Art tour offers miles of Georgia art

Twice a year arts and craftspeople in four Northeast Georgia counties get together and hold an open house — for miles and miles. They offer demonstrations, music, food and lodging specials and a great opportunity for you to get started on your Christmas shopping with some Georgia original artistry.

Mark of the Potter is located on the beautiful Soque River

Choose a county from the Arts Tour website and plot your weekend — it starts at 1 on Friday (Nov. 13,) 10 on Saturday and 1 on Sunday and runs through 5 pm.

Of the 62 different venues among the counties, here are just a few highlights:

Habersham County

Mark of the Potter – Honestly, this is a magical place. They have art and pottery. Maraiah Collier will demonstrate on the wheel each day. (see map)

Lodge at Tallulah Falls – a relatively new upscale lodge, with dining on Old Hwy. 441. The lobby is full of the work of local artists. (see map)

Stephens County

Dream Givers Art Gallery – gorgeous stuff by locals. (see map)

Gregory’s at the Bus Stop – Italian Fusion. Hungry?  (see map)

White County

Yonah Treasures - Although its on the main road to Helen, most people pass right by this little store. It has the work of area artists, authors, potters, woodworkers and others, including Meador’s pottery and John Kollock painting. (see map)

Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia – This unique museum (housed in building designed like a potters shed, but beautiful) is part of the Sautee Nacoochee Community Center, which includes an art gallery, history museum and slave cabin. Potters will be demonstrating and scale models railroads will be on display. (see map)

Rabun County

Georgia Heritage Center for the Arts – specializes in Georgia artists. Among the painters, jewelers, sculpters and glass artists demonstrating during the weekend will be Sherry McDonald with her garden dragons. (see map)

Main Street Gallery – Specializes in folk art. Features jewelery designer Marsha Vrono this weekend. (see map)

Foxfire Heritage Center – wood working, blacksmithing, soap making, textile crafts. See handbuilt cabins and learn about the unique Foxfire teaching technique. (see map)