.

Feel free to share our new Poster, featuring the studio of Nate and Hallie Evans, and our updated Press release. Share the excitement and spread the word – so much fun!

*ALSO Mark your calendars for the
Preview show • September 5 through October 5!

The special “Preview – Artists of 22nd Northeast Iowa Tour” exhibit will be featured at Impact, 101 W. Water Street (the old JC Penney building), in downtown Decorah, organized by Art Haus, www.arthausdecorah.org, and sponsored by Cardboard Robot, www.card-bot.com.

The Preview opening is Thursday, September 5 from 7-9 at Impact. Join us for an exciting look at brand new work by the 22nd Annual Tour Artists!

The 22nd annual Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour (NIAST Inc.) applications to exhibit are now available to area artists. For an 2019 application PDF or more information go to www.iowaarttour.com click on the events/news tab or contact Darla Ellickson at darla@earloops.com or 563-382-2295. The 2019 Tour takes place October 11, 12 and 13. Studios are open 10 to 5 daily.

Media considered is limited to Fine Art and Fine Craft. Items include: Painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, clay/ceramics, wood, glass, metal, printmaking, mixed media, handmade paper, fiber, etc. as appropriate at Fine Art Fairs. All works must be original in concept and design and must have been executed by the applicant: works from molds or kits, commercial or manufactured items, and buy/sell are not permitted. Tour exhibitors qualify as “fine artists,” meaning, “They possess the skill to expand and adapt even a high-end craft with individual vision.” Artist’s applications for tour entry are juried, and participants are selected for their work’s technique, quality, and vision, and their studios must reside within 40 miles of Decorah, in Iowa. Postmark deadline for submitting an application is March 15, 2019.

The self-guided Tour is specially timed to enjoy the fall color and travels along winding gravel roads, for a behind-the-scenes view into the Artists’ personal workspace.

Participating in this event features inclusion of color photos of your artwork and contact information in top quality full-color posters and 20-30,000 brochures, complete with detailed map with GPS to studio locations. These brochures are distributed in many ways, including: being personally handed-out by the touring Artists throughout the country; through a bulk-mailing of more than 10,000 brochures to the pre-qualified mailing lists of the Artists; to special requests to area Tourism venues; and from the tour drawing cards requesting information.

In 2015 Winneshiek Country Tourism recognized the impact of the Art Tour by presenting its “Great Strides Tourism Award” to the NE IA Artists’ Studio Tour board.

Sponsors in 2018 included: The Major Studio Tour sponsor is KDEC Radio FM 100.5/AM 1240. Sponsors: Darla and Glen Ellickson of Ellickson Jewelry Studio & Gallery, New Albin Savings Bank, Dave and Brenda Carlson, Decorah Bank and Trust, Bank of the West of Decorah, Viking State Bank/Waukon State Bank, Inspire(d) Media, Ryan Burras/Edward Jones Investing, KCZQ Radio FM 102.3, and D.Art.Co. Friends of the Arts on the Tour include: Douglas Cole – Art Pottery, Nate and Hallie Evans of Allamakee Wood-fired Pottery, Paul Corbin – Pottery, and Citizens Savings Bank of Spillville, Fort Atkinson and Protivin. Businesses for the Arts: Pulpit Rock Brewing Co., A&J Petersburg Agency, and Waukon Greenhouse Flowers & Gifts. The Preview show at Art Haus sponsored by ri’ah Salon and Spa. In-kind Tour sponsors: Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce, Winneshiek County Convention and Visitors Bureau (WCCVB), Trevor Huinker Solutions, KVIK, and Julie Strom Photography, plus ad support from area hotels, cabins, B & B’s and restaurants. 25,000 brochures are distributed through area businesses, participating artists’ client mailing lists and at art shows on a national level.

If you are interested in supporting area Tourism and the Arts by becoming a sponsor or advertiser, or a “Friend or Business for the Arts”, contact Glen Ellickson at 563-419-6963. 2018 brochures will be available in May.

One of the most fun events of the year is almost here – the much anticipated 21st Annual NE IA Artist’s Studio Tour 2018 – happens in less than 3 weeks! Artist’s are busy creating, dusting, straightening and just all around getting ready to welcome all the “TOUR”ists into our studios!

NOW AVAILABLE! Updated 9.24.2018. The detailed directions are now updated and available as downloads here and on our Maps page.

The Artist order is designed to provide the least amount of congestion as you travel.

Print the following PDF’s to help find your way as GPS and cell phones do not work in many of our beautiful back-road locations. Verizon and US Cellular work best but in some areas there is no coverage.The map in the brochure is also accurate and drawn to scale, though the map does omit some roads, due to space constraints.

For 2018 Route Directions in route order in PDF form – with estimated travel time between locations.

Or feel free to strike out on your own art adventure!
For 2018 Artist’s Directions – from the nearest major intersection – in PDF form. 

The brochure is also available at Maps, Brochure and Directions and print or pick one up at your first stop!
And remember – fill up your gas tanks before you leave town. Have FUN! 🙂

The 21st annual Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour (NIAST Inc.) applications to exhibit are now available to area artists. For an application PDF or more information go to www.iowaarttour.com click on the events/news tab or contact Darla Ellickson at darla@earloops.com or 563-382-2295. The 2018 Tour takes place October 12, 13 and 14. Studios are open 10 to 5 daily.

Media considered is limited to Fine Art and Fine Craft. Items include: Painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, clay/ceramics, wood, glass, metal, printmaking, mixed media, handmade paper, fiber, etc. as appropriate at Fine Art Fairs. All works must be original in concept and design and must have been executed by the applicant: works from molds or kits, commercial or manufactured items, and buy/sell are not permitted. Tour exhibitors qualify as “fine artists,” meaning, “They possess the skill to expand and adapt even a high-end craft with individual vision.” Artist’s applications for tour entry are juried, and participants are selected for their work’s technique, quality, and vision and their studios must reside within 40 miles of Decorah, in Iowa. Postmark deadline for submitting an application is March 15, 2018.

