Pictured: Tom & Diana Johnston of Brewery Pottery at the Fall Art Tour; photo by Andy Goodwin
When Bob Neal and Edgar Hellum began restoring the stone and log homes located along Mineral Point’s Shakerag Street in 1935, they likely had no idea their work would eventually cause artists and craftspeople to flood into town. But that’s exactly what happened in the 1960s and ’70s. Today, this historic village in southwestern Wisconsin is one of the state’s most artsy communities, filled with potters, painters, weavers, woodworkers, glass artists and more.
Two of these artisans are Katie and Joelle White, twin sisters who run The Globe Clay Center. The duo create wood-fired ceramic pieces, including mugs, platters, vases, salt and pepper shakers, and jewelry. They also teach classes on wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques in their basement studio. You may be able to catch the women at work during this year’s Fall Art Tour, taking place Oct. 20-22.
This popular annual art tour takes place in Baraboo, Spring Green, Dodgeville and Mineral Point. During the event, local artists open their studios so visitors can watch them at work, ask questions and purchase their creations. This year, you may be able to snag a woodcut print in Baraboo, a hand-knit sweater in Spring Green or a wood-and-metal table in Mineral Point, created with rescued wood from the artist’s family forest.
SHOP ’TIL YOU DROP
There’s plenty of great shopping in Mineral Point. Take The Board Shoppe, where you’ll find handmade furniture crafted from reclaimed and new materials. Tables are a specialty and there’s a wide variety of styles here, including industrial, live-edge and the popular workbench style. All are detailed with antique hardware. The store also sells home goods and décor. Think items such as wire baskets, reclaimed wood signs and crates.
At Aspen Ridge Home and Garden, you can score unconventional house plants, succulents, ferns, air plants and much more. The business also carries garden art, home accessories and décor, and its own line of food products. Special events are often on tap, such as the popular Candy Canes, Cookies and Cocoa Week, held during the winter holiday season.
ARTFUL LODGING AWAITS
Not surprisingly, the lodging in Mineral Point is creative, too. The Commerce Street Brewery Hotel, tucked above a European-styled brewpub, offers luxe rooms with oversized whirlpool tubs and fireplaces. History lovers can book a stay at The Rental, a newly-renovated 1802 cabin available via AirBnB, or at the Federal-style William Phillips House, built in 1834, which features two suites. Hotel Mineral Point has five guest rooms with oversized clawfoot soaking tubs, plus a bar and espresso bar. Traditional motel rooms are available, too.
Plan your visit at mineralpoint.com
