Many of the art galleries in Georgia specialize in Georgia-made art.  But there’s really nothing to compare with meeting the artists in person and watching as they create from a blank medium.

That’s exactly what you can do during the Northeast Georgia Arts Tour Holiday Open House weekend. Four counties are linked in a trail of art studios, demonstrations and other special events all scheduled from 1 to 5 Friday, November 13, 10 to 5 Saturday and 1 to 5 Sunday, November 15. 

Something original with Georgia ties makes either a great Christmas gift or a perfect conversation piece on your own wall. For example, the Gourd Place’s ceramic and gourd artist Priscilla Wilson will be demonstrating her unique ways with gourds in Sautee Nacoochee. You can set your own table with these beautiful ceramics traced with the delicate lines of nature. Others in the community with events and demonstrations include InsideOut Sautee and the Sautee Nacoochee Community Center Art Gallery.

You may be familiar with the work of John Kollock, whose paintings reflect both the beauty and history of much of North Georgia. His workshop, the Saturday Shop (450 Bybrook Trail in Clarkesville) will be open Saturday only from 10 to 5. Others not to be missed in Clarkesville include the Mark of the Potter and the Soque Artworks.

In Rabun County, Main Street Gallery will have demonstrations of needle felting and jewelry making. Several craftspeople will be demonstrating at the Foxfire Museum in Mountain City, and locally made crafts will be available for sale.

Artists Phyllis Ellis and Judy Gray will be demonstrating at the Studio at the Farm House in Dahlonega, and Three Sisters Vineyard will be offering tastes as leather artists Jim and Cindy Foley create art from leather.

I have only mentioned a few of the many things going on for the Arts Tour weekend. Some 100 sites will welcome visitors for the weekend and 35 events are scheduled. If you’ve got a blank spot over the mantle – this is the weekend to find something to fill it. If you need more reason - it's turned into a gorgeous leaf season this year. They won't last long!