The self-guided Tour is specially timed to enjoy the fall color and travels along winding gravel roads, for a behind-the-scenes view into the Artists’ personal workspace.

Participating in this event features inclusion of color photos of your artwork and contact information in top quality full-color posters and 20-30,000 brochures, complete with detailed map with GPS to studio locations. These brochures are distributed in many ways, including: being personally handed-out by the touring Artists throughout the country; through a bulk-mailing of more than 10,000 brochures to the pre-qualified mailing lists of the Artists; to special requests to area Tourism venues; and from the tour drawing cards requesting information.

In 2015 Winneshiek Country Tourism recognized the impact of the Art Tour by presenting its “Great Strides Tourism Award” to the NE IA Artists’ Studio Tour board.

This free-to-the–public event is self-supporting, funded by artist entry fees, sponsors, grants, donations, and advertising businesses. The 2017 special Preview exhibit at ArtHaus was sponsored by: Agora Arts in downtown Decorah – Gail Bolson. Grant support was provided by the Decorah Hotel/Motel Marketing Committee. The Major Studio Tour sponsor is KDEC Radio FM 100.5/AM 1240. More Tour Sponsors are: Darla and Glen Ellickson of Ellickson Jewelry Studio & Gallery, Dave and Brenda Carlson, New Albin Savings Bank, Decorah Bank and Trust, Bank of the West of Decorah, Viking State Bank and Waukon State Bank, Inspire(d) Media, KCZQ Radio and D.Art.Co. Friends of the Arts on the Tour include: Douglas Cole – Art Pottery, Nate and Hallie Evans of Allamakee Wood-fired Pottery, Paul Corbin – Pottery, Citizens Savings Bank: Spillville, Fort Atkinson and Protivin, and Jenni and Eric Peterson-Brant – Pottery. Retail/Businesses for the Art included: Kerndt Brothers Savings Bank and Main St. Mini Mart – Spillville. In-kind Tour sponsors: Winneshiek County Convention and Visitors Bureau (WCCVB), Trevor Huinker Solutions, KVIK Radio, and Julie Strom Photography, plus ad support from area hotels, cabins, B & B’s and restaurants. Brochures are distributed through area businesses, participating artists’ client mailing lists and at art shows on a national level.

If you are interested in supporting area Tourism and the Arts by becoming a sponsor or advertiser, or a “Friend of the Arts”, contact Glen Ellickson at 563-419-6963. 2018 brochures will be available in May.

One of the most fun events of the year is almost here – the much anticipated 20th Annual NE IA Artist’s Studio Tour 2017 – happens in less than 2 weeks! Artist’s are busy creating, dusting, straightening and just all around getting ready to welcome all the “TOUR”ists into our studios!

NOW AVAILABLE! Updated 10.3.2017. The detailed directions are now updated and available as downloads here and on our Maps page.

The Artist order is designed to provide the least amount of congestion as you travel.

Print the following PDF’s to help find your way as GPS and cell phones do not work in many of our beautiful back-road locations. Verizon and US Cellular work best but in some areas there is no coverage.The map in the brochure is also accurate and drawn to scale, though the map does omit some roads, due to space constraints.

For 2017 Route Directions in route order in PDF form – with estimated travel time between locations.

Or feel free to strike out on your own art adventure!
For 2017 Artist’s Directions – from the nearest major intersection – in PDF form. 

The brochure is also available at Maps, Brochure and Directions and print or pick one up at your first stop!
And remember – fill up your gas tanks before you leave town. Have FUN! :-)

In honor of the 20th Annual Northeast Artists’ Studio Tour, we’ve Interviewed our super talented artists to share how they got where they are and why they make the work that they do. Check out this ongoing series and get to know what exciting adventures await you on the Tour!

More about the Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour:

The Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour is a unique opportunity to explore artists studios for an intimate look into their creative process and a chance to purchase their newest works right out of the kiln, hot off the presses, paint freshly cured…you get the point! This year, you can experience 51 artists at 38 locations while also taking in the charm of Northeast Iowa’s small communities, local fare, and the breathtaking scenery of the Driftless. Each artist is different, but they all share a passion for imagination and each one welcomes their guests with gusto. Visit the Tour’s website to download a brochure, map, or GPS coordinates for each location.

The new brochures are here and they look amazing!

The 20th Annual Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour features 51 Artists at 38 locations, all within 40 miles of Decorah, in Iowa!

We now have 2 locations for picking up the current Tour brochure.

Feel free to stop by the Winneshiek County Convention and Visitor Bureau at 507 West Water Street, Decorah, IA and pick up your copy today! For hours call 563-382-2023 or 1-800-463-4692

Or at ArtHaus at 508 W. Water Street, Decorah, IA. For hours call 563.382.5440 or check out their website. Or Send email

Also available at our many Lodging and Dining supporters.

Or download and print at your convenience!

The 20th annual Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour (NIAST Inc.) applications to exhibit are now available to area artists. For an application PDF or more information go to www.iowaarttour.com click on the events/news tab or contact Darla or Glen Ellickson at darla@earloops.com or 563-382-2295. The 2017 Tour takes place October 13, 14 and 15. Studios are open 10 to 5 daily. Media considered is limited to Fine Art and Fine Craft. Items include: Painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, clay/ceramics, wood, glass, metal, printmaking, mixed media, handmade paper, fiber, etc. as appropriate at Fine Art Fairs. All works must be original in concept and design and must have been executed by the applicant: works from molds or kits, commercial or manufactured items, and buy/sell are not permitted. Tour exhibitors qualify as “fine artists,” meaning, “They possess the skill to expand and adapt even a high-end craft with individual vision.” Artist’s applications for tour entry are juried, and participants are selected for their work’s technique, quality, and vision and studios must reside within 40 miles of Decorah, in Iowa. Postmark deadline for submitting an application is March 15, 2017.

