Alpine Artisans annual Tour of the Arts crosses valleys

The 22nd annual Tour of the Arts on Oct. 12-13, put on by Alpine Artisans, gave local people and visitors a chance to visit working studios, galleries and museums from Condon to Lincoln. Sixteen local artisans in the Seeley-Swan and Blackfoot Valleys had their crafts on display and often showed their production processes to attendees.

Martha Swanson, from Ovando, demonstrated the steps of bowl making during the tour. The Swansons had several finished bowls on display despite losing one of their workshops in a fire last July. They announced that they hope to be back in business for local sales next year. They are working with a machinist to rebuild the specialized equipment that was lost.

"Seeing everyone at the tour today has really encouraged me," Swanson said.

Donna Aitkin of Ovando displayed her woodworking products at the Ovando Museum. Aitkin traveled to Port Townsend School of Woodworking several years ago to learn the art of fine wood joining called marquetry. She uses a scroll saw to cut the pieces to build the detailed designs in her creations.

"I've always liked working with natural materials and working with my hands," Aitkin said.

Using locally-sourced juniper and specialty woods, Aitkin builds tissue box covers, lamps, flower vases and pine needle baskets. She recovered a large juniper that fell a few years ago and has been cutting it on their sawmill.