Eighth-annual showcase includes new locations among five viewing stops
Don Monroe will be showing his artwork this weekend at the Slightly West of Spokane Artists Studio Tour. His designs are unique as everything is hand crafted and specialized in tooling with color. Pictured here are a few examples of his creations ranging from the traditional wallet and hat (below) to a rose and a bird house (above).
After people are done eating turkey and shopping all day on Black Friday, they can go out to the Slightly West of Spokane Artists Studio Tour on Saturday, Nov. 25. The event is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The self-guided tour will feature artwork from 13 local artists in five different studios. The artists include Adam and Kathee Scoggin, Michelle Schenider, Dave Ulmen, Don Monroe, Natasha Monroe, Pam Morton, Karen Simmons, Dennis Smith, Vicki Moffat, Donna Kulibert and Stormy Weathers.
"I have been hosting a studio for about 18-19 years," Dennis Smith said. "My wife and I opened a studio at our home and have been hosting the weekend after Thanksgiving every year. About seven years ago I was approached by a group from Cheney asking if I would want to join this event and I have been doing it ever since."
The first studio is the only one located in Cheney at 17205 S Wolfe Road. and showcases four artists. The second is at the Medical Lake Library at 321 E. Herb St. and has three artists' work. This is also the first year that the library will be hosting a gallery.
At the library, artwork by Don Monroe will be the featured. He is a custom tooled leather artist and this is his second year of doing the event.
"Everything is handcrafted and specialized in tooling and color," Monroe said. "I also do some tattoo style leather work which is really unusual. Not many people do that."
Monroe has been a grand champion at the Spokane County Interstate Fair and some motorcycle shows. He also guarantees a lifetime product. If something happens to the piece of work, Monroe will repair it for free.
"We believe when you buy something, it should last forever," Monroe added.
Another unique art form that he has done in the past is recreating an image in full color. An example given was one time a customer wanted a picture of their horse recreated and Monroe designed it into a wallet.
"A lot of my artwork is custom done," Monroe said. "I just hope to spread my name and let people know my work through this event."
Studio No. 3 is also another first for the event as Fresh Design Gallery will be hosting two artists at 116 N. Lefevre St. Fresh Design is a second-hand antique and rental place.
The fourth studio is at 609 N. Howard St. and features Dennis Smith and Vicki Moffat. The final studio is at 405 E. Fellows and will have two more artists.
"The biggest objective for me is to clean out my studio," Dennis Smith said. "None of us get rich from this, but it is a chance for people to see what we do. Plus, I get to see people I haven't seen in a year."
There is a variety of art from everyone including pottery and garden statues, functional stoneware, handcrafted wood, custom tooled leather, wearable origami, stained and fused glass art, mixed media, painting and pottery, homemade soaps, carved pottery and handcrafted turned items.
Grace Pohl can be reached at [email protected].
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