The self-guided Tour is specially timed to enjoy the fall color and travels along winding gravel roads, for a behind-the-scenes view into the Artists’ personal workspace.

New in 2016 and in the planning stages again for 2017 – preview a sampling of one of Iowa’s favorite studio Tours! A Special Show of the newest works created by this Fall’s Tour Artists, exhibit at ArtHaus in downtown Decorah. This is a unique opportunity to preview the work in-person to help plan your studio hopping route for the 20th annual Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour.

Many attendees traveled to the Tour from as far as Chicago in one direction to Omaha the other. The 2016 Tour featured 52 artists at 40 locations. Estimated 2000-2500 visitors annually from as many as 15 states and 2 countries have been reported as attending from past Tours. According to the Travel Association of America, Cultural travelers spend more per trip than the average U.S. traveler. The Studio Tour brings economic benefit to the entire northeast Iowa area.

Participating in this event features inclusion of color photos of your artwork and contact information in top quality full-color posters and 20-30,000 brochures, complete with detailed map with GPS to studio locations. These brochures are distributed in many ways, including: being personally handed-out by the touring Artists throughout the country; through a bulk-mailing of nearly 10,000 brochures to the pre-qualified mailing lists of the Artists; to special requests to area Tourism venues; and from the tour drawing cards requesting information.

In 2015 Winneshiek Country Tourism recognized the impact of the Art Tour by presenting its “Great Strides Tourism Award” to the NE IA Artists’ Studio Tour board.

Past NIAST press has included: 2000 September Minnesota Monthly, national exposure in 2000 November American Artist, 2001 Luther Alumni Magazine and 2002/03 Home and Away magazine. 2003 Tour news was included in: The Iowan, Tapestry, several area newspapers, the Des Moines Register, and the Boston Herald. Winneshiek County Tourism Convention and Visitors Bureau (WCCVB) recognized the Studio Tour for “Leadership in Promoting Regional Tourism” in January of 2005. 2007-2016 featured extensive radio advertising on KDEC radio and IA Public Radio.

This free-to-the–public event is self-supporting, funded by artist entry fees, sponsors, grants, donations, and advertising businesses. The Major sponsor is KDEC Radio FM 100.5/AM 1240. More Sponsors are: Darla and Glen Ellickson of Ellickson Jewelry Studio & Gallery, New Albin Savings Bank, Kerndt Brothers Savings Bank, Dave and Brenda Carlson, D.Art.Co (formerly known as the Decorah Regional Arts Council), Decorah Bank and Trust, Bank of the West of Decorah, and Waukon/Viking State Bank. Friends of the Arts include: Douglas Cole Art Pottery, Nate and Hallie Evans of Allamakee Wood-fired Pottery, and Paul Corbin – Clay. In-kind sponsors: Winneshiek County Convention and Visitors Bureau (WCCVB), Trevor Huinker Solutions, KCZQ FM 102.3 SuperC Radio, and Julie Strom Photography, plus ad support from area hotels, cabins, B & B’s and restaurants.

If you are interested in supporting area Tourism and the Arts by becoming a sponsor or advertiser, or a “Friend of the Arts”, contact Glen Ellickson at 563-419-6963.

2017 brochures will be available in May. To obtain a brochure with the Tour map or for other area Tourism information, call Winneshiek County Convention and Visitors Bureau at: 563-382-2023 or 1-800-463-4692 or email: tour@iowaarttour.com. For more complete information about the artists and ongoing events, view the official Tour web-site: www.iowaarttour.com.

One of the most fun events of the year is almost here – the much anticipated 19th Annual NE IA Artist’s Studio Tour 2016 happens in less than 2 weeks! Artist’s are busy creating, dusting, straightening and just all around getting ready to welcome all the “TOUR”ists into our studios!

NOW AVAILABLE! Updated 9.26.2016. The detailed directions are now updated and available as downloads here and on our Maps page.

The Artist order is designed to provide the least amount of congestion as you travel.

Print the following PDF’s out to help find your way as GPS does not work in many of our beautiful back-road locations. The map in the brochure is also accurate and drawn to scale, though the map does omit some roads, due to space constraints.
For 2016 Route Directions in route order in PDF form – with estimated travel time between locations.

Or feel free to strike out on your own art adventure!
For 2016 Artist’s Directions – from the nearest major intersection – in PDF form. 

The brochure is also available to download and print or pick one up at your first stop!
And remember – fill up your gas tanks before you leave town. Have FUN! :-)

The new 2016 Tour poster is now available!  The stunning artwork on the poster is light-painted photography by Jordan Kjome location #3 on this years Tour!

Download the 3.7mb file to print the 2016 NIAST Poster

Please feel free to print and post and scatter them about the world and let everyone know just how very cool the northeast Iowa cultural vibe is!

The 19th annual Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour (NIAST Inc.) applications to exhibit are now available to area artists. For an application PDF click here 2016 application, or contact Darla or Glen Ellickson at darla@earloops.com or 563-382-2295.

The 2016 Tour takes place October 7, 8 and 9. Studios are open 10 to 5 daily. Media considered is limited to Fine Art and Fine Craft. Items include: Painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, clay/ceramics, wood, glass, metal, printmaking, mixed media, handmade paper, fiber, etc. as appropriate at Fine Art Fairs. All works must be original in concept and design and must have been executed by the applicant: works from molds or kits, commercial or manufactured items, and buy/sell are not permitted. Tour exhibitors qualify as “fine artists,” meaning, “They possess the skill to expand and adapt even a high-end craft with individual vision.” Artist’s applications for tour entry are juried, and participants are selected for their work’s technique, quality, and vision and studios must reside within 40 miles of Decorah, in Iowa. Postmark deadline for submitting anapplication is March 1, 2016.

