Those interested in the creative processes of local artists can take a peek into almost 50 work spaces across the island during the Whidbey Working Artists Summer Open Studio Tour this weekend.
Kay Parsons is one of the organizers of the weekend’s event and said the interaction between artist and audience is helpful for all involved.
“The communication between artist and audience is always a creative moment,” Parsons said.
Parsons said that some artists have pulled out over fears of the delta variant of COVID-19, but that visitors will still have a variety of mediums to observe. Whether someone is interested in photography, woodworking, pottery or fiber art, Parsons said there is someone on the island working in that medium.
She encouraged visitors to wear masks but said it is up to each artist to determine his or her own masking requirements in their studios.
Many of the artists will likely be showing their pieces outdoors, Parsons added.
Cara Jung, the owner of Whidbey Clay Center in Freeland, will be part of the weekend’s event. She will be joined by three other potters and clay artists showing their work outdoors, although the studio will be open as well.
Jung creates ceramic sculptures inspired by marine life and offers a line of functional pottery as well.
“You get people who are a little more interested in your process and want to understand how and where you make the work,” Jung said.
Fellow artist Tricia Vonslageren will be joining Jung and it will be her first time in the show. Parson’s highlighted Vonslageren’s creations as “Very individualistic. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Vonslageren said she draws her designs before carving them into a linoleum block to stamp them into clay. After that, she fills in her designs with pops of bright color to create something unique. Many of her pieces feature owls, and all of them have an array of colors.
She said she wanted to join the tour to show off her work and “to be part of the art community here on Whidbey.”
• For more information on the tour and a map of the studios, go to whidbeyworkingartists.com.
Tricia Vanslageren glazes some of her artwork at Whidbey Clay Center in Freeland. She will be showing her pieces there along with three other artists during the Whidbey Working Artists Summer Open Studio Tour this weekend. (Photo by Emily Gilbert/Whidbey News-Times)
