Alto Artists Studio Tour

Alto Artists Studio Tour: Artisan Perfection

Alto Artists Tour
The 14th Annual Alto Artists Studio Tour takes place Aug. 3-6.

If you would like to see notable mastery in the world of Lincoln County art the 14th Annual Alto Artists Studio Tour could be for you. You will be able to view skilled examples of watercolors, ceramics, and pottery. In addition, there will be textiles, jewelry, acrylics, glass-work, photography, wood turning, and mixed media. As a result, you will also be able to venture through the majestic landscape of Ruidoso and Lincoln County while doing so.

Nineteen adept and experienced artists will be at different 11 locations. They will provide accomplished examples of craftsmanship in a variety of art forms for your viewing and purchasing pleasures. This much-anticipated event will begin with a preview party at the acclaimed Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts (888-818-7872) on Thursday, Aug. 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. Artwork for sale, appetizers, a cash bar, entertainment and a silent auction are all part of the evening’s presentation.

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A fine textile creation by Nancy Ferguson.

The Alto Artist Tour will continue Aug. 4 and 5, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 6, it will also begin at 10 a.m. but will conclude at 4 p.m. This free, self-guided tour offers you the chance to explore behind the scenes of the Alto art community. The public is invited to visit private studios and homes to interact with many of our local professional artists.

Alto Artists Studio Tour Participant

John Soden, one of the 19 artists on the Tour has been a participant (photography) in this event for the past six years. “For the artisans involved, this is a valued opportunity for them to display their creations and a tour de force for a wide mixture of artistic appetites for residents and visitors alike,” John explained. “Because the Alto Studio Tour advertises in places like Las Cruces, Dallas, Albuquerque and other locales, we get a plentiful number of tourists from the southwestern region and beyond.”

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Come on out and see the semi-precious gemstone jewelry of Tish Rhoads.

“I’ve had people sign my guestbook from such places as Japan, France and Germany. They seem to enjoy the topography and artistry of the Ruidoso and Lincoln County expanse.” Due to originally being from New York, John spoke about how southern New Mexico had a special uniqueness. John spoke about how this uniqueness inspires him to capture the beauty and historical aspects he sees as he travels. Furthermore, John expanded to say, “I feel privileged because I get to view and photograph things other people rarely see.”

Join Us For Our 14th Annual Event!

Come out and enjoy seeing some of southern New Mexico’s artists in their studios and surroundings! For a map of the Alto Artists Studio Tour you may go here. Also if you seek any additional information on the Spencer Theater you may go here. We hope you make new friends, find exciting artwork and take pleasure in the scenic mountain vistas of Lincoln County.

—Michael Curran