The self-guided Tour is specially timed to enjoy the fall color and travels along winding gravel roads, for a behind-the-scenes view into the Artists’ personal workspace.

Many attendees traveled from as far as Chicago in one direction to Omaha the other. The 2015 Tour featured 55 artists at 42 locations. Estimated 2000-2500 visitors annually from as many as 15 states and 2 countries have been reported as attending from past Tours. According to the Travel Association of America, Cultural travelers spend more per trip than the average U.S. traveler. The Studio Tour brings economic benefit to the entire northeast Iowa area.

Participating in this event features inclusion of color photos of your artwork and contact information in top quality full-color posters and 20-30,000 brochures, complete with detailed map with GPS to studio locations. These brochures are distributed in many ways, including: being personally handed-out by the touring Artists throughout the country; through a bulk-mailing of over 9000 brochures to the pre-qualified mailing lists of the Artists; to special requests to area Tourism venues; and from the tour drawing cards requesting information.

In 2015 Winneshiek Country Tourism recognized the impact of the Art Tour by presenting its “Great Strides Tourism Award” to the NE IA Artists’ Studio Tour board.

Past NIAST press has included: 2000 September Minnesota Monthly, national exposure in 2000 November American Artist, 2001 Luther Alumni Magazine and 2002/03 Home and Away magazine. 2003 Tour news was included in: The Iowan, Tapestry, several area newspapers, the Des Moines Register, and the Boston Herald. Winneshiek County Tourism Convention and Visitors Bureau (WCCVB) recognized the Studio Tour for “Leadership in Promoting Regional Tourism” in January of 2005. 2007-2015 featured extensive radio advertising on KDEC radio and IA Public Radio.

This free-to-the–public event is self-supporting, funded by artist entry fees, sponsors, grants, donations, and advertising businesses. The Major sponsor is KDEC Radio FM 100.5/AM 1240. More Sponsors are: Darla and Glen Ellickson of Ellickson Jewelry Studio & Gallery, Kerndt Brothers Savings Bank, New Albin Savings Bank, Dave and Brenda Carlson,  Mike and Rose Schutte, D.Art.Co (formerly known as the Decorah Regional Arts Council), Decorah Bank and Trust, Bank of the West of Decorah, T-Bock’s Sports Bar, and Waukon/Viking State Bank. Friends of the Arts include: Douglas Cole Art Pottery, and Nate and Hallie Evans of Allamakee Wood-fired Pottery. In-kind sponsors: Winneshiek County Convention and Visitors Bureau (WCCVB), Trevor Huinker Solutions, KCZQ FM 102.3 SuperC Radio, and Julie Strom Photography, plus ad support from area hotels, cabins, B & B’s and restaurants.

If you are interested in supporting area Tourism and the Arts by becoming a sponsor or advertiser, or a “friend of the Arts”, contact Glen Ellickson  563-419-6963.

2016 brochures will be available in May. To obtain a brochure with the Tour map or for other area Tourism information, call Winneshiek County Convention and Visitors Bureau at: 563-382-2023 or 1-800-463-4692 or email: tour@iowaarttour.com. For more complete information about the artists and ongoing events, view the official Tour web-site: www.iowaarttour.com.

The NE Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour began in 1998 with 15 locations and has grown to feature 50 artists at 36 locations, with an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 visitors annually.

On Monday the Winneshiek County Convention and Visitors Bureau recognized the impact of the Art Tour by presenting its Tourism Great Strides Award to the NIAST board.

The 2015 Tour will take place October 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Studios will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. daily.

Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour Photo – Charlene Selbee, WCCVB director, presents the award to tour board members Peggy and Steve Kittelson, Paula Brown and Darla (Huinker) ’81 and Glen Ellickson.

http://www.decorahnews.com/archived-stories/2015/01/9978.html

One of the most fun events of the year is almost here – the much anticipated NE IA Artist’s Studio Tour 2015 happens in just a few more weeks! Artist’s are busy creating, dusting, straightening and just all around getting ready to welcome all the “TOUR”ists into our studios!

NOW AVAILABLE! Updated 9.17.2015. The detailed directions are now updated and available as downloads.

DETAILED 2015 ROUTE DIRECTIONS from location to location in numbered order – to reduce congestion. NEW THIS YEAR – estimated time between locations!
in Word  format 2015 ROUTE DIRECTIONS – from One location to next in order
as a PDF 2015 ROUTE DIRECTIONS – from One location to next in order

OR FEEL FREE TO WANDER AT YOUR WILL! Please remember in these luscious river valleys GPS does not always work so it is a good idea to have hard copy just in case – so feel free to print these out.

These are the DIRECTIONS  from known locations or major intersection in 2015 – most provided by the Artists in Word format 2015 ARTISTS DIRECTIONS – FROM NEAR MAJOR INTERSECTION
as a PDF 2015 ARTISTS DIRECTIONS – FROM NEAR MAJOR INTERSECTION

The brochure is also available to download and print or pick one up at your first stop!

And remember – fill up your gas tanks before you leave town. Have FUN! :-)

The new brochures are here and they look amazing!

The 18th Annual Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour features 55 Artists at 42 locations, the most Artists ever!

Feel free to stop by the Winneshiek County Convention and Visitor Bureau at 507 West Water Street and pick up your copy today! For hours call 563-382-2023 or 1-800-463-4692

Also available at our many Lodging and Dining supporters.

Or download and print at your convenience!

The new 2015 Tour poster is now available!  The stunning artwork on the poster is light-painted photography by Jordan Kjome location #5 on this years Tour!

