Creative Artists’ Studios of Ames hosted its first Ames Area Studio Tour on Oct. 4. The tour took place in Story City, Iowa, Slater, Iowa and Ames. 

This event showcased 15 different venues with about 20 local artists in the Ames area. During this event, residents were encouraged to visit the different venues and go behind the scenes to watch the artists demonstrate their different styles of art and possibly buy some of their artwork.

According to the organization’s website, this is the first annual tour they hosted, and it was meant to be similar to the Lincoln Way Studio Tour.

Each studio has something different to offer. The venues that participated in the tour ranged from tattoo shops to boutiques and from to the Workspace at the Memorial Union to a church basement, where the organization is based.

Most of the artists not only showcased and sold their artwork, but they also demonstrated and explained their creative process behind the artwork they specialize in.

I had the privilege of talking with a few members of Creative Artists’ Studios. I was able to watch these artists work during the tour and learn about their entire process. I was even fortunate enough to be taught how create a mug on the potter’s wheel by Greg Lamont, who makes the mugs for Stomping Grounds on Welch Avenue.

Throughout the day I was inspired by several different pieces of artwork. I saw jewelry made out of silverware, scarves made out of T-shirts and kitchenware decorated with different styles of script.

If given the opportunity, I recommend going to a class or tour hosted by any of the artists. Attendees don’t even need to be artistic to participate. The tour was definitely a learning experience and inspired me to try to create something amazing.

To learn more about Creative Artists’ Studios of Ames, visit their website at www.creativeartists.org.