“Exceptional art and craft” is the theme for the Summer Preview of the 20th annual Over the Mountain Studio Tour. Twenty-five professional artists and craft-workers in Jefferson County, West Virginia will preview their new work for the public at the War Memorial Building Men’s Club, German Street, Shepherdstown. The Summer Preview will open Friday evening, July 10, from 5 to 8 p.m. with a wine reception. The show and sale continue Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Artists represent all areas of Jefferson County in one convenient location. Individual studios and workshops are located in Harpers Ferry, Charles Town, Middleway, Leetown, Kearneysville, Shenandoah Junction and Shepherdstown.

“Visitors will discover new and unexpected delights,” said Shepherdstown glass designer Sheila Brannan. “Take time to examine the exceptional crafts and artwork, all made in the Shenandoah Valley. We enjoy talking with the public about this special relationship the artists in our community share with one another.”

By joining together, the public experiences a unique opportunity to see the work represented by numerous artists in one setting. “The crafts represent traditional and contemporary styles, and exceptional workmanship,” said Tom D’Onofrio, Windsor chair maker.

New artists on the tour include Joy Bridy, a potter with a strong background in wood and atmospheric firings.

Jim Shumate captures our West Virginia landscape in a unique and emotional way. Whether the painting is a 35-foot long mural of the artist with his faithful dog companion, sitting as watchful critic, or a more intimate image of a Harpers Ferry garden.

Linda Wright’s decorative painting brings new life to old treasures. She is a self taught artist.

Sonnallama Fiber Group, Elaine Fields, Cheryl Sonnabend, and Susan Holloway. They raise the llamas and use the fiber in rugs, purses, hats and scarves, yarn and weaving. Customers can make their purchases directly from the artists who raised the llamas.

Returning to the Studio Tour are: glass artist Sheila Brannan; art jeweler Carrie Singer; Doug Kinnett and his “flower power” in ceramics and paintings; Colleen and Krister Tracey with Black Bottom Bags; Tom D’Onofrio and his Windsor chairs; Steve Adams, who sculpts hand-hewn bowls; pastel artist Tara Bell; Blacksmith Eric Johnson of Southwood Farm Blacksmithing; woodcarver Nancy Streeter; Ren and Pam Parziale of Sycamore Pottery; Frances and Steve Brolle, who work in silver and hot glass; Anne Bowers of Heirloom Baskets; Treva Blackford of Brown Shop Bears; watercolor artist Roxanne Shields; Thomas McGarry of Birnum Wood Joinery; and Chris Cooper, who lathe-turns bowls and pens from harvest wood.

The Over the Mountain Studio Tour Summer Preview is free and open to the public.

– For information, call the Jefferson County CVB at 1 (866) 435-5698 or (304) 267-5468