Download the 6mb file to print the 2015 Niast poster

Please feel free to print and post and scatter them about the world and let everyone know just how very cool the northeast Iowa cultural vibe is!

Post compliments of Darla Ellickson

Carl Homstad: A Life of Printmaking features the artistic prints of Carl Homstad, an Iowa artist, living and working in Decorah.

“Carl Homstad is an Iowa artist, living and working in Decorah.  He graduated from Luther College in 1973 with a BA in Art.  He is a painter, muralist, and printmaker.  While this exhibition focuses on his printmaking, his paintings and murals also capture the character and landscape of Iowa.”

This exhibit will be open in the Kinney Lindstrom Gallery at MacNider Art Museum from December 12, 2014 – February 28, 2015.

Carl_Homstad exhibit

The 18th annual Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour (NIAST Inc.) applications to exhibit are now available to area artists. Download the 2 forms – application PDF information for you to retain and application form to send . The application is in 2 PDF downloads: one form includes the guideline information and the other the form to fill out and send with your images and fees. Available at www.iowaarttour.com click on the events/news tab or contact Darla or Glen Ellickson, email darla or 563-382-2295.

The 2015 Tour takes place October 2^nd, 3^rd and 4th. Studios are open 10 to 5 daily. Media considered is limited to Fine Art and Fine Craft. Items include: Painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, clay/ceramics, wood, glass, metal, printmaking, mixed media, handmade paper, fiber, etc. as appropriate at Fine Art Fairs. All works must be original in concept and design and must have been executed by the applicant: works from molds or kits, commercial or manufactured items, and buy/sell are not permitted. Tour exhibitors qualify as “fine artists,” meaning, “They possess the skill to expand and adapt even a high-end craft with individual vision.” Artist’s applications for tour entry are juried, and participants are selected for their work’s technique, quality, and vision and studios must reside within 40 miles of Decorah, in Iowa. Postmark deadline for submitting an application is February 28, 2015.

The self-guided Tour is specially timed to enjoy the fall color and travels along winding gravel roads, for a behind-the-scenes view into the Artists’ personal workspace.

Many attendees traveled from as far as Chicago in one direction to Omaha the other. The 2014 Tour featured 50 artists at 36 locations. Estimated 2000-2500 visitors annually from as many as 15 states and 2 countries have been reported as attending from past Tours. According to the Travel Association of America, Cultural travelers spend more per trip than the average U.S. traveler. The Studio Tour brings economic benefit to the entire northeast Iowa area.

Participating in this event features inclusion of color photos of your artwork and contact information in top quality full-color posters and 20-30,000 brochures, complete with detailed map with GPS to studio locations. These brochures are distributed in many ways, including: being personally handed-out by the touring Artists throughout the country; through a bulk-mailing of over 9000 brochures to the pre-qualified mailing lists of the Artists; to special requests to area Tourism venues; and from the tour drawing cards requesting information.

Past NIAST press has included: 2000 September Minnesota Monthly, national exposure in 2000 November American Artist, 2001 Luther Alumni Magazine and 2002/03 Home and Away magazine. 2003 Tour news was included in: The Iowan, Tapestry, several area newspapers, the Des Moines Register, and the Boston Herald. Winneshiek County Tourism Convention and Visitors Bureau (WCCVB) recognized the Studio Tour for “Leadership in Promoting Regional Tourism” in January of 2005. 2007-2014 featured extensive radio advertising on KDEC radio and IA Public Radio.

This free-to-the–public event is self-supporting, funded by artist entry fees, sponsors, grants, donations, and advertising businesses. The Major sponsor is KDEC Radio FM 100.5/AM 1240. More Sponsors are: Darla and Glen Ellickson of Ellickson Jewelry Studio & Gallery, Dave and Brenda Carlson, Nate and Hallie Evans of Allamakee Wood-fired Pottery, KCZQ FM 102.3 SuperC Radio, D.Art.Co (formerly known as the Decorah Regional Arts Council), Decorah Bank and Trust, Bank of the West of Decorah, Kerndt Brothers Savings Bank, T-Bock’s Sports Bar, and New Albin Savings Bank. Friends of the Arts include: Douglas Cole Art Pottery , Mary Ann Gloe and – Paintings, and Viking State Bank. In-kind sponsors: Winneshiek County Convention and Visitors Bureau (WCCVB), Trevor Huinker Solutions, and Julie Strom Photography, plus ad support from area hotels, cabins, B & B’s and restaurants.

If you are interested in supporting area Tourism and the Arts by becoming a sponsor or advertiser, or a “friend of the Arts”, contact Glen Ellickson  563-382-2295.

2015 brochures will be available in May. To obtain a brochure with the Tour map or for other area Tourism information, call Winneshiek County Convention and Visitors Bureau at: 563-382-2023 or 1-800-463-4692 or email: tour@iowaarttour.com. For more complete information about the artists and ongoing events, view the official Tour web-site: www.iowaarttour.com.

“Don’t forget, to buy fresh, local art–it’s a flavor you will want to savor! Check out the website at www.iowaarttour.com to see more information on the artists and a map to get you there!” blogs Photography Artist Joyce Meyers, returning to exhibit at the 2014 Tour.

Read more at: http://blog.traveliowa.com/view-post/Travel-the-Backroads-this-fall-on-the-17th-Annual-NE-Iowa-Artist-Studio-Tour

One of the most fun events of the year is almost here – the much anticipated NE IA Artist’s Studio Tour 2014 happens in just a few more weeks! Artist’s are busy creating, dusting, straightening and just all around getting ready to welcome all the “TOUR”ists into our studios!

NOW AVAILABLE! Updated 9.12.2014. The detailed directions are now updated and available as downloads.

