Weekend Whirlwind

Last week I promised you a busy weekend of art activities, and I'm a woman of my word. 

My weekend in pictures:

That's me, posing for the obligatory Reception Photo at The Burkholder Project, with a surprise last second appearance by one Fine Young Man. (I mean that. How he managed to skid to a stop before bowling me over was impressive.) Friday night was the opening for my exhibit, A Larger View. 

This exhibit is comprised of paintings from south central Nebraska, a bit of a change from last month's exhibit at LUX Center for the Arts, which was made up of paintings created from one small private property. 

Creating two bodies of work in a short time is challenging and exciting, and opening receptions are a great opportunity to visit with folks about how that happens and what it takes.  The Burkholder Project always draws a terrific crowd of art loving people. 

Then it was dash home Friday night for a few hours of sleep before setting up Art on the Green, part of our community's Independence Day celebration. 

After a few rumbles of thunder during the night, the morning dawned cool and clear. Our weather was heaven for artists who plan on spending the day under their awnings sharing their talents with the public.

Of course I got great pix of Chris Haussler wowing the crowd with his lampwork beading, and neglected to take photos of my own booth. I was there, I promise.

I'm delighted and grateful to know artists like Jim & Janet Butler, Sally Jurgensmier, Jean Cook, Barb Dedrickson, Dianne Brei,Chris & Steph Haussler, Nancy Fairbanks, Helen Johnson and Suzann Johnson and Carrie Marx.  I'm especially grateful to Handsome Husband, who is always there for me and keeps me on track.

It's been a busy week. My goal today is to lift nothing heavier than a glass of lemonade.

Eddie, winner of the Happy Hounds Contest, and I wish you a safe, enjoyable Independence Day celebration.

Your Weekend Calendar

On my calendar this week – and hopefully yours as well:

You’re invited to a fresh new exhibit of oils and pastels opening Friday, July 1^st at The Burkholder Project in Lincoln, Ne.  This collection of paintings is titled “A Larger View” and reflects my travels up and down the gravel roads of south central Nebraska. 

©2011 Patricia Scarborough  Summer River 9x18 oil 

 Joining me in the Outback Gallery will be metal artist Mary Kolar.  Her creations are beautiful and delightfully quirky.  Take a break from lighting sparklers and lady fingers, and join Lincoln for the First Friday Art Walk in the Haymarket District.  The Burkholder will be open from 7:00pm to 9:00 just for you.

The town we’ve called home for the last long while will be hosting a good old fashioned Independence Day celebration called "Discover Geneva-Patriotism"  starting on Saturday, July 2^nd. 

Join us in the shade of the Fillmore County Courthouse lawn in Geneva, Nebraska on Saturday, July 2nd from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm for Art on the Green.  We’ve got a great line-up of artists and artisans who will be glad to visit with you about their work.  You’ll see an amazing array of art, including: Nancy Fairbanks - ceramics;  Leroy Von Glan – ceramics; Diane Beir – melted glasswork; Pixybug Designs – lampwork and jewelry; Helen Waring Johnson – photography; and painters in an interesting collection of styles and media including Susan deWit, Suzann Johnson, Jean Cook, Janet Butler, Carrie Marx and myself.  Keep your fingers crossed for blue skies and cool temps.

In addition to our Art on the Green, the Courthouse Square will be abuzz with lots of activities for you and your family including quilt shows, inflatables for the kids, a dog show, lots to eat and tons more throughout the entire weekend. 
Stop by and say hello!

Inaugural Art on the Green

Yesterday, July 3rd, was Geneva's very first Art on the Green, held under the shade trees on the beautiful Fillmore County Courthouse lawn.  It was a new addition to the usual festivities held annually in Geneva to celebrate Independence Day. 

As the go-to gal on this endeavor, I was pretty nervous. I've participated in art festivals before, but that's a whole 'nuther animal than building an event from the ground up. The devil's in the details, y'know.

And to add a bit of excitement,  80 mile-per-hour winds whipped through the center of our little community just a few days before, flattening several beautiful old trees and lifting a few roof tops. As Saturday morning rolled around the weather report called for some clouds, some wind, some sun , maybe some rain, maybe not...anything from soup to nuts. Which is pretty much what the weatherman called for the week before when we got it all. I wasn't thrilled with the idea of artwork flying over the rooftops or melting into the grass. 

More importantly, though, I felt a huge obligation to both my community and the artists who agreed to come. I had all my digits crossed for a successful day for everyone. 

As it worked out, the community of Geneva supported our first Art on the Green in wonderful ways.  And participating artists gave visitors something to appreciate and in lots of cases, take home.

Huge thanks to sculptor Sally Jurgensmier, painters Jean Cook of Grand Island, Janet Butler of Wichita, Kansas, and Sue Johnson of Shickley; photographers Max Miller and Helen Johnson, both of Geneva; potter Nancy Fairbanks of Grand Island; and Chris & Steph Haussler, the Pixybug Designers from Lawrence. I am honored that you put your trust in me and in Geneva.

  

Deep appreciation also from all of the exhibitors for the gracious support we received from the community. The meal provided by the Masonic Lodge #79 was a real pleasure, and the crowds for Art on the Green were wonderful.  Thanks also to the Geneva Art Association for supporting this project.  I needn't have worried.

Of course, I can't get away without mentioning - once more - the support I get from Handsome Husband.  What a peach.  He spent the day loading and unloading, visiting with patrons and babysitting art booths. What a guy.

All that's left to do is scratch mosquito bites and look forward to next year.