Looks like it's going to be a lovely weekend for a daytrip, don't you think? I have just the excursion for you: Now through Sunday, the Minnesota Potters of the upper St. Croix River invite you to come by their workshops for the 17th Annual Pottery Studio Tour & Sale.

The tour will take you through seven rural studios, all ensconced in the newly greened-up woodlands along the St. Croix River, from Stillwater to Harris. In addition to browsing through creations by the seven potters in residence at each of the participating studios, the Minnesota Potters have invited 34 guest artists whose work you can see as well.

And the pottery? The great thing about a tour like this is that it brings home the distinctive, individual markers of each artist's work. And, when you see work in the studio and meet the potters, you really come away with a sense of the human sweat and creative choice behind the throwing of each pot.

Some pieces are ornate, some are sculptural, others are minimalist. A few potters are known for their innovative twists on traditional design, others for the quasi-architectural notes in their work. (You can see examples of the participating potters' work here.

You could probably see all seven studios in one day, if you like. Or, should you prefer to luxuriate in the experience, you could book a B&B in the area and take in the sights and artwork at a more leisurely pace. Can you think of a more civilized way to select just the right teapot?

The 17th Annual Pottery Studio Tour & Sale by the Minnesota Potters of the upper St. Croix River is going on today, from noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, May 9 & 10, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.