DETAILED 2014 ROUTE DIRECTIONS from location to location in numbered order – to reduce congestion.
in Word  format 2014 ROUTE DIRECTIONS – from One location to the next in order Northeast Iowa ArtiSTs’
as a PDF 2014 ROUTE DIRECTIONS – from One location to the next in order Northeast Iowa ArtiSTs’

OR FEEL FREE TO WANDER AT YOUR WILL! Please remember in these luscious river valleys GPS does not always work so it is a good idea to have hard copy just in case – so feel free to print these out.

These are the DIRECTIONS  from known locations or major intersection in 2014 – most provided by the Artists in Word format 2014_ARTISTS DIRECTIONS – FROM NEAR MAJOR INTERSECTION
as a PDF 2014_ARTISTS DIRECTIONS – FROM NEAR MAJOR INTERSECTION

The brochure is also available to download and print or pick one up at your first stop!

And remember – fill up your gas tanks before you leave town. Have FUN! :-)

The new 2014 Tour poster is now available to print and distribute!  2014.6 niast poster.dn The very cool artwork on the poster is by Jordan Kjome location #4 – new to this years Tour!

Please feel free to print and scatter them about the world and let everyone know just how very cool the northeast Iowa cultural vibe is!

Post compliments of Darla Ellickson

The 17th annual Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour (NIAST Inc.) applications to exhibit are now available to area artists. For an application PDF or more information go to www.iowaarttour.com click on the events/news tab or contact Darla or Glen Ellickson at darla@earloops.com or 563-382-2295. The 2014 Tour takes place October 3rd, 4th and 5th. Studios are open 10 to 5 daily. Media considered is limited to Fine Art and Fine Craft. Items include: Painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, clay/ceramics, wood, glass, metal, printmaking, mixed media, handmade paper, fiber, etc. as appropriate at Fine Art Fairs. All works must be original in concept and design and must have been executed by the applicant: works from molds or kits, commercial or manufactured items, and buy/sell are not permitted. Tour exhibitors qualify as “fine artists,” meaning, “They possess the skill to expand and adapt even a high-end craft with individual vision.” Artist’s applications for tour entry are juried, and participants are selected for their work’s technique, quality, and vision and studios must reside within 40 miles of Decorah, in Iowa. Postmark deadline for submitting an application is February 28, 2014.

The self-guided Tour is specially timed to enjoy the fall color and travels along winding gravel roads, for a behind-the-scenes view into the Artists’ personal workspace.

Many attendees traveled from as far as Chicago in one direction to Omaha the other. The 2013 Tour featured 51 artists at 39 locations. Estimated 2000-2500 visitors annually from as many as 15 states and 2 countries have been reported as attending from past Tours. According to the Travel Association of America, Cultural travelers spend more per trip than the average U.S. traveler. The Studio Tour brings economic benefit to the entire northeast Iowa area.

Participating in this event features inclusion of color photos of your artwork and contact information in top quality full-color posters and 20-30,000 brochures, complete with detailed map with GPS to studio locations. These brochures are distributed in many ways, including: being personally handed-out by the touring Artists throughout the country; through a bulk-mailing of nearly 9000 brochures to the pre-qualified mailing lists of the Artists; to special requests to area Tourism venues; and from the tour drawing cards requesting information.

Past NIAST press has included: 2000 September Minnesota Monthly, national exposure in 2000 November American Artist, 2001 Luther Alumni Magazine and 2002/03 Home and Away magazine. 2003 Tour news was included in: The Iowan, Tapestry, several area newspapers, the Des Moines Register, and the Boston Herald. Winneshiek County Tourism Convention and Visitors Bureau (WCCVB) recognized the Studio Tour for “Leadership in Promoting Regional Tourism” in January of 2005. 2007-2013 featured extensive radio advertising on KDEC radio and IA Public Radio.

This free-to-the–public event is self-supporting, funded by artist entry fees, sponsors, grants, donations, and advertising businesses. The Major sponsor is KDEC Radio FM 100.5/AM 1240. More Sponsors are: Darla and Glen Ellickson of Ellickson Jewelry Studio & Gallery, Dave and Brenda Carlson, In Memory of Tour Artist Vel Luse – Marvaluse Creations, The McGregor-Marquette Center for the Arts, KCZQ FM 102.3 SuperC Radio, D.Art.Co (formerly known as the Decorah Regional Arts Council), Decorah Bank and Trust, Bank of the West of Decorah, Kerndt Brothers Savings Bank, and New Albin Savings Bank. Friends of the Arts include: Douglas Cole Art Pottery , Mary Ann Gloe – Paintings, and Viking State Bank. In-kind sponsors: Winneshiek County Convention and Visitors Bureau (WCCVB), Trevor Huinker Solutions, and Julie Strom Photography, plus ad support from area hotels, cabins, B & B’s and restaurants.

If you are interested in supporting area Tourism and the Arts by becoming a sponsor or advertiser, or a “friend of the Arts”, contact Glen Ellickson  563-382-2295.

2014 brochures will be available in May. To obtain a brochure with the Tour map or for other area Tourism information, call Winneshiek County Convention and Visitors Bureau at: 563-382-2023 or 1-800-463-4692 or email: tour@iowaarttour.com. For more complete information about the artists and ongoing events, view the official Tour web-site: www.iowaarttour.com.

“Artist Darla Ellickson has practiced in the jewelry industry, fabricating contemporary jewelry out of sterling silver and 14kt yellow gold sheet and wire in her Decorah area studio.” Read more about Darla’s workspace, insights, motivations and networking in the  www.dartco.org Artist spotlight. http://dartco.org/artist-spotlights/

Driftless Art Collective  (D.Art.Co) proudly supports the Northeast Iowa Studio Tour. Tour opens this Friday, October 11 and runs through Sunday, October 13th. Studios are open 10am – 5pm daily. IOWAARTTOUR.COM

The winding gravel roads on the Studio Tour – though beautiful can also be challenging to navigate – and yes GPS can be a little “off” in these hills! We have also received many requests for the brochure to be available in a more standard letter size format to print. Here are both to ease your travels. Simply print and tape together if you haven’t yet found an original copy of the brochure – and pick up the original at your nearest Artist location.

