Textile artwork by Erika Mock

Feeling cooped up? Some fresh air – and fresh art – might do you some good. You’ll find both as part of the annual Fresh Art Spring Tour, which features 16 galleries and studios on a route that winds its way through the beautiful western Wisconsin countryside of Pepin and Pierce counties. The self-guided tour runs 10am-5pm Friday-Sunday, June 3-5. Highlights include “art for the body” made from upcycled fabrics by textile artist Erika Mock (her garments will be at the Day/Dunlap Studio in Arkansaw) and jewelry created from recycled materials – including vintage metals, beads, and bits of glass and pottery – by Cindy King (on display at Little Plum Schoolhouse north of Pepin). Other artists involved include painter Jean Accola, potter and photographer David Meixner, quilter and watercolorist Elaine Seifert, and many more. Beginning in Durand (just 31 miles from Eau Claire), the tour winds through the green countryside and into Pepin, Stockholm, Maiden Rock, Plum City, Bay City, and points in between. Part of the route follows the Great River Road (Highway 35) along the Mississippi River, so you’re guaranteed to see some of Mother Nature’s unparalleled artwork, too.