Slightly West Artists Tour is slightly smaller

The ninth edition of the Slightly West of Spokane Artists Studio Tour — taking place this Saturday, Nov. 24 — is featuring slightly fewer artists than in previous years.

“I have no explanation for that,” new tour coordinator Karen Simmons said. She did offer several possibilities, ranging from thinning crowds for art overall to the economy to the fact that art collecting is something the “older set does,” whereas the younger generation tends to be more “minimalist” with their decor.

“My daughter says they ‘go for experience, not for stuff,’” Simmons added.

Fewer artists means fewer stops along...