This is the seventh year that invitation has been extended, thanks to Bunnell Street Gallery who organizes this tour of local galleries. This year, the public will have an opportunity to view and discuss the work of potter and sculptor Paul Dungan, basket maker Mavis Muller, sculptor Jeff Dean, mask maker Gail Baker, painter and printmaker Gaye Wolfe and painter Karla Freeman.

"Tour participants will see some works that have not yet been exhibited, including experimental works, as well as works in progress and some demonstrations," said Asia Freeman, of Bunnell.

Ensuring new vistas of art and a wide range of mediums are offered is not difficult to do considering the number of artists on the southern Kenai Peninsula, the enthusiasm artists have for sharing their work and Bunnell's eagerness to connect artists with the public.

Beginning at noon and ending at 6 p.m. on July 30, the challenge is to squeeze in everything to be seen. For instance, there is the artistry of Paul Dungan, whose interest in clay began when he was 15 years old.

"I have since devoted myself to ceramics and have been working, playing and teaching in clay for (more than) 30 years," Dungan said.

Inspired by studio views of Kachemak Bay, Dungan throws and hand builds functional stoneware casseroles, bowls, cups, plates, serving platters, wine glasses and sinks.

"I am interested in how pots, while used as everyday objects, bring art intimately into our lives, enhancing our experience with food and adorning our homes," said Dungan who defines the success of his work by measuring its comfort of use and enjoyment to the eye.

Mavis Muller relies on contemporary basketry, photography, poetry and storytelling to give voice to the natural world. Her baskets are created from natural materials, allowing plants, trees and landscapes to carry earth's messages. The size of her creations ranges from the small, easy to hold, to the sweeping hayfields near her home where a common theme in Muller's work — cranes — recently emerged in "Hay, Crane! Thanks!" The installation is a tribute to these frequent winged visitors to the Homer area.

"I'm a bit of a 'craniac,' but how could that be bad," Muller said. "The crane has contributed so much to the natural history of our planet...inhabiting the earth for millions of years, surviving every conceivable hardship."

The tour is a six-hour experience designed to educate, as well as interest locals and visitors, aligned with Bunnell's mission to nurture and present innovative art of uncommon quality in all media.