Palmer’s Fall Studio Tour returns

Art, music, and community spirit will fill Palmer on Saturday, October 25, when the Palmer Arts Council hosts its Fall Studio Tour. From 5 to 9 p.m., visitors can mingle with artists, enjoy food and drinks, and experience the energy of local studios across the town.

“The Palmer Arts Council was contacted by a local artist about a year ago,” organizer Meggie Aube-Trammel said. “The whole vision behind the event is highlighting local artists in the community; going into their studios, seeing where they work, watching their process, exploring their art, and maybe buying a piece for yourself.”

Spend just a few minutes with Meggie, and her passion is impossible to miss. Her energy has fueled the council’s recent burst of creative activity, including the Fall Studio Tour. “I go over my 40 hours a month,” she admits with a laugh. “I get excited, really excited, and I’m not going to stop.”

Her enthusiasm has become the heartbeat of the organization, inspiring artists and community members alike to get involved and keep Palmer’s creative spirit thriving.

“Ray Garmradt brought this idea to us,” Meggie continues. “The last studio tour in Palmer was back in 2014, when a small group of artists came together, Ray wanted to bring it back.” Now, 11 years later the PAC is supporting the event, hopefully reaching a wider audience, and bringing greater visibility to Palmer’s art scene.

This year’s Fall Studio Tour will spotlight the workspaces of Palmer artists Ray Garmardt, a charcoal artist with work currently hanging at Vagabond Blues; Pat Garley, a metal artist whose sculptures greet visitors downtown; and Sandra Cook, a painter whose vibrant pieces capture the imagination.

Local businesses and organizations also support the tour. The Palmer Museum will host artist Megan Moore, while the Art Café features works by Judy Vars, Raven Amose, and Heidi Scott. Over at Lekker Coffee Shop, Marta Zegzdren will demonstrate pottery on the wheel, offering guests a firsthand look at her craft.

Adding a youthful touch to the evening, Palmer High School art students will set up at 203 Kombucha, providing free three-minute sketches to visitors. “You’ll be able to walk out with a sketch,” Meggie says, highlighting the unique opportunity to experience emerging local talent.

“We’ll provide a map of the tour, and guests can choose which studios to visit,” Meggie explains. With seven locations scattered across Palmer, visitors can wander at their own pace; ducking into a bustling metal workshop, pausing to watch a potter’s wheel spin, or lingering in a cozy gallery. There’s no set starting point; participants are free to explore in any order. Board members will greet guests at each stop, hand out bracelets, and help with tickets, which are also

available online, on the council’s website, or at any studio. At 8 p.m., attendees are encouraged to head to Lekker Coffee Shop for a raffle featuring prizes from local businesses.

Tickets are $30 for the general public and $20 for Palmer Arts Council members, with all proceeds benefiting the council’s community arts programs. Tickets can be purchased at palmerarts.org or Fireside Books. This October 25th, Palmer’s Fall Studio Tour offers a night of art, creativity, and community; meet the artists, see their work, and be inspired.

Russell Clark is a Curriculum Specialist for Onward & Upward. Our vision of One Health aligns with the idea that strong community connections contribute to overall wellness, and supporting local artists helps nurture both individual and community well-being.