Our prairie lakes region boasts some of the most eclectic and accomplished artists around. "Meet Me On The Tour" is your invitation to connect personally with these creative individuals.
Artists are listed alphabetically by last name. This is a partial list - not all participating artists are included here.
Artists are listed alphabetically by last name. This is a partial list - not all participating artists are included here.
"This will be my first tour as a participant rather than a guest. I’m really excited about introducing my body of work to the local art community."
Studio Tour Events
Diane will likely have a project in process when you visit her on the tour. |
Diane Ayers
I'm a retired sheet metal worker and live on a 40-acre hobby farm in Otter Tail County. I’ve worked in glass, clay, fiber, silver and my current focus is leather.
My art mediums include hand-stitched leather handbags, wallets, backpacks and accessories. My bag styles originate from designers in Turkey, Poland and Georgia. My work is hand cut and stitched from cowhide, Asian water buffalo, and fine Italian leathers chosen for their color, texture, and temper. The characteristics of the materials must support the framework of the project. |
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"I'm excited to return to the Art of the Lakes Tour in 2025!"
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Chad Balster
Chad Balster Glass Chad Balster is a glass artist from Wilmont, Minnesota. He currently resides in Louisville, Kentucky. He assisted John Olesen in 2002 during the initial construction of White Pine Studio.
Chad uses hot blown glass to create his wares. Often the work is functional and designed for everyday use. Other items are more one of a kind explorations of art history and glass technique. Chad blows glass that is maintained at 2100 degrees F. Color is applied after the material is drawn out and shaped. Each piece is blown and molded with steel, wood, newspaper and luck. Once the object is finished it must be cooled overnight to avoid breakage. |
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"Come meet me! I love helping you add some color and flash to your outdoor spaces. This is my first appearance on the tour after having been a visitor for many years."
Studio Tour Events
Beth will have some of the building blocks of her work on display. |
Beth Betts
Beth's Outdoor Art Beth Betts has been creating a variety of art throughout her life, including many years painting custom ethnic needlepoint. Her last 10 years has involved designing and creating ceramic mosiac designs.
Her ceramic mosiac pieces are meant to decorate your outdoor areas. Brightly colored mirrors, birdbaths, small furniture, and other elements add color, texture and variety to your deck, porch or garden. Beth breaks, mortars and glues small bits of Italian tile and grouts it to create a long lasting piece to be enjoyed. Every piece is a unique one of a kind creation. |
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"This is my first year doing a tour. I'm looking forward to sharing fun items with people!"
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Laurie Connolly
Growing up on a farm taught me to love nature. I have taken many classes learning a variety of techniques to create beautiful items.
I work with silk fabric, hand felted silk and wool, leaves and dyes. I create scarves, necklaces, ties and hat bands from the leaf-printed and dyed silk fabric. Journal covers, books from the leaf-printed felt. I work with glass to make fused bowls, vases and other items. I buy silk fabric, wool and silk roving. I felt the wool and silk. I use leaves to print on the fabric which is then dyed the colors I mix. I sew the hems and journals. Fusing glass, I design items which are then fired in a kiln. |
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"The Studio Tour is a fun experience for visitors, as they have an opportunity to view new art, visit with the artists, and possibly purchase artwork for their own enjoyment or for a gift."
Studio Tour Events
I will be doing demos in watercolor during Studio Tour. |
Della Conroy
Della Conroy works in her studio in Hancock, MN. She paints landscape, still life, floral and abstract works in watercolor, acrylic, pastel and oil. Visit in person or view her website at www.dellaconroy.com.
Mediums: watercolor, acrylic, pastel and oil. She works from photos or in plein aire. |
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"Stop by The Arthouse on the South Shore of Rush Lake in Ottertail, MN and we can share our art experiences!"
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Shirlee Aho Daulton
The Art House My first 25 years were spent as an RN without any art experience. My art education began with painting classes from an Iowa State art professor, Richard Heggen, in evening sessions for 18 years. Printmaking classes, including lithography, woodcuts and paper making were also part of my education. I have attended multiple workshops from skilled artists on wood block printing techniques, basketry, pottery and jewelry. For 37 years I have maintained an art gallery, The Arthouse, during the summer months.
My work includes paintings, hand built pottery, paper made from only plants, woodcuts, and baskets. Unique jewelry and cards are also part of The Arthouse Gallery. My woodcuts are printed by hand on to my paper and painted with watercolor. Pursuing art is my passion. I like my work to be individual and unique and strive to make innovative art pieces. |
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"The tour is all about you as the visitor. Come, enjoy the variety of shapes and colors. And don't be afraid to ask questions about any technique or process that you might see in my work."