Updated 10.7.2013 – Now available  – the Tour brochure in standard letter-size, multiple sheet PDF format (each inside brochure page is approx. 5MB)
Inside brochure Artist information: NIAST page 1 A/ NIAST page 1 B/ NIAST page 1 C/ NIAST page 1 D
The brochure map – to be tiled: NIAST page 2 A / NIAST page 2 B

DETAILED ROUTE DIRECTIONS from location to location in numbered order
in Word  format 10.7.2013_Directions_route/
as a PDF 10.7.2013_Directions_route

DIRECTIONS from known locations or major intersection – most provided by the Artists in Word format 10.7.2013_Artist directions
as a PDF 10.7.2013_Artist directions

The conference will be held October 11 & 12 at the Oaks Steak House in Decorah.  The main program is Friday October 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  From 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 we tour downtown Decorah and eat at Mabes at 5:30 p.m.  At 7:15 p.m. there is a Native American Exhibit at the Amdal-Odland building across from Vesterheim.  Saturday we tour some schools, eat in Spillville and end up at the Norman Borlaug home.

A highlight of our conference is a silent auction of a painting by Doug Eckheartof the Highlandville School.   It will be on display at Doug’s gallery from September 12 until October 10, 2013.  The winner will be announced Friday aternoon October 11 at the Oaks Steak House.  Doug’s gallery is located at 107 W Water St., Decorah.  Put bid with name, address, phone in envelope at Doug’s gallery.

Submitted by Paul Hexom

The new 2013 Tour poster is now available to print and distribute! 2013 niast poster.dn1 Please feel free to print and scatter them about the world and let everyone know just how very cool the northeast Iowa cultural vibe is!

While recently exhibiting my jewelry  at an ART fair I had someone tell me they view Decorah as a cultural secondary vortex.

Definition – vor·tex  (vôrtks) A place or situation regarded as drawing into its center all that surrounds it.

So go Decorah and Northeast Iowa – SPIN AWAY!

Post compliments of Darla Ellickson

The new brochures are here and they look awesome!

The 16th Annual Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour features 51 Artists at 39 locations. Feel free to stop by the Decorah Chamber/ Winneshiek County Convention and Visitor Bureau at 507 West Water Street and pick up your copy today! For hours call 563-382-2023 or 1-800463-4692

Also available at our many Lodging and Dining supporters.

The 16th annual Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour (NIAST Inc.) applications to exhibit are now available to area artists. Print an application or more information, email Darla or Glen Ellickson or call 563-382-2295. The 2013 Tour takes place October 11, 12 & 13. Studios are open 10 to 5 daily.

Media considered is limited to Fine Art and Fine Craft. Items include: Painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, clay/ceramics, wood, glass, metal, printmaking, mixed media, handmade paper, fiber, etc. as appropriate at Fine Art Fairs. All works must be original in concept and design and must have been executed by the applicant: works from molds or kits, commercial or manufactured items, and buy/sell are not permitted. Tour exhibitors qualify as “fine artists,” meaning, “They possess the skill to expand and adapt even a high-end craft with individual vision.” Artist’s applications for tour entry are juried, and participants are selected for their work’s technique, quality, and vision and studios must reside within 40 miles of Decorah, in Iowa. Postmark deadline for submitting an application is February 28, 2013.

The self-guided Tour is specially timed to enjoy the fall color and travels along winding gravel roads, for a behind-the-scenes view into the Artists’ personal workspace.

Many attendees traveled from as far as Chicago in one direction to Omaha the other. The 2012 Tour featured 53 artists at 43 locations. Estimated 2000 visitors annually from as many as 15 states and 2 countries have been reported as attending from past Tours. According to the Travel Association of America, Cultural travelers spend more per trip than the average U.S. traveler. The Studio Tour brings economic benefit to the entire northeast Iowa area.

Participating in this event features inclusion of color photos of your artwork and contact information in top quality full-color posters and 20-30,000 brochures, complete with detailed map with GPS to studio locations. These brochures are distributed in many ways, including: being personally handed-out by the touring Artists throughout the country; through a bulk-mailing of nearly 9000 brochures to the pre-qualified mailing lists of the Artists; to special requests to area Tourism venues; and from the tour drawing cards requesting information.

Past NIAST press has included: 2000 September Minnesota Monthly, national exposure in 2000 November American Artist, 2001 Luther Alumni Magazine and 2002/03 Home and Away magazine. 2003 Tour news was included in: The Iowan, Tapestry, several area newspapers, the Des Moines Register, and the Boston Herald. Winneshiek County Tourism Convention and Visitors Bureau (WCCVB) recognized the Studio Tour for “Leadership in Promoting Regional Tourism” in January of 2005. 2007-2012 featured extensive radio advertising on KDEC radio and IA Public Radio.

The event is free-to-the-public and self-supporting, funded by artist entry fees, donations, and sponsors. 2012 sponsorship included Major Sponsor: KDEC FM/AM radio. Sponsors included: Darla & Glen Ellickson – Jewelry, Dave & Brenda Carlson, Trevor Huinker Solutions, D.Art.Co (DRAC), Decorah Bank and Trust Company, Bank of the West of Decorah, Viking State Bank and Trust, Waukon State Bank, Kerndt Brothers Savings Bank, New Albin Savings Bank and KZCQ FM 102.5 SuperC Radio. Friends of the Arts were Mary Ann Gloe – Paintings, Douglas Cole Pottery, In-kind sponsors were: Winneshiek County Convention and Visitors Bureau (WCCVB), Julie Strom Photography (brochure design and photography), and Iroc Web Design Services, plus ad support from area hotels and restaurants.

