We have a tradition for the Falling for Art, Artists' Studio Tour; each year, Ryan Pelka writes poem that encompasses the spirit of the tour. Below is his poem for 2023. Enjoy!
 

FFA by Ryan Pelka

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It's once again that time of year

When leaves give up their green,

The air outside gets crisp and drear,

And crops are gathered clean.

Since fall is such a work of art,

We have for you a route

That's wonderful in every part.

So go and check it out.

 

Our tour begins on a County Line full of farmland

Where two woodworkers make masterpieces in high demand.

The Inman Wood Artists in 'Busco would love to see you,

And their wood is matched by only a few.

 

He may have a chainsaw, and this season may be spooky,

But Brian Frye isn't from a creepy horror movie.

He puts uniqueness and creativity into every carving

To keep your art-loving eyes from starving.

 

Now please don't watch any kickers or punters,

But go instead to the town of hunters.

There you'll find an artist named Joe

Whose fish, vessels, and paintings are hard to beat, I know.

 

Looking at wood art never goes stale,

Especially when you're on Ballantyne Trail.

Thom Pabst has worked with wood for decades,

Creating art that earns the highest grades.

 

Paintings are defined by their subjects,

And Patricia Weiss loves nature and shiny objects.

Her beautiful works transform oil

Into treats for the eye that never spoil.

 

Pottery goes back quite a long time,

Yet Seth Green manages to keep it in its prime.

His delicate pieces bring back a long-forgotten age

When technology didn't always take center stage.

 

Accensual is a word you don't hear every day,

But that would change if Mark Sidebottom had a say.

He uses wood that would otherwise be left to decay,

Turning it into something too amazing to throw away.

 

If you are trying to escape this world and find peace,

Head on over to the studio of a Guy named Drece.

There are many different ways to view his abstract art,

So many that the possibilities are off the chart.

 

Prepare to follow the birds that are anything but craven

As they head south in search of a New Haven.

Dani Kiefer's studio is a great place to go

To find a vivid painting you can hang up high or down low.

 

Your next stop is 1514 St. Joseph Boulevard,

And getting there is not very hard.

A pair of unique artists await you,

Each with their own studio, too.

 

The first of this art duo uses water

Just like the paint of a painter and the clay of a potter.

John Kelty makes pieces of vibrant watercolor artwork

In a city where three rivers are an added perk.

 

If you're looking for a little glimpse of nature,

There's no better way than taking a picture.

So spend some time at Paul Raiman's Pere Photography.

It will make you dance more than an expert in choreography.

 

Your journey is incomplete without a walk or drive down Broadway

Just in time to see Terry Ratliff's thrilling play.

His expression on canvas is an entertaining show

That you will remember long after you go.

 

At this point, you may be starting to hurt,

But you can heal your pain with the art of Groenert.

Her Art Garage is filled with portraits of houses and flowers

That will leave you stunned for hours.

 

Finally, it is time to go to the Southwest,

Where you will meet two of the best.

Emily Simpson and Greg Duncan make brilliant glass art

Using a process so scientific it will make you feel smart.

 

This is the 4th Annual Falling For Art,

And you can play a really large part

By going around the Fort named Wayne

To see masterpieces shine even if there's rain.

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