Studio Tour Events
You may catch deRuyter on occasion doing gelli printing or ink studies when you come to visit him at the tour. |
Calvin deRuyter
deRuyter graduated with a degree in fine art from Hamline University in St. Paul MN. He then went into the publishing business and didn't pick up a brush for about 20 years. Pulled back into art in the late 1990s, he has approached it with a passion since, both in producing and in teaching. For years he taught watercolor technique, but now focuses on artist re-direction into understanding the elements of fine art.
"I work primarily in mixed watermedia, including acrylic, watercolor, acrylic inks, acrylic markers, and water soluble graphite. I do have drawings in pencil, Caran D Arche, and charcoal." Although the process is different, the same principles apply in both deRuyter’s landscape and abstract paintings. Layers, and texture, and sometimes limited colors – all work to capture his perceptions and conceptions in works of abstract nuance. Using layers of paint, deRuyter captures the impermanence of mood, emotion, and thought. His dream is to capture and paint the ‘air’ both external and internal, and then, ultimately, that which makes us understand and relish it. |
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"I'm so excited to share my studio space with the people that come out for our tour. I've been blessed to live in a lovely spot and would love for you to see it along with my art."
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Julie Gish
An interest in drawing has been in me since I was a youth. Art teachers through my school years encouraged that interest. While raising 3 girls and working in Interior Design, I found some time for artistic expression. The real catylist towards Painting and working in Fabric Art came with retirement!
Since I'm infatuated with bright colors, acrylic painting has become my favorite medium. Watercolors are also a medium I love, but spend a little less time pursuing. For years I had been contemplating turning fabric in to art. From this came my next chapter in artistic expression: Fabric Art! Often I am inspired by the places I go or the things I do. A motorcycle ride, a grandchild's first catch of a trout or a bouquet of flowers in a Ball canning jar. Whatever the inspiration, I'm not satisfied until it's captured. |
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"If you'd like to follow local artists' work, here's your chance! I'd love to have you come visit, watch me work, and ask questions."
Studio Tour Events
You may catch me in a demo of watercolor batik, acrylic on canvas, or making a collage for the background of an independent layering process. I usually have treats, so stop on in I'd love to see ya. |
Ruth Hanson
Song of Ruth Art has interested me as long as I can remember. I have a degree in Art Education and taught art for several years. Now I work in watercolor batik, a few other watercolor techniques, along with oil pastel, acrylics, and calligraphy. And I teach workshops.
Watercolor batik is alternating layers of melted wax and watercolor on rice paper. Neither watercolor no melted wax like to stay within their bounds so the results are always a surprise. I also work in oil pastel on suede board and lately I've been working with big cloud farm scenes in acrylic. I also have around 100 greeting card designs. I like scenes that make me feel peaceful, bring back memories, or are just interesting or beautiful. That's what I enjoy painting and what I hope you enjoy seeing. |
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"I will be demonstrating during the tour and will have a drawing to receive an original matted painting at the end of the tour. I will NOT be open on Sunday."
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Grace Haverty
Grace is a signature member of the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society and a Master and Signature member of Pastel Society of America.
Her mediums are watercolor and ink. She paints flowers and still life from life and portraits, and cityscapes from photos. |
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"I am so very humbled to share my work with such talented artists and the community surrounding them! Please come and ask me questions about my process. I would love to talk to you!"
Studio Tour Events
I will have a few projects in process to view and touch. Also some charcuterie boards with pen and ink designs on them for purchase. |
Julie Hudson
I remember getting a drawing kit on my 6th Birthday! The creativity hasn’t stopped flowing since. I obtained a degree in Advertising Art and Design pre-marriage and the family life. Now that they have grown, I have found the time to rekindle my love for creating. Constantly learning and testing new boundaries within my mind and hands.
I give careful thought as to what technique to use or theme to put on each skull or piece. Some of my favorite mediums to use are wood burning, carving, painting, staining and mosaic tiling. I use other materials to accent my techniques like leather, feathers, jewelry, fur and beads. Exploring the intersection of nature and what once “was”…. my artwork represents the life cycle of various animals. Using different mediums and techniques I breathe new life into “old bones.” My process is months long and involves macerating, degreasing and bleaching the bones of an animal to create a new canvas. |
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"Studio Tour is a highlight of summer for me. I love seeing old customers and meeting new people…It is a great time for connections, visiting, and seeing all the exciting new art that people have created."
