In 2004, Lake Almanor Community Foundation (LACF) formed “Art Around the Lake” as a way to promote cultural activities in the Basin community.

By 2010, the event had become a great success, and the LACF decided to transfer ownership of the venue to the artists of Feather River Fine Arts Guild. The nonprofit group put its touch on the event and changed the name to “Art Tour.”

This year’s event was held July 21 and included 10 locations spread throughout the Basin. Thirty-one different artists showcased their work on this delightfully sunny day.

At each location, guests were in awe of the unique creations presented by the local artists.

Artwork from a variety of mediums was present.

Watercolor, acrylics, pencil, crayon, oils and pastels covered canvasses.

Clay, ceramic, glass and metal were used to create pottery, sculptures and masks. Dichroic glass, fibers and other materials were used to create stunning jewelry.

Photographs of picturesque Lake Almanor could be found at almost each location. Wildlife practically jumped out of the frame at Dottie Clark’s exhibit.

Throughout the years, the masterful creations have inspired guests.

Pam Trebes, of Trebes Studios, shared her first experience from the 2005 “Art Around the Lake” event. She said, “It made me realize I was an artist. My daughter, Heather Green, encouraged me to submit one of my photographs in the contest that year. I told her, ‘For the sake of participation, I will do it.’ My photograph won and I remember thinking to myself, ‘Oh, they like what I do.’ From then on, I never missed the event.”

Most of the artists present have been participating in Art Tour since it was started by LACF.

Susan Kearns, an artist at Sylvia Smith’s studio, said, “I showed my work during the first couple years of Art Around the Lake but got so wrapped up in viewing other participants’ art, that I didn’t participate again until this year.”

Sylvia Smith remembers how small the art community was when she moved to the Basin area in the 1990s. She has attended the last four years of Art Tour and said, “Since I started participating, I have met a lot more artists around here. It’s really a growing art community. It’s like an unspoiled Tahoe.”

Sally Yost, a local artist showing at the Holland residence, said, “I love everybody here. There is a huge art community and Art Tour is such a fun venue.”

Leida Schoggen, a local snowbird, has vacationed here for the last 19 years without ever going on the Art Tour. After attending this year she decided she would return next year for the event. “There is such a variety of art in this small community. Everyone is so friendly and I had no idea how many artists there were,” said Schoggen.

Inspiration can come in many forms. Dottie Clark, of Dottie Clark’s studio, said, “I love looking at the different colors in nature. I feel the need to capture the moment because God has made it available for us. With photography, you can start looking around and capture the feelings of what you see. The wildlife in this area is especially inspiring.”

She often uses hidden figures in her art to get spectators to pay closer attention to the feelings of what they see.

Robbie Laird, a world-renowned artist and teacher, has been participating since the very first year. “My paintings provide a journey into the spirit of natural connections. I want to entice the viewer to explore beyond a literal depiction to the rhythm and intimacy within a subject,” said Laird.

The 2012 Art Tour had over 250 guests, and almost $3,000 was donated to the public schools of Chester, Westwood and Greenville for use in their art programs.