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November 24 and 25 AND December 1 and 2

By Chuck Bingaman, Contributing Writer

            Painting, building, and sculpting for nearly a year, Walpole artisans are prepared to open their studios for their 5th Annual Artisan Tour November 24 and 25 and December 1 and 2, Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sundays Noon to 4:00 p.m.

            “We started five years ago with just two artists,” noted antiquarian bookseller Ray Boas, “Now we have sixteen talented and diverse artists this year! And, we have a great infusion of ‘young blood’ adding to the variety and quality of offerings!”

Bragg, “found object” artist and jeweler Janette Schuster, and purveyor of antiques and holiday folk art Maggi Suttles.

            Bragg’s clay works and art objects are, according to Barbra, “strange, whimsical, even dark and foreboding.”  All are hand built and raku fired. 

            Schuster, on the other hand, builds “items to have in the home or even to wear from treasures found at sites as diverse as flea markets and recycling center.”  See www.visualapothecary.com.

            Visitors are encouraged to begin their tours at Hastings House, the large white mansion on Union Street behind the Unitarian Church for a preview of the artists’ work, a tour map, and refreshments. 

            Priya Allaire will show her oils on canvas and custom invitations at Hastings House, and Bill Shannon will show samples of his furniture and other woodworking items there as well.  See www.cbshan.com and  www.enteringohm.com.

            Additional artisans on this year’s tour are as follows:

Mark Putnam Woodward Tiny Tot Furniture - Children's furniture for over 40 years in Walpole.. Top of the line toy chests, table & chair sets, step stools, hampers, lamps and circus wagons at substantial savings. www.tinytotfurniture.com

Barbara Tarantino  - Gallery & Studio - Watercolorist Barbara's paintings are from her heart, vibrant, and in techniques varying from Abstract to Realistic. Framed originals as well as prints, cards, canvas bags & mugs will be available for purchase during the Walpole Artisan Tour. See www.BarbaraTarantino.com  

Bob Taylor - Sculptor The Taylor team is a group of expert welders that love making metal sculptures that are pridefully shown inside or in garden settings. Some of their work will be on display at Hastings House.

Sharyn Tullar - Potter A member of the League of NH Craftsmen and NH Potters Guild, Sharyn creates functional hand thrown stoneware pottery for home and garden. Her pottery is a reflection of and inspired by her love of the fields and forests, and the ocean. She creates texture with coral, bark or rocks; the finished product has a satisfying contrast between glaze and raw clay.  See

Dutchie Perron - Decorative Arts Dutchie specializes in wall murals in the style of Rufus Porter as well as original and historic wall stenciling. Her mural pointing will be on display at 44 Elm Street, on the Common just south of the Catholic Church, along with many other decorative items.

Jayson Munn - Floral Designer.  For nearly ten years Munn has been creating custom floral designs. View, pre-order or purchase, wreaths, centerpieces, garlands and swags. All are hand made with attention to detail. See www.jaysonmunn.com.

Ray Boas - Bookseller A "Unique and Memorable Bookshop," established in 1980, with over 13,000 quality antiquarian and out-of-print books. Specializing in art and antique reference and the decorative arts. See www.rayboasbookseller.com.

Christopher Sherwin – Hand Sculpted and Blown Glass. Will show his work in his Bellows Falls studio.  See www.sherwinartglass.com.

Judy Stalus – Photographer.  Emphasizes colorful floral and underwater photographic art. See www.jstalusphotographer.com.

Loribeth Robare – Dolls and Vintage Inspired Art.  See www.maminkagirl.etsy.com.

Brian Putnam – Fine Art Prints, Drawings & Paintings.  See www.brianputnam.net.

Maggi Suttles – Antiques and Holiday Folk Art.

For complete information, tour maps and art samples, see www.walpoleartisantour.com.

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