Assistants to blacksmith Eric Johnson, of Southwood Farm Forge, keep the fires hot to demonstrate for visitors. Toni Milbourne

KEARNEYSVILLE — Artists posted at 10 stops welcomed visitors during the 30th Annual Over the Mountain Studio Tour on Saturday and Sunday.

The free self-guided tour highlighted the work of 24 artists throughout Jefferson County, as visitors stopped at each location to visit one of the artist’s studios and their pottery, painting, woodworking, blacksmithing and fiber art.

Many of the artists have participated in the tour over the years, and add new wares to each year’s tour. One example was found at the tour stop eight, where Tim Wohleber displayed his new live edge wooden frames.

Another innovative work, included a new line of slipware by potter Lisa Kovatch at tour stop two. The new line was inspired by 18th and 19th century early American pottery, with the artist’s unique design added.

Tour guest Elizabeth Stroop, who was joined by her sister and a friend, said her two companions had traveled from Michigan to enjoy the tour.

Woodworking created by Tim Wohleber drew the attention of many on the Over the Mountain Studio Tour on Sunday afternoon. Toni Milbourne

“They are artists,” Stroop said. “And, Lori has never been to this part of the country.”

The trio reached a consensus that their favorite artist on the tour was Liz Goens, because they loved her paper artwork.

Stroop also was impressed with 16-year-old Abby Metzger, who joined the tour this year as an emerging artist.

The addition of this year’s four emerging artists is an educational outreach program the tour organizers are using to support local art education.

Metzgar said she was approached by Southwood Farm Forge blacksmith Eric Johnson to participate at his stop on the tour. Contrasting nicely with Johnson’s ironwork, Metzgar’s paintings were mostly images from nature and of local landmarks.

Abby Metzgar, one of several emerging artists participating in the Over the Mountain Studio Tour, stands before some prints of her paintings. Toni Milbourne

“I like to paint places I know and have been,” Metzgar said, mentioning her painting of McMurran Hall took about 16 hours to complete, although some paintings take less time.

When asked which of her locations has turned into her favorite painting, she laughed.

“I get a new favorite every time I paint. Right now, it’s Nutter’s,” she said, mentioning she took her first trip to the Sharpsburg, Md. ice-cream shop when she six-years-old.

Whether attendees were looking for a specific medium of artwork or just checking out the talents of the artists in the community, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Crisp temperatures on Saturday led to a sunny, warm day on Sunday, leading to high attendance at the various stops.

The tour also featured door prizes for attendees and a grand prize winner, who would be selected from among those who visited the most stop.

For information on future tours and on the participating artists, visit www.overthemountainstudiotour.com.