If you are interested in supporting area Tourism and the Arts by becoming a sponsor or advertiser, or a “friend of the Arts”, contact Glen Ellickson 563-382-2295.

2013 brochures will be available around May. To obtain a brochure with the Tour map or for other area Tourism information, call Winneshiek County Convention and Visitors Bureau at: 563-382-2023 or 1-800-463-4692 or email. For more complete information about the artists and ongoing events, view the official Tour web-site: www.iowaarttour.com.

Updated current directions as of 10-10-2012.

The complete Tour map with Artists’ GPS is available in the Tour brochure.
View/Download the 2012 Tour Brochure: NIAST 2012 FINAL.sm.pdf // NIAST 2012 Brochure_lg.pdf

For just the brochure map PDF niast_map_11x17.pdf

DETAILED ROUTE DIRECTIONS from location to location in numbered order.
Directions_route10.2012.dn.pdf

DIRECTIONS from known locations or major intersection – provided by the Artists.
Artist directions 2012.dn.pdf

Artist’s GPS available as text  5.9.2012 GPS.pdf

Now available online – listen to the interview showcasing the Tour http://iowapublicradio.org/classical/iowa-arts-showcase/

“Iowa Public Radio’s October edition of the Iowa Arts Showcase travels to Decorah with Darla and Glen Ellickson to enjoy details on the 15th Annual Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour being held on October 12 through the 14th in Northeast Iowa.”

It’s almost here! Plan to attend and share in the tools, techniques and inspiration involved in creating fabulous art in NE Iowa!

Please tune in on Oct. 6, 2012 for a special Iowa Arts Showcase broadcast.

Iowa Public Radio is pleased to present a broadcast of the Iowa Arts Showcase with Jacqueline Halbloom at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012. This state wide broadcast can be heard on the Iowa Public Radio Classical frequencies:

91.7 Iowa City, 89.5 Cedar Falls, Waterloo, 105.9 Patterson, Des Moines, 96.3 Pleasantville, 90.7 Mason City, 91.1 Ottumwa, HD 2 Ames, Des Moines,101.7 Dubuque, Des Moines, 88.9 Mitchellville

Or online through the streaming media player found at www.iowapublicradio.org.

For One hour each month Jacqueline highlights the efforts and activities of nonprofit
arts and culture organizations throughout Iowa. Focusing on performing arts
organizations, festivals, visual arts organizations, and other cultural centers, Iowa
Arts Showcase will shine a light on the contributions of arts organizations to Iowa
communities.

In this broadcast, we’ll explore several upcoming Iowa events, learn more about the
Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Gala and Festival for the Iowa Composers’ Forum occurring on
October 5th and 6th at the Paramount Opus Café in Cedar Rapids, discover the inside
scoop on the 15th Annual Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour happening on October
12th through the 14th, find out more about the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts
Center’s exciting 2012-13 season, and take a glimpse at the National Czech and Slovak
Museum and Library exhibits.

For more information contact Jacqueline Halbloom at:
email or 800-772-2440 Ext. 36485

Darla Ellickson silver and gold jewelry was awarded “Best Three-Dimensional Art” at the AAUW Art Fair on the Green in LaCrosse, WI, July 28-29. The following Saturday at the 51st Cresco Area Fine Arts Show, her jewelry was chosen for a “First Place Award”. Check out her award-winning jewelry at the upcoming shows in Cedar Falls and Ames, IA, Naperville, IL, PLUS, of course, at her working studio at The Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour!

Linda Ravenwind wins twice at the same show at the Great River Folk Fest in LaCrosse. In addition to being awarded “Best of Show” her work was also chosen as “Crafter’s Choice” by her fellow exhibiting Artists. Check out her award-winning art at her working studio at The Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour! Way to go Linda!

Many Tour Artists travel and exhibit their creations throughout the United States. As the shows our Artists exhibit at are too numerous to list individually – for more information about where to see their most recent work visit their websites.  Just a small sampling of some locations include: June 2-3/Darla & Glen Ellickson will be at the Countryside Art Fair in Omaha Nebraska, and Nate and Hallie Evans at 57th St Art Fair in Chicago, IL. Both Elisabeth Maurland, and Darla will be in DesMoines June 23-24. That same weekend Nate & Hallie will be exhibiting in Spring Green, WI. Many schedules change as the summer rolls along so keep checking back!

The new brochures are here! If you are in the area pick up your new brochure at participating Artists, lodging and dining businesses or The Decorah Visitor’s Center in downtown Decorah at 507 West Water Street. Out-of-towners get a download or have one mailed to you. IF you have a public location and would like to help publicize this great event, NEW colorful posters with lots of great Artist images are also available. Contact WCCVB at: 563-382-2023 or 1-800-462-4692, Email  or www.decoraharea.com

Many thanks to Trevor Huinker, absolutely awesome nephew of Darla Ellickson, Tour Director, for design and instruction for the NEW 2012 Tour website. Through collaborations over several weeks the Tour now has a new cleaner searchable connected Tour website!

Winning blue ribbons in April are Tour Artists Mary Ann Gloe for a watercolor collage of “Cut-work Frogs” and Jim Updegraff, for an oil painting “Landscape”.  Region 3 is comprised of the eight counties of Northeast Iowa. Their artwork will move unto the state competition held May 5 at NICC.

George Lowe, Tour Potter, organized the “Empty Bowls” event held in the beautiful Center for the Arts at Luther College on April 1, 2012. 130 gallons of soup were served in handmade pottery bowls. Donations to aid local food pantries, world hunger, Lutheran World relief and Potters for Peace. Contributing were numerous volunteers, including students, area businesses, musicians providing musical entertainment and more Tour Artists: Martha Monson Lowe, Paul Corbin.