Artists open studios to public

During the Rio Costilla Studio Tour, sculptor Lynn Kircher describes his latest project overseeing the creation of Stations of the Cross statues for The Cloisters on the Platte (Neb.), commissioned by retired Ameritrade founder Joe Ricketts. The figures shown here in Kircher’s Jaroso studio are smaller versions of the statues, most of which are 7 feet tall. The Crucifixion figure is 10 feet on a 22-foot cross. The project has involved nine of the best figurative artists in the country and the innovative use of 3-D printing. The pieces are at the foundry now as the culmination of a three-year project. In all, there will be 60 figures, Kircher said.  Courier photos by Ruth Heide

After settling up for his sweet purchases on the counter at left, Chuck from Sunshine Valley near Questa, N.M., right, visits with Kelly West of Heaven Scent Breads in Jaroso on Sunday afternoon. Hers was a favorite stop on the studio tour this weekend.

With some of his bronzes shown in the foreground, artist Matthew Gonzales, right, visits with Pam Wells during the Rio Costilla Studio Tour on Sunday in Jaroso. The event featured varied artists from southern Colorado and northern New Mexico.

Innovative artist Kathryn Tatum stands with two of her light illuminated paintings, a new media fine art that is unique to her. She shared her paintings, illuminated with L.E.D. lighting, during the 19th Annual Rio Costilla Studio Tour this past weekend in Jaroso and other areas in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. See more of her work at www.kathryntatum.com

Guest Hillary, left, shares information with artist Lou McCall whose modern artistic interpretation of ancient Mimbreno art is illustrated in her unique cards at right. Her work was displayed at Jaroso’s hotel during the Rio Costilla Studio Tour this past weekend. Artists’ work ranged from these cards to paintings, woodwork and ceramics.

Sculptor Lynn Kircher talks with Doc and Kat from Sunshine Valley during the Rio Costilla Studio Tour on Sunday in Jaroso. Many of the guests like Doc and Kat who visited the artists’ studios were from northern New Mexico. Kircher and his wife Jane Kircher, an artist in fused glass, opened their Jaroso studio to the public for the weekend-long event.