Artists along the North Shore from French River to Silver Creek are preparing for the Lake Superior 20/20 Studio and Art Tour, slated to begin Friday, Sept. 27. Despite the name, this year's tour features 23 artists in a little more than a 20-mile radius.

"When it started eight years ago, the idea was to have 20 artists in a 20-mile range," organizer and artist Gail Rosenquist said. "We’ve hung on to the name, though the range is a little bigger and we have more artists. We're evolving but keeping some of the things that make it a great tour."

A few artists are new to the tour, but not to the greater community, according to Rosenquist. These include photographer Christen Dalbec in Two Harbors, potters Rita Morris and Barry Sands, Eric Kepginger and painters Aaron Kloss and Sarah Brokke.

Also new this year is an interactive map on the tour's website, where the public can see more detailed descriptions of each of the 10 stops on the tour. Participants are encouraged to visit each stop and collect stamps on their passport cards, which can be entered into a drawing if fully completed. 

The cards will be available at any stop along the tour, as well as at the information booth at the Larsmont School, 701 Larsmont Rd.

"The King of the Blues" by Aaron Kloss, one of the 23 artists on the Lake Superior 20/20 Studio and Art Tour. (Photo submitted)

Each stop on the tour will feature a host artist and at least one guest artist. Some will have demonstrations or ways for participants to get in on the art creation. Most will have snacks available. A few stops might have music, according to Rosenquist.

The tour is self-guided and weaves around the northern and southern sides of the Two Harbors Expressway. Rosenquist recommends taking your time along the tour.

"Enjoy the woods. We have some really pretty spots along the way. A lot of the tour focuses on nature, as do the artists," Rosenquist said.

The Lake Superior 20/20 Studio and Art Tour runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, and Saturday, Sept. 28, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29. A full breakdown of the artists, a map and more information can be found at lakesuperior2020.com.

To read the original article and see related reporting, follow this link to the Lake County News Chronicle.  https://www.lcnewschronicle.com/entertainment/art/4668937-Lake-Superior-2020-Art-Festival-expands