Art trail is celebrating 10 years of unique creations

By Ginna Young

It’s hard to believe it’s so, but this autumn marks the 10th anniversary of the Yellowstone Trail, with 11 stops on the free, self-guided tour, that runs from Lake Wissota, passing through Cadott, on to Boyd. That stretch pays homage to the original Yellowstone Trail, which was a transcontinental auto route, passing through the three communities in 1915-30.

Now, however, the route makes way for a showcase of artwork from 31 talented creators. The trail takes place Friday and Saturday, Sept. 6 and 7, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., each day, with maps available at local businesses and at each stop.

Many artists stationed along the trail are returning, including the group that has their wares set up at the Anson United Methodist Church. They’ve been in that location almost since the start.

“They’ve got kind of a knit bond there going on,” said trail coordinator Jean Arneson.

There are two new presenters this year, Ken Lancor and Jay Miekle. Some may even work on their art while visitors ask questions about their craft and all participants can enter at each location, for a chance to win a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork.

As for Arneson, who is one of the stops along the route, she loves talking with those who come through, to see where they’re from and what locations they’ve already visited.

“It’s always so much fun,” said Arneson. Included in the art displayed for sale, is various pottery, wooden bowls and utensils, needle felting, birch bark baskets, watercolor and acrylic scenes, jewelry of every sort imaginable, greeting cards, stained glass, folk and fiber art.

“Everybody has their own thing that they do,” said Arneson. “Nobody’s a copy of anybody else. Everything is so unique and original.”