The weather couldn’t have been better on Saturday, the 28th, for the 13th annual Lake Superior 20/20 Studio & Art Tour. It was a perfect day to soak in the late summer sun and enjoy the colorful fall leaves while driving from studio to studio along the North Shore. My friend aptly called it a “Golden Day,” and when she shared that sentiment with artists and art fans alike, they wholeheartedly agreed.
According to lakesuperior2020.com, the event got its name from the realization that there were 20 studios in a 20-mile radius. This year, 17 host artists participated, many of them inviting guest artists to showcase their work.
Some studios were tucked deep into the woods, offering a serene journey to discover hidden treasures, while others were perched right along the shore. One of my favorite stops was Eric Klepinger’s home studio, where he paints woodland creatures— owls, bears, raccoons, and even Bigfoot, which gave me a good chuckle.
Klepinger was a joy to talk with, as were many of the other artists we met. Some were more reserved, while others welcomed deeper conversation. But they all had one thing in common: a shared enthusiasm for discussing their art and creative processes. As I wandered through the studios, I could hear artists answering questions from curious visitors, all while showcasing their incredible work.
There was something for every art lover— paintings, prints, pottery, jewelry, woodwork, and more. I even came home with a bag of locally sourced wild rice. The young boy selling it proudly explained how he helped measure and pack each bag.
Although we couldn’t visit every stop on the tour, I’m sure there were ambitious art lovers who took advantage of the full three days to see it all. The people we encountered came from all walks of life, and most seemed thrilled to be out on such a beautiful, golden day.
Art tours can make a girl thirsty, so we made a pit stop at the Earthwood Inn, where my friend introduced me to a friendly bartender with a radiant smile and a knack for giving fantastic hugs.
When I got home, I discovered that my husband had been making art of his own—with a chainsaw and some logs. He crafted rustic benches and tall, throne-like chairs for our fire pit area. They’re beautiful and unique, just like the art I saw throughout the day. If he keeps this up, maybe one day our place will be a stop on the art tour!
As the sun set, the golden day transformed into a golden evening, complete with a warm fire, good company, and the art of great conversation.
