Laura Dobbs of Jasper says Newton County just has a certain draw for artists. It did for her, anyway.
"I was just driving through to go see my sister, and I fell in love with it," she says of her decision to move there four years ago.
FAQ
Ozark Mountain Artist Tour
WHEN — 10 a.m.-5 p.m. today & Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday
WHERE — Self-paced driving tour in and around Jasper and Newton counties
COST — Free; art available for sale
INFO — ozarkmountainartist…
Only, Dobbs wasn't really an artist at the time. She hadn't painted in more than 30 years before she moved to the Boston Mountains.
"I didn't even know if I could anymore," she says. "I don't know if other artists are like this, but when you look at something beautiful, you think, 'How would I paint that?' And I started doing that a lot when I moved here."
There's emotion in her voice when she talks about the moment she began painting again -- the moment it felt like her dreams came true, she says. One has to wonder what it is about the Ozark Mountains or the Buffalo River or any of the small towns comprising Newton County that inspires so many artists to create here.
"The kind of view I have is so gorgeous and free," Dobbs offers. "I guess [people come here] because it's such a relaxed kind of place to be. You don't have to worry about any hustle and bustle. It's overwhelming how many artists there are here."
This weekend, more than a dozen of those artists will open their studios and their homes to visitors for the 10th annual Ozark Mountain Artist Tour. Tucked among the Boston Mountains, some hidden at the end of dirt roads, painters, potters, wood workers and others working with beading, fabrics and concrete will all participate in the self-guided driving tour that highlights the artistic talent thriving in this rural county.
"I think it just gives people a feel of the community and the area," Dobbs says. "I've never met anybody here that is not a wonderful and nice person, and the tour lets people get to know the artists that are from here or come here to work.
"I don't care if I sell a thing," Dobbs continues. Her favorite part is "the socializing aspect of it. Meeting people and talking to people; seeing people admire your work. You learn a lot from others too just by looking at [their] work. It's an amazing place."
NAN What's Up on 09/16/2016