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Phyllis Joos
I am a printmaker from Hancock Minnesota. I have received all of my art education at the University of Minnesota Morris
I do etchings, screen prints, lino-cuts, waterless litho, monoprints….most times many combinations of all the printmaking techniques. I also do small blank accordion books for journals and also accordion books that also contain prints. Printmaking is a somewhat complex process. Etchings require “biting” a metal plate with acid and then inking and running it through a printing press. Waterless litho also involves preparing a plate and running through a press. My process is sometimes planned but often unplanned instinct. |
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"Meet me on the Tour!"
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Fred Kollmann
I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Plant Pathology, and was required to take some elective credits other than science. I took art classes. My father was a carpenter and I learned woodworking skills while helping him with his projects. The art classes help me advance my skills in both Stained Glass work and creating one of a kind pieces of furniture. I have been doing commission works for 40 years. I retired from USDA, after working in Florida, Idaho, Wisconsin and Minnesota. I currently live in the Alexandria, MN area.
I work with Stained Glass and Woodworking. Stained glass projects mainly as window inserts and front door entry locations. Woodworking projects mainly as one of a kind pieces of furniture. Some projects involved working with metal and wood in combination My process usually involves meeting with the customer to see where the art piece will be located. From there, I work out some basic design concepts. I helps me decide what design direction i need to take to create the Stained Glass or wood furniture project. I then do some drafting layout ideas and again meet with the customer before i begin the project. |
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"This studio space is very special to me and I appreciate the opportunity to share it with the visitors who walk through my door during the tour."
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Kristi Swee Kuder
Sommerfryd Studio Kristi Swee Kuder is a multi-disciplinary artist with a BS degree from Minnesota State University - Moorhead, MN. She has taught workshops and intensives throughout Minnesota and serves as a board member and chair of the Art of the Lakes, Assoc. in Battle Lake. Kristi is a 2016 alumnus of St. Catherine University Women’s Art Institute, an LRAC McKnight Fellow and multiple MSAB Artist Initiative Grant recipient. Ms. Kuder's works have been in solo and group exhibitions regionally, nationally, and internationally. A working artist, Ms. Kuder maintains her studio near her residence at Otter Tail Lake, MN. More information about her and her work can be found at her website, kskuder.com.
"I often begin with natural or man-made fibers such as silk, cotton or stainless-steel mesh and then augment with other materials. Working with natural fibers, I use cyanotype, and/or natural or man-made dyes to create beautiful one-of-a-kind garments and accessories for summer wear, as well as cards, jewelry, and prints." "My artmaking comes out of a textile sensibility. Wire mesh’s ability to both reflect and filter light, as well as be delicate yet strong, is integral to my artistic expression. Treating wire mesh like fabric and wire like thread, I stitch, fray, knit, felt and layer to create three-dimensional forms that capture the enigmatic nature of ambiguity." "I also eco-print or use Cyanotype on fabric or paper as a means of capturing nature's beauty which surrounds me. My voice is added to each piece through my hand stitching into my pieces often using the timeless Japanese technique called Sashiko." |
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"The Studio Tour is a fun event and a great way to connect with local artists! With such a wonderful variety of art there's something for everyone."
Studio Tour Events
Anna will be painting with watercolor and doing demos. |
Anna Lassonde
Jollybird Studio Anna Lassonde is a multidisciplinary artist based in Detroit Lakes, MN, where she operates Jollybird Studio. Art has been a lifelong passion for Anna, beginning in childhood and evolving into a professional career. She attended NDSU for Fine Arts. In 2019 she officially launched her art business.
Anna enjoys working in a variety of mediums, including watercolor, acrylic, graphite, gouache, oil painting, ceramics, and mixed media. She has a passion for capturing the beauty of nature, animals, and human connection. She incorporates whimsy, humor and heart into her work, making her art relatable and enjoyable for all. Anna draws inspiration from the farm where she lives, surrounded by animals and nature. She enjoys painting en plein air, capturing a scene directly or snapping a photos to use for reference to paint later in her studio. Some of her art is painted by complete intuition, trusting the process of the creative journey until the artwork feels like the expression she seeks. |
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"What a day to be immersed in the mind of a creative! An artist studio tour offers more than art—it’s a behind-the-scenes look at process, purpose, and inspiration."
