From staff reports

The 13th annual Rural Artist Studio Tour from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 6 offers a self-guided tour of eight stops in north Fort Wayne, Leo-Cedarville and Spencerville.

Visitors can find directions online and then visit shops and support artists at their own pace. Stops include art studios, a greenhouse and a native plant nursery. Get details on Facebook at Rural Artist Studio Tour – Fort Wayne, Indiana & Beyond or email kristyjo52@comcast.net. Printed maps will be available at all stops the day of the event, or in advance at several local businesses, including The Orchard Gallery, Artlink and The Art Museum in Fort Wayne and Olde Church Shoppes, Steady Eddy’s and Perks Peak in Leo.

Rural Studio Tour, as it was called then, made its debut in 2010. “It was such a hit with both the artists and the people who attended that we are now gearing up for our lucky 13th annual event,” organizers said in a news release. “We’ve added some artists, plus a few scenic stops along the way.”

“Viewing an artist’s work, visiting with them and seeing where they create the work is a unique experience,” organizers said. “The majority of the artists on the tour are full-time artists, who show at art fairs and galleries around the country. Some also teach and host workshops. For many of us, May 6th will be the only day of the entire year when we invite the public in. The rest of the time, our studios are simply a place to create.”

Welcoming visitors are: Sharon Zych, watercolors, 8245 Notestine Road, Fort Wayne; Kristy Jo Beber, stoneware pottery, 9719 Hosler Road, Leo; Holly Heath Photography, 14435-B Leo Road, Leo; Jeremy Stroup, illustration artist, at Steady Eddy’s Station, 14436 Leo Road, Leo; Carl Drummond, woodworking, at Olde Church Shoppes, 10629 Main St., Leo; Janet Webb, creator of metal jewelry, at Beside Still Waters Greenhouse, 18017 Devall Road, Spencerville; The Art Farm with Lisa Vetter and Paul Siefert, who create art pieces and jewelry at 17612 N. County Line Road E, Spencerville; and Riverview Native Nursery, 5635 County Road 72, Spencerville.