Hop from studio to studio in Art Leap 2023

Regional artists invite the public to the 2023 Art Leap driving tour. Visit studios and other cultural sites in this free event sponsored by Heartland Arts, an umbrella organization for 16 arts and cultural organizations in the greater Park Rapids area.

Several loops lead visitors through fall’s scenic beauty in any direction.

This year’s open studio tour is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 24.

Meet artists and learn about their creative process at 30 sites in Hubbard and Becker counties.

2023 Art Leap will introduce guests to nearly 100 artists skilled in a variety of expressions: sculptures, paintings, mixed media, pottery, photography, mosaics, wood and metal work, fiber and paper arts, jewelry, beading and other Native American work.

“The Upper MIssissippians” will kick off Art Leap with a dance at the Armory Arts & Events Center (AAEC) on Friday, Sept. 22. The full band will perform an evening of swing from the 1920 to 1950s. Learn more at heartlandarts.org.

New this year, the AAEC hosts a pop-up exhibition organized by the Animikii Print Club, a collective of indigenous artists based in Mahnomen. Grants helped the Hubbard County Developmental Achievement Center (DAC) develop a fine arts program to support artists with disabilities and pervasive mental illness. Their work will be displayed for Art Leap at the Hubbard County DAC Fine Art Studio, Park Rapids’ first makers space. Also new this year is Bam’idizowigamig Creator’s Place. Indigenous artists of the Pine Point area create traditional Ojibwe art here year round. Village of Pine Point murals, designed by Terri LaDuke and Annie Humphrey and painted by volunteers and Pine Point youth, can be seen on a short drive in the neighborhood north of PowWow Highway.

Doreen Schik will demonstrate the fused glass process at Spirit Lake Gift Shop in Menahga. Visitors will also find laser-engraved woodworking, fiber arts and vessels.

Event guides are available at the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, Park Rapids Area Library and other locations. The guide is also available to view and for download at www.heartlandarts.org.