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The Lakeside Artists Studio Tour in Mooresville allows members of the community to interact with artists and support their work.

Art at the Lake

Area studio tour showcases a wide array of original works

by Allison Futterman photography by Lisa Crates

The Lake Norman area is a mecca for creative expression, including artists of all mediums. This includes the Lakeside Artists Studio Tour, which has taken place in Mooresville since 2009.

Members of the public can not only see the beautiful works of local artists, but interact with them, learn about their creative process, hear the story behind what inspired each piece, visit several art studios, and see live demonstrations.

The show is in October, which is a beautiful time of year by the lake. It’s also the time when many people start thinking about holiday gifts. A unique, handcrafted piece of art that also supports local artists is a great option.

From left to right: Angela Rocchio, painter, Rick Luttrell, potter, Sandie Bell, painter, Nancy Rosato, fused glass, Suzie Council, potter, Karen Dortschy, painter.

a famiLy affair

Rick and Carol Luttrell have been involved with the tour for many years. Carol has been integral when it comes to the organization aspects of the tour, focusing on much of the behind the scenes aspects. Although she started volunteering her skills in support of Rick, she says, “I was a customer from the first year. I loved going even before Rick was involved.”

Rick creates functional stoneware pottery that’s decorative. Having spent 45 years as a math teacher, you might think a creative endeavor such as pottery is entirely different from something as logical as math. But he sees pottery as having its own innate logic to it. “Except for hand building, everything starts as a cylinder. From there, you might move the walls out to make a bowl or flatten it to make a plate. But it all starts from logical points.” When he retired, he and his wife built a pottery studio under their garage. “Carole didn’t want to look at me doing sudoku or watching TV,” he jokes.

highLighting LocaL taLent

Another participant in the tour is Sandie Bell, a devoted supporter of the arts who has been a docent at Mooresville Arts for many years. An artist who works in painting, collage, and mixed media, Bell has been interested in art since childhood. “I was always the one who did the posters in school.” Her talent earned her a scholarship to the Columbus School of Art and Design. “I was always the best one in every art class until I got to art school,” she says.

She has been involved with the tour since its inception “A friend called and said a bunch of us are thinking of getting together and doing an art tour,” says Bell. She welcomed the chance to be a part of something in the community that focused on local talent. Thanks to her hard work, along with that of fellow artists, the first tour was launched in 2009.

wide ranging taLent

The 2022 Tour will include six studios and neighborhood sites along the Brawley School Road corridor. Some of the homes are lakeside, which adds to the beauty of the experience. There will be 20 artists participating this year, representing an impressive array of styles. This includes painting, pottery, wood turning, mosaics, photography, glass, metal work, and fiber.

Artists will have different pieces available for sale, but they will be taking commissions. If someone likes the particular style and talent of an artist, they have the opportunity to consult with them to design a piece that works specifically for them.

everyone is weLcome

The lakeside artist community wants art to be accessible to everyone and offers the tour at no cost to attendees. And while people might think purchasing a piece of art would be out of reach for them, this event has a wide variety of options. From smaller items, such as a pack of notecards—to paintings that might be $1,000, there’s something for all budgets. “It’s free, but you should bring your checkbook, because you’ll probably see something you want,” says Bell.

Show schedule:

Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28 & 29 from 10 a.m.– 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30 from noon–4:00 pm www.lknstudiotour.com