The Art of the Lakes Studio Tour is a summer highlight that draws art enthusiasts into artists’ studios and area galleries located throughout lakes country. This year’s tour takes place on July 19-20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and July 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Studio Tour brochures with a map of the multiple stops are available at the Art of the Lakes gallery in Battle Lake, or can be downloaded via the AOTL website.

This year’s three-day event features 47 local artists presenting original works in a variety of mediums including jewelry, wearable arts, paintings, photography, glass, sculpture and much more. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase original art for their home, for themselves and for loved ones.

“We’re proud that for 16 years Art of the Lakes has served to connect art enthusiasts with our local artists and to support this thriving art community,” said Kristi Kuder, Art of the Lakes Board of Directors Chair. “We believe the arts are an important contributor to the vitality of this region and look forward to continuing this event and promoting local artists for many years to come.”

Included among the stops in Battle Lake will be the Art of the Lakes Gallery as well as the new Creative Arts Center. Visitors are encouraged to stop and explore the new Creative Arts Center, which is establishing studios and classrooms for ceramics, digital media, painting, fiber arts, culinary classes, as well as for the performing arts. Subscriptions to use this facility will soon be available on the Art of the Lakes website, www.artofthelakes.org.

The Landmark Center in Henning will also host a number of local artists throughout the Art of the Lakes Tour. 

Also, on Sunday, July 21, Art of the Lakes will be partnering with the Viking Library System to host the Mobile Sign Shop in front of the Creative Arts Center. The Mobile Sign Shop (MSS) is inspired by the vernacular of wooden/engraved/painted/handmade signs found in National/State parks and at cabins and homes in Greater Minnesota and beyond. Stop by the CAC that Sunday to create a custom sign. This project is sponsored by Art of the Lakes and Viking Library System, funded in part or in whole with monies from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage fund.

The 2024 Studio Tour committee invites visitors to start their Studio Tour experience at any of the stops on the map and select their route as they see fit.