Studio Tour Events
I'll be painting in my current series, and will have my Gallery open for a quaint place to sit and enjoy refreshments and music. I'll have large and small art and gifts for sale. |
Lyssa Lovejoy
Lovejoy Fine Art Lyssa Lovejoy is a self-taught visual artist exploring resilience and human connection through bold color and loose, emotive strokes. With over 30 years as a teaching artist, she passionately advocates for the role of art in mental health, creating work that invites reflection, connection, and personal transformation.
Her practice spans a range of media, including abstract canvas work, layered collage, mixed media, pen & ink illustration, and fluid watercolor. Lyssa Lovejoy’s intuitive, series-based practice blends journaling, music, and layered experimentation. Working across multiple pieces at once, she balances structure with spontaneity, allowing each work to evolve organically. Her creative process is guided by emotion, resilience, and reflection—inviting discovery through both disciplined goals and playful exploration. |
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"People that come through on the tour give me great inspirations for future art."
Studio Tour Events
Faythe will be working on a painting or drawing. |
Faythe Mills
I have a degree in Graphic Design but have focused more on fine art lately. Subjects I photograph keep my project list full.
My mediums include Acrylics, Soft Pastels, Pencil, Inkwash, Watercolor I sometimes run my photo through an app to get a more abstract feel. I also will manipulate a photo in Photoshop to get the look I want to paint or draw. |
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"I offer individual lessons and small group / date night events."
Studio Tour Events
We'll be doing glassblowing demos all day every day, and will have some treats and refreshments. |
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"I will be able to guide a new comer to welding on a project."
Studio Tour Events
I will be onsite welding and bending steel during the tour. |
Craig Michael Palm
I found my love of art at a very young age while watching my father paint. I feel fortunate to have had many talented and special people in my life who have provided an abundance of influence and inspiration. For the past 20 years I've been working with steel, aluminum and copper. I love to create larger than life sculptures as well as small table-top sized sculptures. Everything from people, horses, bears, elk, birds, fish and more. I like the challenge of taking a flat piece of steel and bringing it to life. It always makes me happy when I see my art bringing smiles to faces.
My art mediums are oil, acrylics, water colors, pastels, patinas, steel, copper, and aluminum. My process always starts with a vision. I try to stay as close to scale as possible; however, my metal art always ends up larger than life. |
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"Seeing where I live and work year round gives deeper insight into my artwork."
Studio Tour Events
I'll discuss and demonstrate whatever folks are interested in seeing. We'll have some snacks and beverages to offer. |
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"Visit us at White Pine Studios! Tucked in the countryside, it’s a creative space where you can connect with artists and enjoy the scenic drive that brought you here."
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"We'll be at Off The Wall Gallery in Clitherall. Our studio in Alexandria is open when we're home and we love visitors! "
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"For this show we'll be located at Off The Wall Gallery. Our studio is open whenever we're home, we love visitors! "
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"I've participated in the Studio Tour for the past 20 years, and maybe more, hard to remember!"
Studio Tour Events
Visitors will learn about Sandra's firing process, and studio assistants will demonstrate how to throw pottery on the potters wheel. |
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"Our studio will feature the paintings of Anna Lassonde, Laurie Connolly’s fiber art, Terry Shaw’s jewelry and ceramics, and the things I make from clay."
Studio Tour Events
If you ask, we’ll offer an actual ‘studio tour’ this year at our place on Round Lake. We can look through the two small studio buildings I use to make my stuff, and perhaps this year I’ll do a throwing demo. |
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"My husband John, a potter, and I really enjoy meeting everyone who comes to see our work and our studios. We have a ceramic making studio, a separate ceramic glazing studio and a jewelry studio on our property."
Studio Tour Events
At Round Lake Studio you will see demonstrations of throwing on the wheel. You can also see three pollinator gardens in full bloom. |
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"I've enjoyed sharing studios with other artists on the Tour for the past eight years and look forward to welcoming art lovers into my own home this year."
Studio Tour Events
Snacks and beverages will be available. |
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"Our location is a bit off the main route but an absolute must stop for the views, demos, and work."
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"The Tour provides opportunities to see unique art created by regional artists, to see art created, and to talk to artists. Tour-goers can purchase original, one-of-a-kind pieces which will grace their home and inspire discussions of art."
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"I've been on the studio tour since the beginning. Love to meet old friends and new friends. It’s a wonderful two days!"
Studio Tour Events
I will be doing some demos during the Tour. Also will explain my process and show off my studio. |
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