Art enthusiasts turned out for the 39th self-guided Bainbridge Island Summer Studio Tour Aug. 12-14, which showcased 38 artists at four studios.

Compared to 2021, which was the tour’s first year back since COVID-19 began, the number of exhibiting artists did not reach the pre-pandemic number of 56, but tour manager Dinah Satterwhite said, “I feel like we had even more visitors than last year.”

The studio tour presented a variety of handmade items ranging from garden art, watercolor paintings, jewelry, pottery, fused glass, wearable art, metal sculpture, India ink, mixed media, and photography. Known for offering original, handcrafted art made by juried artists, tour participants meet with visitors to share their passion for art, techniques and also provide an opportunity to discuss commissioned pieces or custom work.

Two participants, aptly named “Two Birds in a Pod,” are husband and wife duo Doug and Bianca West. Doug makes birdhouses from moss, fungi and lichen, and reclaimed wood, driftwood, tree branches and rocks to craft unique pieces. Bianca also uses repurposed materials to make upcycled market totes, pillows and art from burlap coffee sacks.

Many artists participate year after year, and Satterwhite encourages the public to “revisit the tour each year to see the artists. They are always making new things, and it’s really nice that customers come back on a regular basis because artists are always developing themselves.”

Next summer is the 40th anniversary, and the group is planning some special things. The next studio tour is Dec. 2-4. Go to www.bistudiotour.com for more.

Metal artist Rob Satterwhite from Metal, Water, Fire speaks with tour visitors at his studio tent.