Prominent Alto Art Tour in 13th Year
Once again the popular and distinguished Alto Art Tour will take place Aug. 5-7, Friday through Sunday, at nine sites with 20 artists in attendance. Friday and Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be a special preview party at the unique Spencer Theater (108 Spencer Drive, Alto) on Thursday, Aug. 4, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Appetizers, entertainment, a cash bar and salable artwork will be available. In addition to the art circuit, comers will also be able to enjoy the wondrous topography and cool pines of the Ruidoso area.
The Alto Artists’ Art Tour (AAST) was created in 2003 by Gary Henry. His intention was to cluster artists into alimited area so visitors could easily access as many artists as possible in an acceptable amount of time.
Photographer John Soden of Weasel Productions (1086 State Hwy. 48) is a prime example of the many and varied artistic endeavors included in the AAST this year. Soden has been at his craft professionally since 1974 when he was a U.S. Navy Reserve photographer. He is currently widely known for his magnificent landscapes and family portraits.
Also joining Soden in his studio will be guest artists, Teresa Hughes, who produces exquisite ceramic works and Zoe de Negri, who fabricates superb sterling silver jewelry. Here, as in the other eight sites on this year’s tour, different categories of art will be on open display for all visitants. Acclaimed singer, guitarist and entertainer, Mark Remington, will supply music at the Soden studio all three days.
Your host artists greatly appreciate your support as this art tour allows their work to be seen by an expanded number of people. “I have gotten commissions for work from travelers who live outside the Alto/Ruidoso and southern New Mexico area,” Soden explained. “Other visitors have second homes in the region. This show has a number of high-quality artists, which brings people back year after year. The tour promotes the fine talents of the artistry in Lincoln County. In my opinion, it is one of the three largest art communities in the state.”
Please go to https://www.visitruidoso.com/events/calendar/alto-artists/studio/tour/ for all lodging, fine dining needs and an excellent map of the Alto Art Tour. For a list of all the contributing artists and examples of their work go to http://www.altoartistsstudiotour.com/ and please support the 48 sponsors of this event.
—Michael Curran